The METSTRADE, or simply METS in Amsterdam, is considered the most important trade fair for accessories dedicated to the marine ndustry in the world, aimed only at an audience of professionals in the sector. This year, for the 36th edition which will take place from 19 to 21 November and 1500 exhibitors from 53 countries are expected in the eleven pavilions of the RAI congress center, located south of Amsterdam. In Hall 12, stand 12.101, inside the Italian Pavilion organized by Confindustria Nautica, there will be F.lli Razeto e Casareto, a company that for over 100 years has specialized in the production of technical hardware in the marine sector and in that of on-board handles for boats, yachts, superyachts and commercial ships.
The 34th participation in the METS by the Sori-based company will be the harbinger of several important news. First of all, the IROS lamp, launched in world premiere during the last edition of the Genoa International Boat Show, will be presented to the public of operators.
"Let's give light to our logo!" is the payoff that accompanies this piece of furniture in which design, craftsmanship and research merge, binders of the company's tradition, summarized in the FR&C brand, present in relief on the lamp: it is the logo that has sailed the seas of the whole world for over a century stamped on all the products of F.lli Razeto e Casareto. Even the choice of the name Iros, a mirror image of Sori, underlines how deeply the roots of this company are linked to the territorial context where it was founded and still operates today, as a world leader in the production of locks and accessories for doors and on-board furniture.
Technically, IROS is built in opal Plexiglas as an unique piece made ad hoc for each customer by skilled artisan hands for the utmost attention to every detail. The brand, which can obviously be customized for every need, is always in extruded Plexiglas and reshaped with a CNC milling machine to be placed in relief on the surface of the lamp. The choice of warm white light of the model that will be exhibited at METS - measuring 40 cm on each side but can also be requested from 30 or 20 cm - wants to highlight the essence of the lamp, namely the minimal design and cubic shape that represent a painter's blank canvas, ready to host other brands, logos or silhouettes of boats and highlight them. Possible upgrades include: USB battery, Bluetooth, RGB LED, Alexa, choice of other Plexiglas colors.
Given the appeal aroused by IROS already at the Genoa Boat Show, we are sure that we will soon see it on board many boats.
Another no less important novelty, which also marks the beginning of a new collaboration for F.lli Razeto and Casareto, is the launch of the Nauta Soft handle made in Sunbrella Heritage, in collaboration with Sunbrella and Rancati Srl. It is a fabric produced by Sunbrella, a sustainable fabric, composed of 50% recycled fibers, also resistant to UV rays to maintain its beauty even after long exposure to the sun. It is the ideal coating for all outdoor furniture projects, as it stands out for its natural side that gives it a unique charm.
The idea of this prestigious partnership was born from Mauro Rancati, Sunbrella's distributor in Italy but also a great lover of boating and the sea, who saw in the Nauta Soft series, a product by F.lli Razeto e Casareto designed specifically to be used on boats, yachts and sailing superyachts, the ideal point of contact between the two companies. This particular fabric handle is characterized by being soft to prevent the boat from skidding or in adverse weather conditions, from becoming a potential danger for those on board, but at the same time rigid enough to be operated, it is also ideal for racing boats. It can in fact be equipped with a lightweight lock, for thin doors, with an anti-vibration system patented by F.lli Razeto & Casareto in 1935, capable of maintaining full effectiveness even in the event of extreme stresses.
In the wake of this new prestigious partnership with Sunbrella, the Flush Lock for outdoor use will also be presented at METS, again in combination with the Sunbrella Heritage fabric. It is a universal closure, suitable for drawers and furniture of all kinds, which remains almost flush with the panel where it is installed. It opens in a very gentle motion (just press the button on one end or pull on the other) and offers a good grip for heavier drawers or doors. The use of Sunbrella Heritage, as mentioned resistant to UV rays, further increases both usability over time and safety.
It should be noted that F.lli Razeto e Casareto, as was the case for the 2023 edition, is the technical sponsor of the Boat Builders Award, one of the most prestigious international awards, awarded to shipyards in the nautical sector, organized by RAI Amsterdam and the specialized English media IBI. Also this year, the Awards were created by Giangi Razeto, nominated in 2024 by the Design Classification "world's 7th best designer (leading expert in furniture accessories, hardware and materials) who in addition to being head of research and development of the Sori based company, is a listed contemporary artist. ( photo 6). For the occasion he created trophies - a total of 16, 12 for the winners, 4 for the mentioned - which depict the Savoy Knot (eight knot figures), a knot always present on all sailing units, well known by all sailors. Its shape represents unity, but it is also a symbol of the infinity towards which every seafarer ideally sweeps his gaze, and of the sometimes infinite complexity that involves the construction of a yacht. The award is therefore a tribute to the marine industry, shipyards, companies in the entire supply chain and the infinite number of people who work every day to make the dreams of all boaters come true, building their boats.
The Boat Builders Award 2024 were made of recycled corn fiber, to highlight the utmost attention to the environment, using the 3D printer that represents one of the new frontiers of technology.