MARINE BUSINESS NEWS
NEWS UPDATE
2 June 2023
Publishers note
Last week, like many others in the industry, I had the opportunity to attend the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. According to their post-show report, the event attracted an impressive 47,345 visitors over the course of four trading days. They also say that the show has “cemented its position as the Southern Hemisphere’s leading boating and marine showcase”. It may well be so, and if the current trends continue, Sydney may be relinquished to second place. Hopefully I’m wrong. The Sydney show has always been a jewel in the industries event calendar, and with the recent success we have seen at Sanctuary Cove and likewise at other boat shows internationally, it would need a special effort for the Sydney show to fall any further behind than it did in 2022.
Putting aside the emphasis on visitor numbers, as a seasoned veteran of 23 boat shows, I understand that what truly matters is not just quantity but the quality of the audience. By all accounts, Sanctuary Cove managed to deliver both quantity and quality, and I commend the team for their achievement. My sincere hope is that the industry will continue to benefit from this success for a long time to come.
The passing of Peter Hunt in March last year was a source of great sadness for me and many others in the industry. His loss was felt not only because he was a friend and true gentleman, but also because he was one of our industries founders who played a pivotal role in establishing both the BIA and the Sydney International Boat Show, which is truly remarkable.
Around the same time, I learned about the passing several months prior of another industry pioneer, respected gentleman and BIA Life Member Hugh Shanks. It was disheartening to realize that his passing went unnoticed and unmentioned. The oversight was truly saddening.
These incidents made me reflect on the many leaders in our industry who have dedicated their efforts for the benefit of us all. While it is important to remember those who have passed, I also believe it is crucial to celebrate those who are still among us. Marine Business News has taken up the mission of finding these individuals and honoring them while they are still with us. One of these remarkable people is Bob Basham, whose story I am delighted to share with you in this issue. What makes it even more special is that I had the opportunity to work with Bob himself in putting it together. I hope you thoroughly enjoy reading it.
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 via our email at NewsRoom@MarineBusinessNews.com.au.
If you are wanting to lift your brand or products exposure, and need help with some quality PR writing, please let us know and we will happily introduce you to some excellent marine industry writers.
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
Bob Basham an industry gem
Bob Basham, regarded as one of the most likeable identities in the boating industry, was honoured with Life Membership of the Boating Industry Association (BIA) in 2004. This is his story.
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show post event report
Over four action-packed days, SCIBS 2023 attracted 47,345 visitors who flocked from all over the globe to view thousands of marine products, and an impressive 740 vessel lineup, including an all-time record of 315 boats on water and over 100 Australian, Asia-Pacific and World premieres.
Scott O’Hare elected president of Boating Industry Association of Victoria
This follows Scott’s two-year tenure as Vice-President, and extends his seven year role on the BIAV Board. The appointment also complements Scott’s long and passionate involvement in the boating industry, where he’s had many and varied roles.
Lifting the bar 90 tonne Boat Lift – the first of its kind
The Boat Works have welcomed the versatile 90-tonne expandable travel lift from Boat Lift in Italy – making them the first boat yard in the southern hemisphere to operate a lift of this kind.
2023 Kellett Shield Alumni Regatta
Over the weekend, the Youth Sailing Academy hosted the 2023 Kellett Shield. This was donated to the Youth Sailing Academy in 1994 by former Vice President of the International Sailing Federation and CYCA and Australian Sailing Life Member David Kellett AM.
Cruising Yacht Club of Australia to adopt single rating rule for the 2023/24 Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore
Over the years, IRC and ORCi rating rules have diverged. The complexity and workload for owners and crews in maintaining adherence to both is significant.
2023 New Zealand Boat Show award winners announced
At a prize-giving held on Saturday 20 May, winners of the New Zealand Boat Show’s best stands and the best boats in numerous categories were announced.
Candela C-8 Polestar edition merges iconic design with electric performance at sea
Polestar and Candela revealed the next phase of their partnership – the Candela C-8 Polestar edition. Combining Polestar’s Scandinavian take on luxury EV design with Candela’s innovative electric hydrofoil boat.
Raymarine to supply YachtSense to digital switching systems for the Maritimo S55
Raymarine has confirmed that Australian boatbuilder Maritimo will offer the benefits of the Raymarine YachtSense™ system to new owners of its class leading motor yacht, the Maritimo S55.
Maritimo S75 Sedan Motor Launch
Australian luxury long range motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo, announces the arrival of the much lauded and truly grand, new Maritimo S75 Sedan Motor Yacht.
ASMEX 2023 – Preparing for Change
Day one of the Superyacht Australia annual conference, ASMEX 2023 concluded with a strong line up of speakers delivering key messages for industry. Held at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort on the Gold Coast, Queensland, the event was a resounding success, showcasing the industry’s latest advancements and addressing key topics.
Outstanding achievements recognised at the 2023 Australian Marine Industry Awards
The 2023 Australian Marine Industry Awards, held last week at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, continue to recognise the outstanding achievers across three marine industry sectors. The Gala Dinner saw 230 guests start with pre-dinner drinks sponsored by Benetti Yachts, creating an upbeat atmosphere for the dinner.
Rivergate recognised for superyacht service and refit expertise
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard has won the 2023 Superyacht Industry Project/Design Award at this year’s Australian Marine Industry Awards, which were announced at a Gala Dinner presentation on Wednesday, 24 May, at The InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort – venue for the 2023 ASMEX Conference.
GCMarine wins top Exporter and Project of the Year as ASMEX Awards 2023 on the Gold Coast
Some big news for local marina manufacturing business GCMarine at Wednesday night’s Australian Superyacht & Marine Export Awards held at the Intercontinental Resort, Sanctuary Cove.
News from Marine Safety South Australia – May 2023
Plenty of news from SA, including that over the summer period VMR were pleased to report a slight downturn in the number of boaties requesting assistance. Although some searches were conducted under the coordination of the SA Police, there were a number of call-outs related to mechanical breakdown, flat batteries or running out of fuel.
UK’s new free trade deals with Australia and New Zealand
Whilst Europe, followed by North America, remains UK leisure marine industry’s most important foreign markets, 11 percent of the industry’s exports go to Asia Pacific, with a value of around £132m (British Marine KPI report for year 2021-22).
Boat Builder Awards 2023 opens with new date and expanded opportunities to highlight business and professional success
IBI and METSTRADE announced they are continuing their long-standing collaboration with headline sponsor Raymarine to produce the largest ever Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement.
Upcoming education from MIA – June 2023
It's never too late to learn more or freshen up your skills. As usual, the MIA have a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs.
5 Gold Anchor & Superyacht Ready accolades
Industry & Award-winning shipyard & marina The Boat Works has been awarded 5 Gold Anchor accreditation in conjunction with the Superyacht Ready certification.
Riviera’s inspiring display an international attraction at 2023 Sanctuary Cove Boat
Riviera, has accomplished an inspiring display at the 2023 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show drawing Riviera owners from around Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Americas to share in four days of exuberant Riviera family celebrations.
