NEWS UPDATE14 February 2025 Publishers noteMy first visit to the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart this week was very rewarding. Over many years, I had heard so much about it, and in my mind, I created an image of what to expect. In part, I was right, but not so in others. It was obvious that there was a clear and specific audience they were appealing to. I certainly was impressed, and I am certain I’ll be back when it returns from the 5th to the 8th of February in 2027. Late last week, we received the news that our industry lost a pioneer. I can’t say that I knew him personally, however, judging by the volume of messages and texts I received, I understand he was highly regarded by many. Fair winds and following seas. RIP, Russell Dunbier. It seems to be the time for releasing news about boat shows. Last week, we published the news of a major change to the format for the Sydney International Boat Show. This week, we share the news that the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has unveiled a luxury sea trial precinct as exhibitor space nears sell-out. Thank you to those who highlighted that we still had the 2025 Sydney Boat Show in our webpage’s calendar of events. We have now removed it and will publish the dates for the two new shows once they are announced. 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, IF YOU ARE READING THIS EMAIL AS A GMAIL ACCOUNT HOLDER, YOU MAY HAVE TO CLICK ON 'VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE' TO SEE ALL THE STORIES. Vale Russell DunbierWe are saddened to advise that Russell Dunbier, the founder of Dunbier Marine – Dunbier Boat Trailers and Mackay Boat Trailers has passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer. Still positive and giving orders until the end, Russell is a legend of the Australian boating industry, founding and building the largest boat trailer empire in Australia. Ports Victoria announce new Harbour MasterPorts Victoria has announced Kylie McDonald as the new Harbour Master, Geelong and Regional, overseeing the Ports of Geelong and Hastings. After an international search, Kylie stood out as the ideal candidate. Previously serving as Deputy Harbour Master, Port of Geelong, Kylie’s exceptional experience and leadership made her a natural choice for this key role. Steve Fisher Upon His RetirementThere are occasions where words are a pale proxy for the sincere sentiment felt by individuals, businesses and an industry. The retirement of Steve Fisher, a pillar of the Australia marine industry, is one such moment. Judy Brinsmead AM, Director and co-founder of Rivergate Marina & Shipyard reflected thus. Benetti: Matthew Walford appointed Area Manager for Australia and New ZealandBenetti has announced the appointment of Matthew Walford as Benetti Area Manager for Australia and New Zealand, effective February 1st, 2025. With this choice, Benetti consolidates its position in a rapidly expanding and strategically important market for the Shipyard. Marine Structures Appointed as Exclusive Australasian Dealer for SeaflexMarine Structures has announced its appointment as the exclusive Australasian dealer for Seaflex, the globally renowned supplier of mooring systems for floating structures. This partnership marks a significant step forward in delivering advanced and sustainable mooring solutions to the region. 25 Years at the service of boatiesGold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, widely known as GCCM, is the iconic shipyard that, 25 years ago, boldly changed the face of Australia’s marine industry by adopting a ‘one-stop shop’ approach to refit and repair for vessels of every shape and size. Brunswick Corporation Reports Record Sales and Market Share Increases at 2025 Early-Season Global Trade ShowsBrunswick Corporation have reported record performance at several of the major early-season trade and boat shows. The recent Dusseldorf Boat Show, the largest indoor boat show globally, attracted more than 200,000 attendees and proved to be a record-breaking event for Brunswick. Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner praises boaters following reduction in January rescuesDespite experiencing their quietest January since 2020, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers still conducted an average of 21 rescues per day, safely returning 1,670 people to shore last month. Across the state, volunteer crews completed 662 search and rescue missions in January, including 164 emergency responses. FLIR Launches Ocean Scout ProFLIR, global leader in high-performance marine thermal-imaging systems, announced the next generation of marine thermal monocular – the FLIR Ocean Scout Pro. Designed for public safety professionals and to provide enhanced situational awareness for professional and recreational mariners. Riviera’s magnificent new 6800 Sport Yacht headlines Miami showcaseAustralia’s luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, will proudly showcase the magnificent new 6800 Sport Yacht in a spectacular display during the Miami International Boat Show at One Herald Plaza from February 12 to 16. The display will also include the sophisticated 6000 and 4600 Platinum Edition Sport Yachts, the long-range and luxurious 50 Sports Motor Yacht and the contemporary classic, Belize 54 Daybridge yacht. The Ultimate Long-Range CruiserLeigh-Smith Yachts has introduced the highly anticipated new 2025 Hampton Endurance 680 luxury long-range cruiser to the Asia Pacific yachting market. The launch of the Hampton Endurance 680 long-range cruiser marks the 120th Leigh-Smith Yachts new build ranging from 38 to 95 feet successfully delivered to the Australian shores. Maritimo Product Partner Profile – Twin DiscA partnership that’s so close; Twin Disc have owned a Maritimo for their own use since 2009. Stretching back to when Maritimo’s Founder, Bill Barry-Cotter, was building boats in Sydney over 40 years ago, the strong relationship between the two parties only got closer by the time that Maritimo was founded on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show unveils luxury sea trial precinct as exhibitor space nears sell-outA 100% electric hydrofoiling experience will be one of the showstopping attractions at the 36th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), taking place from May 22-25, 2025. This year with the launch of a brand new Luxury Sea Trial Precinct, giving premium buyers an exclusive opportunity to test-drive cutting-edge vessels on the stunning Gold Coast waters. Poralu Marine Strengthens its Asia-Pacific Commitment with Exclusive MIA Silver Sponsorshiporalu Marine has reaffirmed its commitment to the Asia-Pacific marina industry by securing an exclusive Silver Sponsorship with the Marina Industries Association (MIA). or over 40 years, Poralu Marine has been a global leader in designing, producing, and distributing high-quality aluminium pontoons and gangways. IF YOU ARE READING THIS EMAIL AS A GMAIL ACCOUNT HOLDER, YOU MAY HAVE TO CLICK ON 'VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE' TO SEE ALL THE STORIES. |