Yen for Excellence: the Rise of Japanese Outboards

Back in 2016 Danny Casey took us through the evolution of Japanese outboards and how they turned the market on its ear. From the first cautious attempts at two strokes to the advanced four strokes of today, they rewrote the rules on outboard engine technology.  Whilst circumstances and brand line-ups have since changed considerably, it is good to read his insights from 7 years ago.  

2023 Offshore Superboat Championship – Superboats to bring fast and loud to Lake Macquarie

Indeed they are! So get set for great action on and off the water over the weekend of 14 and 15 October, as the Lake Macquarie City Council bring you Fast and Loud. The four classes of Superboats will be racing on both days in a circuit encompassing Marmong Point, to Warners Bay, and also Speers Point.

Barry Thompson farewelled on the Gold Coast

The Australian marine industry put its best feet forward on Friday, October 6 when many of its luminaries attended a tribute to the late Kiwi journalist, publisher and boating legend, who sadly passed away in NZ three weeks ago. 

Rescued Australian Ocean Rower Tom Robinson Safely Aboard Pacific Explorer Cruise Ship

In a remarkable maritime rescue operation, a young Australian athlete was plucked from the waters of the Pacific Ocean by the Pacific Explorer cruise ship. Tom Mahuta Robinson, a 24-year-old from Brisbane, found himself in trouble during his quest to become the youngest person to row solo across the vast Pacific.

News from BIA Victoria – October 2023

The Boating Industry Association of Victoria have been again busy.  This is an update on what is happening locally. They have updates on a new Podcast episode, a Roadshow, Better Boating Skills. the President at Genoa Boat Show and a Boat Show update.

ICOMIA Marinas Group Create Smart Marinas Guide

The ICOMIA Marinas Group (IMG), has produced a Smart Marinas Guide, produced by IMG members to assist marinas in navigating the digital transformation of the industry. They say, the guide has been produced by their members, for their members, and looks at the future of marinas; why the digital transformation matters, why everyone is talking about it and what marinas can start doing now to prepare themselves.

In NZ, marinas in Bayswater and Hobsonville welcome customers living on-board

Two Auckland marinas are laying out the welcome mat to customers living onboard their boats. “We have created close-knit communities at our marinas and we are accepting applications for spring and beyond,” says Kim Passmore of Bayswater Marina. Bayswater currently has more than 50 people living in its precinct, and Hobsonville Marina has nearly 100.

NMMA USA President Delivers State of the Industry Presentation at IBEX 2023

In keeping with my belief that we can learn a lot from our international cousins, it was interesting to hear, NMMA USA president Frank Hugelmeyer who gave an update on the recreational boating industry.  He did so during the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) Industry Breakfast.

Announcing the finalists for the 2023 Apprentice of the Year

The finalists for the highly anticipated Apprentice of the Year award have been selected and the winner will be revealed on the main stage at the Melbourne Boat Show, Saturday 28th at 2pm. These eight outstanding apprentices have demonstrated exceptional dedication, skill, and passion in their respective fields within the boating and marine industry.

From the Dead

It’s the kind of tall tale that might be told in the bar over a beer – but this story is all true. In October 1973, back in the days when shipping was like the wild west, a freighter called the Blythe Star sank without a trace off Tasmania’s remote and rugged southwest. The crew of 10 escaped with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a life raft, at the mercy of the wind and currents.

Ballina Jet Boat returns to service with Marine Rescue NSW

The much loved and vitally important Ballina Jet Boat is back saving lives on the water after transitioning to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet. Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott has welcomed the versatile rescue vessel to the Service’s fleet with the boat named Ballina 21.

Lineup Announced for Innovation Zone at Abu Dhabi International Boat Show

Yachting Ventures and Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) have announced the lineup for the Innovation Zone at this year’s show, showcasing the future of marine cleantech. The Abu Dhabi Boat Show will take place from 9 to 12 November.

Virat Kohli joins as E1 team owner

The latest team to join the UIM E1 World Championship, the world’s first all-electric raceboat series, will have a duo of high profile principals at the helm of The Blue Rising Team: cricket megastar Virat Kohli and sports tech entrepreneur Adi K Mishra.

Inspect a record Aquila line-up

Four new Aquila Power Catamarans will be on show at Runaway Bay Marina on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 October, open to boating connoisseurs, aspiring boaties and the general public. The line-up will include the Aquila 54, 44, 36 and brand new 32 Sport, which has just arrived in Australia, for sale and available for immediate delivery.

Marine Rescue NSW boosts flood and emergency response capability

Marine Rescue NSW has taken delivery of three new custom designed multi-purpose vessels, which can be deployed quickly across NSW in the event of an emergency. The vessels form part of Marine Rescue NSW’s response to recommendations from the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry with the Service receiving $3.748 million State Government funding to build capability and capacity to support NSW SES and other agencies during significant emergencies.

KiwiRail selects VIKING’s innovative electric LifeCraft™ powered by Torqeedo

More than 800,000 people take the famous and beautiful Interislander ferry route between New Zealand’s North and South Island every year. In future, with the arrival of two new diesel hybrid-electric ferries in 2025, they will be fitted with state-of-the-art lifesaving equipment as they cross the Cook Strait.