MARINE BUSINESS NEWS
NEWS UPDATE
01 December 2023
Publishers note
Many of you will know rower Michelle Lee and her tenacity to undertake the most challenging ocean crossings. During her most recent voyage, I was fortunate to have a connection with Michelle, and we chatted frequently. With the help of some of her friends, I was able to bring you updates as she travelled from Ensenada in Mexico with a target of arriving in Sydney, Australia. The weather gods had their way, and having been sensible enough to take advice from her ground crew, the safe option meant that she landed in far north Queensland after 240 days at sea, having crossed the Pacific Ocean, solo and unassisted.
This journey was not her first, as she successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean, completing the journey in early 2019 after 68 days at sea. That same year, Australian Geographic named her the Adventurer of the Year. One might think that the success of the Atlantic crossing would be enough, but not for our Michelle, who undertook the Pacific crossing, departing days after her 50th birthday from the West Coast of Mexico.
If you want to read my ramblings, you can find some background in my story "From One Ocean to Another," published back in September last year. You can also search for "Michelle Lee" on the Marine Business News home page. Better still, my advice is to book a ticket to her special presentation, "Michelle Lee – the Woman Who Rowed 2 Oceans," on the 8th of December at the National Maritime Museum. Tickets are free, and I can assure you that you will be equally enthralled as you will be motivated.
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,
Domenic Genua - Publisher
50 percent increase in Sheds and Hardstand for The Boat Works
Build it, they’re already here! The Boat Works is adding more Sheds, more Hardstand and more Berths for enhanced boat maintenance and refit to meet demand. The Boat Works is expanding yet again, with the addition of 50 percent more Sheds and Hardstand and the marina expansion to welcome more in-water service berths.
Riviera awards international dealership excellence
Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst praised the international dealer network and award winners on behalf of Riviera’s team in Australia and in the US. “The Riviera International Dealer Awards recognise the professionalism, dedication and excellence of service and support by our representatives. Together, Riviera and our dealership network strive to create the ultimate boating experience for our yacht owners,” he said.
Mercury Marine named 2024 CES Innovation Award honoree for Avator™ 20e and 35e electric outboards
Brunswick Corporation, today announced its Mercury Marine division was named a 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovation Award honoree in the Sustainability, Eco-Design & Smart Energy category for the Avator 20e and 35e electric outboards.
Whiskey Bravo – Strike vessel stars at Indo Pacific 2023
A cutting-edge small combatant vessel designed to excel in expeditionary operations and littoral manoeuvre warfare was the star attraction at last week’s Indo Pacific 2023 International Maritime Exposition held in Sydney.
Not all smooth sailing as Comanche gears up for Hobart
Andoo Comanche’s crew are vowing to stay on their toes as they defend their Sydney to Hobart line honours title, lest they repeat a serious crash that sent two sailors to hospital. Comanche has blitzed through preparations for this year’s Hobart, where she will be one of four 100ft supermaxis jostling to reach Constitution Dock the quickest.
The first of the Longreach Power Catamarans Launch
With over two years of design, development, and construction, the first of the Longreach power catamarans take to the water. Here is our first look at the stunning new Longreach Expedition ‘Sunrise III’ days after launching from Ocean Marina in Thailand as the factory undertakes sea trials the owners prepare to go cruising.
New Look Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show – Fully-loaded for 2024
New Zealand’s largest exhibition organiser, XPO Exhibitions is grabbing the helm and promising a truly revitalised and reinvigorated Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, 16 – 19 May 2024 at the Auckland Showgrounds.
Local Geelong sailing star, Evie McDonald appointed Festival of Sails first Youth Ambassador
Young local sailing star, 17-year-old Evie McDonald from Geelong has been appointed the Festival of Sails’ inaugural Youth Ambassador. Sailing from the age of 8 with the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, Evie’s sailing career has blossomed and seen her go on to win major national and international sailing accolades and this year.
Raymarine Set a New Standard in Commercial Vessel Operations
Raymarine is disrupting the commercial marine market with a cost-effective and easy-to-install, IMO-compliant solid-state X-band radar system – the Pathfinder Radar. Built on the brand’s proven and award-winning solid-state radar technology, Pathfinder is designed for CAT 2 and CAT 3 SOLAS vessels.
Record exhibitor applications received ahead of the 2024 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show with tickets now on sale
A record number of exhibitor applications for the 2024 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) will see the event sold out early in the New Year. While interest was expected to be high following this year’s record-breaking show, Mulpha Events General Manager Johan Hasser said organisers have been overwhelmed by the response.
Azzurro Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Crew Sets Sail to Raise Awareness for Stroke Foundation
The crew of the Azzurro yacht is embarking on a journey beyond the open seas as they set sail in the prestigious Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. However, their mission extends beyond the pursuit of victory on the water; the crew is dedicated to promoting awareness for the Stroke Foundation and making waves in the fight against stroke..
A festival on the water will see central Auckland marinas fill with new release boats
Motoryachts, sailing yachts, RIBs, trailer boats and amphibious vessels are making their way to Auckland for New Zealand’s largest on-water boat show. March 2024 will see central Auckland fill with boats as the Auckland Boat Show gets underway on March 14 2024. A key feature of the inaugural Moana Auckland festival, the show attracts annual new launches from within New Zealand and across the globe.
GMBA expands global reach with appointment of four new consultants
GMBA has seen a surge in interest from many businesses who need support to develop new markets, access to quality networks and supply chains and most of all need someone in country to help navigate the many issues they are faced with when entering foreign markets.
AIMEX elevates maritime presence with active involvement in METSTRADE 2023
METSTRADE 2023, the foremost international marine equipment trade show, held annually in Amsterdam, this year marked its 35th year and has been acclaimed as a vibrant success. Attracting 28,900 visitors who registered more than 18,630 unique visits during the three action packed days from 15 to 17 November, the event showcased 1540 exhibitors, 240 of which were new to the show, from 53 countries, with a brand-new venture to highlight marine industry start-ups.
Classic Forum – 20 years of maritime tradition at boot Düsseldorf
Since 2005 the Classic Forum has formed an integral part of the world’s biggest yacht and watersports trade fair boot Düsseldorf. To mark its anniversary the Classic Forum will provide exclusive insights into the history and development of boat building on over 1,200 square metres in Hall 14 from 20 – 28 January 2024.
SailGP fans reveal who they want to replace Australia driver Slingsby in Dubai
SailGP fans have revealed who they would most like to replace Australia driver Tom Slingsby at the upcoming Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix. Members of SailGP’s fan loyalty program The Dock overwhelmingly backed Australia strategist Nina Curtis as their first choice to replace Slingsby. Slingsby, who’s raced with the team since the beginning of SailGP, will miss the event to be with his pregnant wife.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteer wins Community Achievement Award
Marine Rescue Merimbula Unit Commander Bill Blakeman ESM received another accolade overnight, being presented with the Safety Award at the NSW/ACT Community Achievement Awards in Sydney.
News from Marine Safety South Australia – November 2023
The Department for Infrastructure and Transport is developing the first ever South Australian Recreational Boating Safety Strategy – a 5-year plan that focuses on improving safety for recreational boaters and others who share the State’s coastal and inland waters.
