When Xavier Raich, launched Tallamar all he had so the legend goes was a rucksack on his back and a lot of belief. That was in 1994. Now with the headquarters based in Palma de Mallorca, Spain with 14 employees and an order book full. They sell, install and repair electronic equipment for luxury yachts as well as providing technical advice and on-going support.

They’re known for their expert team of specialists providing technical assistance locally, remotely and globally – they will fly out to a clients’ yacht where-ever it may be, in the world to solve any issues that arise. Their policy always has been to build relationships with their clients so that they receive the highest standard of service possible.

The Islander met up with Tallamar´s driving force & asked him a few questions.

 The Islander:  This year has been up to now a nightmare one, for many businesses… How have you coped with Covid19?

Xavier: We were lucky that at the outset of the pandemic, we had a full order book, & our clients all stayed with us, so basically we kept our good work, we observed the rules and got on with it.

The Islander: How do you feel the Balearics have fared during Covid?

Xavier: I feel that in Mallorca, and more specifically here in Palma, captains felt secure; we have an infrastructure second to none therefore they have been able to be with their families & close to the refit of their yachts, so “they didn’t have to rush around” to keep on top of their work.

The Islander: How do you see the next few months for the Industry in general?

Xavier: As you know uncertainty touches all segments of business, but one must keep looking forward, giving their best.

The Islander:  An in particular, what would you say that are the distinctive features of Tallamar to help you through these times?

Xavier: We have three main areas of operation; Airtime/communications, surveys, and marine electronics.

With regards to the airtime service, Satellite communications and Internet access onboard while sailing have become a “must” whether it´s needed to obtain weather information, to stay up to date with business affairs or even stream movies in your cabin, and we can offer all the data our customers need.

Secondly, we perform radio surveys, independent surveys for insurance companies and Shore Base Maintenance contracts to comply with current regulations and to provide safety and peace of mind for crew members, guests and owners.

Then, as dealers & installers we help our customers in every point of their project:

-When planning a refit our company offers a creative bespoke design service which will take you through from conception to creation allowing the individuality of your yacht to take precedence. Tallamar´s expert team will advise and assist you after installation too, so that you will always feel supported in every area.

-For punctual needs we independently supply premium brands such as B&G, Raymarine, Sperry Marine, FLIR, Furuno, KVH… and more! With us, you have innovative technology at competitive prices due to our industry business connections.

-And finally, for any problem or failure that may appear on board, as authorised dealers Tallamar covers guarantees on equipment making repair time fast and easy. Our technical support team are efficient and readily available.

 The Islander: We’ve heard that you have just taken on another world leading brand in the Technology Industry; tell us about it.

Xavier: Yes we are delighted to announce our collaboration with the BSB Group & the Smart Vision Safe Navigation product OSCAR.  Day & Night vision, with Real time collision prevention and Artificial Intelligence Based detection of floating objects. OSCAR´S advanced features will give Captains safety and optimal sailing pleasure.

The Islander: What makes OSCAR different from the rest of security equipment?

Xavier: To increase security at sea, there are currently some options available as radars, AIS or thermal cameras, but none of these systems is capable to detect UFOs (unknown floating objects)

OSCAR can communicate with the existing radar & AIS, and in its construction uses different optical sensors (RGB, Thermal, LIDAR,…); all this enhanced by object detection and classification using Convolutional Neural Networks and Deep Learning, and the newest AI Tools (Image Database, Annotation Software and Services). The Real-time object positioning and trajectory prediction and the automated collision warning, and the fact that it can automatically avoid a collision using the autopilot, makes that more than 2/3 of the IMOCA 60 and 80% of the ULTIM skippers rely on OSCAR.

For the racing application, all the system was designed around worst case scenarios and has been thoroughly tested for vibrations, IP67, salt spray and the combination of vibration & heat. But OSCAR is available in several versions – from high end offshore racing (>40kn in speed) to superyachts and cruising.

We know that this is a long-awaited technology, and personally, I’m really pleased that Tallamar is pioneer offering this Artificial Intelligence equipment to our customers, as there is no similar system available in the market. This is, now, part of our well-known worldwide brands and our qualified service (ISO, Lloyd’s and ABS certifications).