NEWS UPDATE15 September 2023 Publishers noteGiven the size of our industry, and how close many of us are, it is inevitable that we are touched when we lose a friend and member of our broad industry family. I was alerted to the passing of Barry Thompson last Friday by a close industry colleague and ally, who called me in tears to let me know. I was very saddened by the news, as Barry over the years had been very good to me. Not only in my previous roles whilst sharing industry news with him, but also most recently as a publishing peer where we sat alongside each other. He was a true gentleman, and I am sure I share my condolences with the rest of the industry to his family, friends and in particular his business partner of many years, known to most of us, Doug Dukeson. In the same week also came the news of the passing of BIA Director Franz Grasser. BIA Victoria President Scott O’Hare, said that on behalf of his fellow Board members and BIA Victoria staff that he offers their condolences to Franz’s wife Debbie, and his family. The industry likewise passes on our condolences to the Grasser family. This week we have had a real mixed bag of stories, and lots of them. So much so, as we prepare this newsletter, we are finding more news, and stories are coming in quicker than we can publish them. We do hope you are enjoying Marine Business News. I thank those that have dropped me an email with your compliments. I welcome all feedback. Please feel free to send me a note with your thoughts at any time. My email is NewsRoom@MarineBusinessNews.com.au 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. We invite you to look at the many more stories on our website not seen in this newsletter, as well as links to resources, photo libraries, reviews, our international events calendar, our jobs board, and now an eNews log of our past Friday newsletters. Stay safe on the water, Vale Barry ThompsonIt is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of industry stalwart and friend of our industry, Barry Thompson. Barry, co-publisher and editor of Powerboat and Alloy Boat, was a familiar sight at boat shows, factories, and international marine industry events. Vale Franz GrasserIt is with much sadness that we share the news of the the sudden passing of BIA Victoria Board member Franz Grasser. BIA Victoria President Scott O’Hare, said that on behalf of his fellow Board members and BIA Victoria staff that he offers their condolences to Franz’s wife Debbie, and his family. Three people rescued in Coral SeaSeptember 6 – The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has coordinated the rescue of three people on board a catamaran 835km Southeast of Cairns in the Coral Sea. Both hulls of the vessel have been damaged following several shark attacks. Raymarine Announces Momentum with Avikus PartnershipRaymarine, global leaders in high-performance marine electronics for the recreational boating, marine first responder, and law enforcement markets, announced today the growing momentum of its partnership with autonomous boat navigation provider Avikus, with several major boatbuilders having agreed to integrate Raymarine x Avikus NeuBoat Dock technology into their next model year. Raymarine Launches Performance Sailing SolutionRaymarine is making a bold addition into the performance sailing market with the launch of the Alpha™ Series display, new Smart Wind™ Technology, and performance sailing upgrades to the LightHouse operating system for Axiom chartplotters. Hanse Partnership with RaymarineMarine electronics company Raymarine has announced that it has signed a supply contract with Hanse; the world’s second largest builder of sailing yachts. HanseYacht brands Sealine and Moody Yachts already count on Raymarine for their navigation solutions, and the addition of the Hanse sailing brand acts as a further endorsement of this strong and growing partnership. Matt Hundleby: A Lifetime of Expertise in the Marine IndustryIn the world of boating, Matt Hundleby is a name synonymous with expertise, passion, and unwavering dedication. With almost 40 years of experience in the marine sector, Matt has recently embarked on an exciting new journey as the principal of Avast Marine Surveyors and Avast Marine Services, and his story is one of inspiration and achievement. Brunswick Corporation announces the acquisition of FliteboardBrunswick Corporation announced the acquisition of Fliteboard, a leader in eFoiling technology, that will further enhance the Company’s industry-leading electrification and shared-access strategies. Fliteboard will operate as a business within Mercury Marine. Are you ready for the 2023 Melbourne Boat Show?Over 100 amazing Exhibitors, many at the show for the first time. Explore the latest fishing, cruising, ski, wake boarding, pontoon, sailing, jet ski, bike boats and more on the Docklands waterfront and across five marinas. Get ready to be entertained and learn the latest from boating and fishing experts. Mackay Marina Unveils first Superyacht Berth Upgrade with Exciting New FeaturesMackay Marina, a premier destination for superyachts, has announced the completion of its highly anticipated superyacht berth upgrade. This extensive enhancement project includes the installation of several cutting-edge features, aimed at providing an unparalleled experience for superyacht owners and their guests. Coral Sea Marina forms a new partnership in marine conservationCoral Sea Marina announces a new partnership in marine conservation with the international not-for-profit organisation, The International SeaKeepers Society, in a further step to promoting marine education, citizen science and research opportunities. Riviera boating life leads a rewarding careerIt’s understandable when a Riviera owner feels like they’re living the dream, but what about a first-year diesel fitter apprentice? Laura Hillman stepped out of her workshop at Riviera’s world-class facility at Coomera, to speak with us about how she is living her best life learning the art and science of handcrafting luxury motor yachts. Zipwake appoints Björn Ingemanson Chairman of the BoardZipwake has announced that Björn Ingemanson, the former President and CEO of Volvo Penta, has been appointed the new Chairman of the Board, effective August 1, 2023. In Australia Zipwake is distributed by AMI Marine Sales in most states and Nautical Supplies in FNQ & Darwin Highfield premieres in PerthHighfield Boats will attend the 2023 Club Marine Perth Boat Show, 15 to 17 September at Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre and Elizabeth Quay, hosting the launch of the 2024 Sport models, the 9m and 7m. Seabird Technologies to Showcase Sustainable Marine Strategy at Exclusive Event during the Monaco Yacht ShowSeabird Technologies has announced that it will be hosting a Lounge at the prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco on the 30th of September, during the Monaco Yacht Show, to unveil their vision for a sustainable maritime future and ambitions to accelerate marine decarbonisation. Underwater DronesIn this high-tech, ever evolving world we live in, robots are really starting to have an impact. Underwater robots (drones or ROVs) are no different, and these machines are aiding the marine industry in remarkable ways. Hot conditions prompt water safety warningWith predictions of a long, hot summer, new research from the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia has prompted urgent calls to keep water safety top of mind when planning a day in, on or near the water. New Canadian Boat Club Opens with Capria CraneOkanagan Lake is a picturesque glacial fjord in British Columbia, Canada. It’s also home to Mission Group’s new dry stack-only Aqua Boat Club, part of the developer’s Aqua Waterfront Village in the city of Kelowna. In comparing the many options available for moving boats from the storage building to the water, Mission Group chose the safety and ease of use of an eight-ton Top-Running Stacker Crane from Capria S.A. Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner praises boaters following reduced rescue demand in AugustAfter three consecutive months of record rescues, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have responded their lowest number of incidents this year, completing 223 rescue missions across the state in August. Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the reduction in rescue responses during August is testament to boaters doing the right thing on the state’s waterways. Marine Rescue NSW southern units prepare for major Search and Rescue Exercise at Batemans BayMore than 100 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff from units across the Monaro and Illawarra regions will take part in a major regional Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) at Batemans Bay this weekend (September 16-17). |