MARINE BUSINESS NEWS
NEWS UPDATE
20 June 2025
Publishers note
This week, we’ve welcomed a wave of new faces to our industry. To all those joining us for the first time—welcome aboard! Be warned: once you're in, it's addictive, and hard to leave.
In some late-breaking news from the Boating Industry Association (BIA), they advise that floor space for the upcoming Sydney Boat Show at Sydney Olympic Park has sold out.
BIA President Adam Smith said, “We opened exhibitor registrations just last month, and the level of interest in this new-format event has been phenomenal, with indoor exhibition space now sold out. This has further confirmed that we made the right decision to create a bespoke Show at Sydney Olympic Park. We’re now exploring options to expand the space to accommodate even more experiences and zones for exhibitors and visitors to enjoy.”
Mr Smith added, “At the 2025 Sydney Boat Show, visitors can look forward to 21,000 square metres of exhibition space packed to the brim with a range of exciting and revolutionary new offerings from local and internationally renowned marine and fishing brands. The Show will also feature a host of exciting national and global premieres, as well as new product launches.”
In this week’s edition of Marine Business News, my ol’ mate Starlo reflects on his boat show memories in his feature: “There’s nothing quite like being there in the flesh to smell the new upholstery, run your palm over that shiny gel-coat, or spin the handle on a top-of-the-line reel.”
Don’t forget to check out our EVENTS calendar for all the upcoming dates. If you know of an event we haven’t listed, please let us know!
I 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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Dometic Appoints Mike Normington as Vice President of APAC Marine
Dometic has announced the appointment of Mike Normington as Vice President of APAC Marine, effective 2 June 2025. Based in Varsity Lakes on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Mike will lead the company’s marine operations across the Asia-Pacific region.
Horizon Yacht Strengthens Team with Appointments Across ANZ
Horizon Yacht Australia has announced the expansion of its core team with the addition of four experienced professionals, each bringing a unique combination of industry expertise, passion for boating, and customer-first values.
Spirit Marine Queensland appoints new CEO to drive its expansion
Seasoned corporate executive Randall Harper, will be taking the helm of the exclusive Queensland importer and dealer for globally renowned boat brands Beneteau, Chaparral, Robalo, Cruisers Yachts, and Sunpower Yachts.
ACMG supports Commercial Vessels with Fireworks initiative during Vivid Sydney
The Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG) has supported Sydney Harbour’s commercial vessel operators throughout Vivid Sydney 2025 by delivering a series of on-water fireworks displays to boost passenger ticket sales and enhance the onboard experience.
Riviera apprentice opportunities showcased in July
Riviera, Australian premium luxury motor yacht builder is inviting prospective apprentices and their families to attend the 2025 Apprenticeship Information Evenings & Twilight Factory Tours to be held on July 23 and 31, 2025.
MASSIVE refit at The Boat Works – 52m expedition superyacht JeMaSa
The 52-metre expedition yacht, JeMaSa has completed her major in-water refit and refinishing works at The Boat Works after a year-long, multi-million-dollar refit program that involved the complete redesign and installation of its interiors and an exterior overhaul.
Milestones, evolution, growth and vision for the future
The Stessl family is celebrating a monumental year in 2025, toasting a 50-year legacy, 20-year milestone and new beginnings. 2025 is a remarkable year for the Stessl family as their flagship brand, Makocraft celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Marine Air Flow International Turns 20!
Marine Air Flow recently celebrated their 20th Anniversary. Jen Marsden reflected on those years, this is what she had to say. 20 Years ago Marine Air Flow started in a farm shed in East Trinity. We had finally gotten really sick of the horrific hours that a marine maintenance business took and sold up.
DuFLEX the key to sustainable, accessible cruising
Designed by power cat specialist, Roger Hill and built by Julian Griffiths and his skilled team at Noosa Marine, Stillwater has the aesthetic appeal of “Noosa style” and the capacity to accommodate 52 passengers, including 14 wheelchairs and brail signage for vision impaired passengers.
EV Maritime launches first Electric Ferry in Auckland
EV Maritime, New Zealand’s leading electric ferry design and technology company, has announced the launch of its first fully electric passenger ferry. The new vessel will operate between Auckland and the suburb of Half Moon Bay.
Australian Sailing celebrates 75th Anniversary
On this day 75 years ago (16 June), the Australian Yachting Federation (later Australian Sailing) became the first governing body for the sport of sailing in Australia when it held its first ever meeting at the Royal St. Kilda Yacht Club in Victoria.
National Law sailing exceptions expiring
Changes are coming for domestic commercial sailing vessels. From 30 June 2025, Exemption 18 (Sail) and Exemption 33 (Sailing vessel with motor propulsion) will expire. If you currently operate under these exemptions, you will need to hold a National Law certificate of competency to continue working on a commercial sailing vessel.
CYCA Publishes Report Reviewing three incidents in 2024 RSHYR
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) has published the full independent review report into the three incidents in the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, which tragically saw two fatalities and a man overboard (MOB) incident. The CYCA Board has considered the findings in full and supports all recommendations made by the Review Committee.
Simulation success: Large-scale ocean rescue emergency exercise concludes off Hunter Coast
A major multi-agency Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) concluded successfully on Saturday, off the coast of Newcastle with over 70 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff participating in the most comprehensive marine rescue simulation ever conducted in the Hunter Central Coast region.
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