MARINE BUSINESS NEWS
NEWS UPDATE
15 May 2026
Publishers note
It will all kick off next week with the industry’s trilogy of events, starting on Tuesday with ASMEX, followed by SCIBS, and then wrapping up with Marinas26.
While this period is typically the catalyst for a large influx of news, the last few days have delivered even more than expected. It has been a busy news week, and I’m sure there will be something of interest for all our readers.
Let me start with a big congratulations to Tracy Souris on being elected BIA Board Chair and President. Our congratulations also go to Scott O’Hare, who has returned as President of BIAV for his fourth year. In other appointments, Darrell Barnett has been appointed General Manager of Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, and Chris Baird has taken on the role of CEO at new enterprise MC-ZERO.
For sailing aficionados, and the Australian public more generally, the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club has confirmed its challenge for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup. For those who remember that fateful day in 1983, apart from winning the Cup after having to endure America’s 132-year winning streak, we also heard the words, “Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum!” echo throughout the country.
I have cleared the calendar, and ASMEX and Marinas26 will no doubt be impressive this year. Well done to MIA for securing Malcolm Page OAM, one of Australia’s most celebrated Olympic sailors and current Chief Executive Officer of Australian Sailing, who will deliver the closing keynote address.
The industry is abuzz, and it is easy to understand why. Please do stop me if we are crossing paths and say hello. All conversations lead to good things, and I’d love to have one with you.
We do hope you enjoy this week’s news.
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,
Domenic Genua - Publisher
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This week's news...
Boating Industry Association Elects Tracy Souris as President
The Board of Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has announced the election of Tracy Souris as its new Board Chair and President. In a milestone moment for the Australian marine industry, Ms Souris was today unanimously supported by the Board ..
BIA Victoria re-elects Scott O’Hare as President
The Boating Industry Association of Victoria Board has re-elected Scott O’Hare as President, with Daved Lambert also re-elected as Vice-President and Neil James continuing as Company Secretary. The appointments were ...
Olympic Gold Medallist Malcom Page OAM to Close Marinas26
The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has announced that Malcolm Page OAM, one of Australia’s most celebrated Olympic sailors and current Chief Executive Officer of Australian Sailing, will deliver the closing keynote address at the Marinas26 ...
In Conversation with David Wood – experience, product knowledge and BLA’s next chapter
For close to four decades, David Wood (Woodsy) has been part of the fabric of BLA. As Director of Product at BLA (Boating, Lifestyle, Adventure) David has spent nearly 38 years with the organisation, building an ...
Chris Baird appointed CEO of MC-ZERO
Chris Baird has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of MC-ZERO, the pioneering yacht tender brand created through a collaboration between McConaghy Boats and ZeroJet. For those who know Chris, the appointment will come as little ...
d’Albora Marinas completes acquisition of Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard and appoints key onsite leadership
d’Albora Marinas has announced the successful settlement of its acquisition of Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM), effective 7 May 2026. This milestone marks a significant expansion of ..
Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club lodges challenge for Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup
The Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club has confirmed that their challenge for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, Naples, the sixth in strict line of entry, has been accepted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht ...
Riviera Australia opens its doors for World Boating Day 2026
Australian luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, will open the doors of its world class Coomera manufacturing facility to the public for World Boating Day 2026, offering a rare behind the scenes opportunity to experience Australian motor yacht craftsmanship at ...
ASMEX 2026 brings industry insight, networking and celebration to the Gold Coast
The Australian Superyacht, Marine Export & Commercial Marine Conference (ASMEX) will return to the Gold Coast on 19 – 20 May 2026, delivering two days of industry connection, business insight and celebration for the Australian marine sector.
Anticipation builds ahead of the 2026 Australian Marine Industry Awards Gala Dinner
The Australian marine industry’s leading businesses and professionals will gather in one week at The Langham Gold Coast, where the winners of the 2026 Australian Marine Industry Awards will be announced ..
BIA launches call for nominations for 2026 Sustainability in the Boating Industry Award
The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has launched the call for nominations for the 2026 Sustainability in the Boating Industry Award. Nominations are now open for the Award and the winner will be ...
From the depths to display: Rediscovering South Australia’s oldest known shipwreck
Beneath the waters of Encounter Bay, South Australia’s oldest known shipwreck, the South Australian, lay hidden for almost two centuries before being rediscovered in 2018. Built in England in 1819, the South Australian first served as ...
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