- Events and Regattas
This Seat Is Heated, Cooled, and Disguised as a Classic Teak Ladderback
The Design Dilemma: Tradition Versus Thermal Control
The helm of a yacht is the nexus of command, but often the seat itself is a compromise. Builders have long struggled to reconcile the aesthetic demand for classic teak with the modern need for ultimate comfort and easy maintenance. That conflict is now obsolete. TACO Marine, a trusted OEM supplier with over 65 years of industry experience, won the IBEX Innovation Award for its Altura Luxury Helm Seat by solving this very problem. This is not just a seat; it’s a statement that tradition no longer has to sacrifice smart technology.
Teak, Steel, and Thermal Control
The Altura Luxury Helm Seat won its award by perfecting functional elegance. On the surface, it presents the traditional beauty of a teak ladderback chair. The innovation lies within. TACO engineered a hidden steel frame that provides superior structural support while creating the space necessary for sophisticated upgrades. This allows the seat to be heated or cooled, providing critical thermal control for the captain during long hours at the helm, regardless of the climate. This fusion of classic looks and hidden technology is what makes the Altura a benchmark.
65 Years of Grit: The TACO Legacy
TACO Marine’s ability to pull off this level of thoughtful functionality is rooted in its long history. Founded in 1959, the company quickly became a primary source supplier for the marine industry, leading innovations like the Grand Slam outrigger mounts and integrated Rub Rail navigation lights. This deep background ensures that the Altura seat is not a passing design fad, but a product backed by decades of engineering commitment. This legacy is the insider perspective that boat builders rely on—trusting a partner whose business is built on delivering durable components that perform in the harshest marine environment.
The Insider Advantage: Serviceability and Structure
The true value of the Altura seat is found in its long-term serviceability. The hidden steel frame not only strengthens the chair but also allows for clever serviceability. This focus on easy maintenance is crucial for yacht operations, reducing downtime and hassle for the crew. By combining luxury materials with practical engineering, TACO eliminates the conflict between elegance and function. This is a vital concern for owners, ensuring that a premium interior component remains robust and easily repairable for the lifespan of the yacht.
The Verdict: The Final Word on Functional Luxury
TACO Marine’s Altura Luxury Helm Seat is a true benchmark of how luxury furnishings must evolve. It honors the tradition of the yachting world while fully embracing the demands of modern comfort, maintenance, and structural integrity. The IBEX win proves that the smartest design is the one that solves a persistent practical problem with grace. For the discerning yacht owner or builder, the Altura seat is the final word on the helm, demonstrating that the future of yacht interiors is both heated, cooled, and beautifully functional.
