NEWS UPDATE15 August 2025 Publishers noteThis week is a special one for Marine Business News. On Wednesday we published our 5000th story since we re-launched this publication in October 2021. Our objective from day one was to share news and information to the recreational marine industry with the view of improving knowledge and supporting the growth and betterment of the industry. While our roots remain firmly in recreational boating, our coverage has broadened a little to include stories from across the wider marine industry. These perspectives often offer valuable lessons and inspiration for our audience. The continued growth of our readership and subscriber base suggests we’re on the right course. We also see this in the increasing number of calls and emails we receive from people wanting to share their stories. We welcome this, our strength lies in the quality of the content we can bring to you. We acknowledge with gratitude the strong foundation laid by the Yaffa Media team who started this news service in 1989, along with the editors and contributors who guided this publication before us. And to our current writers and contributors, we thank you. On another note, at the time of writing, the Sydney Boat Show returned, and was opening at Sydney Showgrounds. For those who have been in the industry for some years, you will recall that the show began at the Moore Park Showground in the late 1960’s before moving to a waterfront location in 1986 for three years, ahead of its long-term home at Darling Harbour. We do hope you enjoy this week’s news. Marine Business News is an Australian-owned marine industry news service publishing local and international news. If you have news stories you would like to share, please let us know by contacting our newsroom via our email at NewsRoom@MarineBusinessNews.com.au. Stay safe on the water, It will be necessary to click on “View Entire Message” in some browsers to view this entire eNews. Marinas26 Off to a Strong StartMIA have shared that over 110 delegates have already signed up for Marinas26! It’s shaping up to be a fantastic event where marina professionals can reconnect, learn, and get inspired. The event kicks off with a Welcome Reception on 24 May, followed by two full days of conference sessions and a trade exhibition at Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast, on 25 and 26 May 2026. Engineered to win – Mercury Racing’s new 200R, 300R, and ROS outboard motors with 15-inch midsection hit the waterMercury Racing® has introduced a new 15-inch Heavy-Duty CMS (Conventional Midsection) built for the Mercury Racing 200R, 300R and all-new 200 ROS and 300 ROS competition outboards. Sunpower Yachts Unveils World’s First Fully Solar-Charged eJet TenderSunpower Yachts, a pioneer in luxury solar electric marine technology, announced the global launch of the Sunpower Solar-eJET 3.3m Inflatable Tender, the world’s first solar e-jet tender designed to be seamlessly recharged directly from the yacht’s solar energy system—eliminating the need for fuel, cables, or shore power. Ferrari Sets Sail with Hypersail: A New Horizon in Ocean InnovationIn a bold new chapter for the Italian automotive icon, Ferrari has unveiled Hypersail, a revolutionary 100-foot full-foiling ocean racing monohull that marks the company’s ambitious entry into the world of sailing. The Luna Rossa Story: Sailing into historyWhen Patrizio Bertelli sat down in the Milan studio of naval architect German Frers to discuss the lines of a new fast-cruiser in early 1997, the Argentinian proclaimed that all the pieces were in place to mount a challenge for the America’s Cup. Maritimo Staff Spotlight – ApprenticesCrafting Maritimo’s renowned luxury motor yachts takes people. Good people. Many have vast oceans of experience. Literally. None more so than Maritimo’s Founder, Bill Barry-Cotter AM. With over 65 years in the industry, he’s been there for the changes from drafting to CADCAM for design, and wood to composites for construction. Taiga to re-enter Australian marketplaceIn 2022, many of us saw the Taiga product on display at the Sydney International Boat Show. It was a concept clearly focused on the future, and its bold vision resonated with several attendees. Since then, numerous reports have surfaced detailing the challenges Taiga has faced. Course Wrap-Up: Intermediate Marina Manager Course Sydney 2025Earlier this month, the stunning Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) in Pittwater played host to the Intermediate Marina Manager (IMM) course, welcoming 17 passionate marina professionals from Australia and New Zealand. 19 Years on watch: Marine Rescue Port Stephens stalwart takes time out after 8,600 volunteer hoursvvAfter 19 years of unwavering overnight duty, Marine Rescue Port Stephens is farewelling long-serving volunteer Peter Bliss — the quiet force behind more than 8,600 hours on watch and 1,323 shifts, most of them completed when the rest of the country was asleep. Two delightful relics of days gone by (one being me)…!I’m standing in what one might call the History Room (or “museum”) at Red Bay Boats behind a delightfully and tastefully restored Red Bay Skisport 136 – one of the excellent little runabouts Tom used to make in the early days. Squid SecretsWhat could be better than a species that is available in all waterways around the country and in a lot of places can be caught from a boat or on land? Even better, you can keep it simple, using a hand line, or get fancy and use high-end tackle. Newcastle – Australia’s Newest Hub of Superyacht ActivityNewcastle is set to become Australia’s newest destination for superyacht activity, with the construction of its first dedicated superyacht marina to be developed at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC). Austal USA receives contract and commences construction on second Offshore Patrol Cutter for US Coast GuardAustal Limited has announced that Austal USA has received a contract option award from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for the construction of the second Stage 2 Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) and the acquisition of long lead-time material to support construction of a third Stage 2 OPC. 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