PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHT: Tenderlift
PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHT: Tenderlift
Hands-On Training & Shared Values in France
At FKG, strong partnerships are built on shared knowledge, trust, and a commitment to excellence — which is why we’re proud to represent Tenderlift in the U.S. and Caribbean. Earlier this year, our Project Manager and U.S.-based Technician Mathew Erato traveled to Canet-en-Roussillon, France, for a week-long deep dive into Tenderlift’s operations and products.
“The visit was incredibly valuable — not just to sharpen my technical skills, but to understand what makes Tenderlift tick. It gave me an even greater appreciation for the product, the people behind it, and the standards they uphold.” – Mathew
From day one, Mathew was welcomed into the heart of the Tenderlift operation — meeting their team, exploring each phase of the production process, and even jumping into hands-on assembly and diagnostics. Whether working on wiring schematics, inspecting hydraulic power units, or reviewing troubleshooting methods with the after-sales team, it was clear: Tenderlift is a company rooted in innovation, performance, and care.
And the timing was special. Just days after Mathew’s visit, Tenderlift celebrated a huge milestone — the official inauguration of their brand-new 2,250 m² headquarters, built to support their next phase of growth.
This impressive new facility includes:
- A large-format powder coating unit
- Clean room for hydraulic and automation assembly
- Prototyping and testing zones
- Collaborative, wellbeing-focused workspaces
The expansion reflects Tenderlift’s commitment to environmental responsibility, built in line with RE2020 standards, and their drive to keep delivering best-in-class platforms for yachts and multihulls worldwide.
Their platforms aren’t just high-tech — they’re fully customizable, reliable, and designed to improve life onboard. From launching tenders and creating extra deck space to simplifying boarding, Tenderlift solutions are built to make boating easier and more enjoyable.
We are proud to grow alongside a company that shares our standards and vision. Thank you to the Tenderlift team for the warm welcome, and to our FKG crew for making these opportunities possible.
Want to know more about Tenderlift systems or upgrades?
Team Spotlight - Rojnie Jackson
Team Spotlight: Rojnie Jackson – 10 Years of Dedication and Growth
This year marks a major milestone for Rojnie Jackson, who celebrates 10 years at FKG Marine. Starting his journey back in 2015 as part of the Fabrication Department, Rojnie’s path has been one of steady growth, hands-on learning, and impressive achievements.
Over the years, Rojnie became one of our top Welder/Fabricators, earning a BV certification in Aluminium Plate welding. His dedication and talent led to a promotion to Workshop Supervisor, where he took on more leadership and responsibility within the team.
Never one to stand still, Rojnie took it a step further by learning how to use professional drawing programs — a move that transformed how the department communicates with clients. His ability to create detailed renderings and technical drawings added a new level of precision to our work, improving quality across both small and large jobs.
Today, Rojnie works closely with Department Manager Will Hawkins to lead the fabrication team. He’s handles all job assessments and has become our in-house expert in custom design work, from solar panel frames and dinghy davits to liferaft cradles and beyond. His focus on clear communication and high standards ensures that every customer not only gets an outstanding product, but also a smooth and professional experience.
Here’s to Rojnie and 10 years of craftsmanship, commitment, and leadership at FKG!
FKG Talk - How to Store Your Mast
How to Store Your Mast: Step-by-Step with FKG
With hurricane season officially underway in the Caribbean, now’s the time to take important steps to safeguard your vessel — starting with unstepping and properly storing your mast. At FKG, we’ve seen firsthand how storms can damage rigs that haven’t been stored correctly.
To help you protect your equipment and avoid costly repairs, our Rigging expert François shares a clear, step-by-step guide to get it right.
1. Plan Ahead
Don’t wait until the forecast turns — rigging schedules fill up quickly during hurricane season. Start early by contacting your local rigger and documenting every component. Label and photograph your rigging, halyards, spreaders, electrical connections, and fittings to make reassembly easier.
2. Remove Sails and Boom
Take off all sails and ensure they’re clean and dry before storing. Detach the boom from the gooseneck, inspect the fittings for any wear or damage, and secure all loose hardware. This is also a good time to check the boom vang, bracket, and washers.
3. Disconnect Wiring
Power down all masthead electronics. Carefully disconnect and label wiring at the mast base — including radar, VHF, and lights — and attach messenger lines to aid reinstallation. A marine electrician can be helpful here if needed.
4. Unstep the Mast
Leave this part to the professionals. Your local riggers will unstep the mast and place it on cradles or trestles. Once down, you’ll have full access to prepare it for long-term storage. Be sure the mast is well-protected on whatever storage means is chosen!
5. Store It Safely
- Coil and label all standing and running rigging.
- Remove fragile components like Windex, radar reflectors, and anemometers.
- Label and store halyards and spreaders separately.
- Keep halyards out of direct sunlight to prolong their lifespan.
- Disconnect the furler and forestay if needed and store separately.
6. Inspect and Maintain
With the mast down, it’s a great opportunity to:
- Check rigging terminals, mast tracks, sheaves, and electrical wiring.
- Lubricate turnbuckles and clean all contact surfaces.
- Apply Tefgel to any dissimilar metal contacts to prevent corrosion.
- Service furlers and inspect fasteners for wear or cracks.
Final Tip from François Nel, FKG Rigger:“Take your time and document everything. Every mast has its quirks, so plan carefully and don’t be afraid to ask for help — storing you mast correctly is the best insurance you can have.”
Need help with your mast storage this season? Get in touch with our expert team — we’re here to make the process smooth, safe, and secure: