Thomas Tison Yacht Design has partnered with French carbon fibre specialist CSC Composites to release a new equipment range called The Black Edition, starting with a carbon fibre gangway and a matching bathing ladder.
Both products target everyday annoyances that come with two routine jobs on any boat: getting from the pontoon onto the deck, and getting back onto the boat after a swim. On the gangway, that's meant designing something wide enough to actually walk across, with stanchions that lock securely rather than shift underfoot, and a layout that avoids the awkward sideways manoeuvring often needed to step aboard. On the ladder, it's meant handrails positioned where a hand can actually grip them, extending well above deck level so climbing out doesn't require serious upper body strength or flexibility.
The gangway measures 2.5 metres long and 50 centimetres wide. Built entirely in carbon fibre, it weighs approximately 12 to 14 kilograms and takes a maximum load of 200 kilograms at the centre point. The stanchions lock securely into place, and the whole unit folds flat for storage, with twin wheels built in for stable footing when it's deployed. Custom lengths are available on request, and CSC Composites is already building a 4.5-metre version with an integrated boarding step for a 45-metre motor yacht.
The ladder is a five-step carbon fibre unit reaching 1.25 metres below deck level, with handrails extending 500 millimetres above deck. Mounting uses a 316 stainless steel quick-connection fitting, so the ladder can be fitted or removed in seconds. Weight comes in at approximately 13 to 14 kilograms with the standard steel hardware, or around 1.5 kilograms less with the titanium fitting option.
Thomas Tison's design background spans four editions of the America's Cup, and that engineering approach carries through into both products.
Both the gangway and the ladder are now being built, alongside the bespoke 4.5-metre gangway already under way for the 45-metre motor yacht. The Black Edition range is available through selected resellers worldwide, or directly through Thomas Tison's website for buyers in regions without a local reseller.
