Waterproof exterior helms give unprecedented control from superyacht decks

IMED offer something different to the superyacht industry, and this year, for the first time it was shown at Monaco. The Auckland-based company design and build watertight, functional outdoor helm stations, allowing the skipper precision control from the deck, with a helm crafted in carbon fibre, membrane or glass.

IMED was created by a former long-term superyacht engineer. That background gave company principal, David Chalmers, real insight into improvements which could be made to what was available when it came to exterior helm stations. Top of his list was an effective backlighting system, which he’s achieved with a custom process to create functional, beautifully-backlit helms which aid the skipper in any weather or at any time of day. Next on his list was that they be waterproof, highly-functional - providing as much functionality as indoor control panels - and that they were easy for the onboard engineer to work with.

With demand coming from all corners of the globe, Chalmers and his team have successfully designed, built and fitted custom helms on a spread of yachts with different cruising needs. He hasn’t forgotten the engineers though. While IMED control panels deliver a high functionality, they are also simple to work on with a system of two universal spares all that’s needed for an engineer to make repairs onboard during a cruise.

Having been successfully fitted on SY Genevieve, S/Y Destination, S/Y Silvertip, and the tenders of M/Y A, among others, this is the first time the watertight, user-friendly and aesthetically-pleasing control panels has been displayed at a European boat show.