NEWS UPDATE02 August 2024 Publishers noteThere is no doubting that the boat show season is very important to many within our industry. As you have no doubt heard me say previously, it provides a platform for many marine product retailers to not only sell products, but also create goodwill amongst many of their clients, past, present, and future. For the OEMs, it is equally important in that they can promote and educate the boating consumer about the benefits they offer with their products, support their dealers, and also use the opportunity to gauge interest, market trends, and basically listen to what the consumer is saying they want. At the time of writing, the first day of the Sydney International Boat Show is over, and no doubt (and hopefully) most exhibitors are resting up for the next three important days. The Marine Business News team extends its best wishes to all those involved. 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, 2024 Boating Industry Data Report Card ReleasedThe Boating Industry Association (BIA) released the state of the industry data report revealing national turnover at $10.12 billion for 2023-24, a 5% increase on the previous year. BIA President Adam Smith said the report demonstrated continued growth for the sector despite economic challenges over the past 12 months. Maritimo Katwinchar – 120 year old yacht back and racingMaritimo’s Bill Barry-Cotter has once again demonstrated his passion and dedication to all forms of boating. He has had his team at Maritimo lovingly restore the famous Maritimo Katwinchar, bringing it back into racing. This small yacht, a Watney Circa 1904, is a historical vessel that combines vintage aesthetics with modern racing capabilities. Wreck of MV Noongah identified 55 years after ship was lost at seaCSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has helped confirm the resting place of motor vessel (MV) Noongah, a 71-metre coastal freighter lost at sea in 1969 in one of the nation’s worst post-war maritime disasters. MV Noongah was travelling between Newcastle and Townsville carrying steel when it encountered a storm and sank in heavy seas on 25 August 1969. New marine rescue vessel saving lives in CairnsMinister for Police and Community Safety, Mark Ryan, joined Commissioner of Police Steve Gollschewski APM for a vessel commissioning ceremony today in Cairns. The Miles Government’s historic reforms to marine rescue operations in Queensland are delivering real benefits to volunteer units across the state. Incorrect display of navigation lights on vessels at night increasing risk of serious marine incidentsBrisbane Water Police are finding increasing numbers of boats are not displaying the correct lights for their type of vessel. With only a few exceptions, most recreational powerboats or personal watercraft on the water between sunset and sunrise must display an all-round white light whether they are underway or at anchor. Garmin unveils JL Audio MediaMaster 55 and 55-HR source unitsGarmin Australasia announced the JL Audio® MediaMaster® 55 and 55-HR next-gen marine and powersports source units with superior audio quality. The latest MediaMaster source units are now available in two options—the MM55 with an LCD display and built-in controls mounts at the helm while the MM55-HR is hidden away and controlled by a compatible multifunction display (MFD). Global glazing giant moves into The Boat WorksAustralia’s largest marine glazer is now based at The Boat Works, operating at the top echelons of a niche sector and in demand globally. Marine Window Services at The Boat Works has created a dedicated quality control centre and training facility in one of the industry’s most specialised areas, marine glazing. DAVCO launches AquaChock adjustable tender management system DAVCO, manufacturer of advanced tender and personal watercraft management solutions, announced the launch of its revolutionary AquaChocksTM removable and adjustable chock system. AquaChocks provide the stability of a secure cradle system for storage of tenders and personal watercraft (PWC) while underway, giving boaters the ultimate peace of mind while out on the water. savvy navvy partners with 2023 Class 1 World Champions 222 Offshore AustraliaAustralian based powerboat racing team 222 Offshore, current UIM Class 1 World Champions, is partnering with award-winning marine navigation app savvy navvy. Fresh off defending their Australian Championship title on the Gold Coast on the weekend at the Australian Offshore Superboat Championships, Driver Darren Nicholson and his 222 Offshore crew are using savvy navvy for offshore championship racing preparation. Marine Rescue NSW volunteers sharpen response skills with simulated offshore aviation crash search and rescue exercise at Coffs HarbourAlmost 60 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers took part in a major multi-agency training exercise at Coffs Harbour over the weekend with vessel crews involved in a simulated on-water search and rescue exercise (SAREX) along with NSW Water Police, PolAir and NSW Air Ambulance while Marine Rescue NSW radio operators put their skills to the test with a desktop exercise scenario. Quality Marine Clothing expands Its presence to Hong Kong in partnership with ISEO YachtingQMC, the Australian based marine uniform and merchandise supply company, renowned for its exceptional superyacht crew gear and marine apparel, is proud to announce the launch of its new venture, QMC Hong Kong. With an unwavering commitment to quality, style, and service, QMC is set to revolutionise the marine clothing landscape in the Asia-Pacific region. Three rescued from sinking boat off WhitsundaysThe Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) coordinated the rescue of three people after their recreational vessel sank near Block Reef, nearly 90km north-east of Airlie Beach. At 10.15pm (local time), 25 July 2024, AMSA detected the vessel’s emergency beacon, tasking the Cairns-based Challenger rescue aircraft and two rescue helicopters – CQ Rescue helicopter from Mackay and QG Air Rescue helicopter from Townsville – to the scene. Historic marine rescue reforms delivering new vessels the length of Queensland’s coastline, including Brisbane (QF2)The Queensland Government’s reforms to marine rescue operations in Queensland are delivering real benefits to volunteer units across the state. An investment of over $22 million by the Miles Government is delivering new vessels for marine rescue units up and down the Queensland Coast. Dunbier Mackay announces new releases at Sydney International Boat ShowDunbier Mackay are debuting their latest innovations at the Sydney International Boat Show! They have announced their newest innovations: the all-new 2025 Alloy Sports Centreline and an expanded range of Loader Pro X trailers from Dunbier, and an upgraded MLKR trailer with a cutting-edge rear entry design from Mackay. Sea-Doo launches once in a lifetime offers at the Sydney International Boat ShowSea-Doo will be launching their best ever offers at the Sydney International Boat Show, as well as giving away a Sea-Doo Spark to one lucky attendee! As part of their once in a lifetime sales event, Sea-Doo are offering up to $4500 off models across their fishing, performance and recreational ranges in Australia, and for all PWC models purchased at the boat show, an additional 1 year warranty. Experience the latest innovations from Mercury Marine at the Sydney International Boat ShowGet ready for an electrifying experience as Mercury Marine returns to the Sydney International Boat Show, set to wow attendees with the latest high-performance engines and thrilling on-water demos that will leave you breathless. Crown Lands anchors at Sydney International Boat ShowCrown Lands is joining exhibitors at the annual Sydney International Boat Show to raise awareness about requirements for waterfront structures, such as jetties and pontoons. Thousands of maritime enthusiasts will attend the annual event to be held at the International Convention Centre and Cockle Bay Wharf from 1 to 4 August. Experience the future of boating – Yamaha’s Sydney Boat Show ExhibitYamaha Motor Australia is gearing up for an impressive showing at the 2024 Sydney International Boat Show, which is on this week at the Darling Harbour International Convention and Exhibition Centre (Thursday-Sunday, 1-4 August). The Yamaha Marine team will deliver a cutting-edge marine technology and innovation display. Wind-Powered Boating at the 2024 Sydney International Boat ShowWind-powered boating is growing in popularity, drawing millions of Australians to the water annually, and as excitement builds for the Australian sailing and paddling athletes preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics, it’s no surprise that more individuals are exploring ways to join in on the excitement. Sydney International Boat Show opensThe 55th Sydney International Boat Show opens to the public from 10am (Thursday 1 August) at the purpose-built Cockle Bay marina and Sydney International Convention Centre (ICC), within the Darling Harbour precinct. Recognised as one of the world’s leading boat shows, the Show will run for four-days from Thursday (10am to 7pm daily) and continues through the weekend until 5pm Sunday, with a comprehensive and diverse recreational marine exhibition. |