MARINE BUSINESS NEWS
NEWS UPDATE
12 December 2025
Publishers note
I have been around boats for a long time, and throughout my years working boat shows and across the industry, there have been moments when a vessel has simply stopped me in my tracks. Sometimes it was the scale, often the beauty, and occasionally it was the feeling that this was a boat I’d aspire to own one day.
Last night was one of those moments. The boat was big and certainly a thing of beauty. I had the privilege of attending the christening of the newly named Palm Beach XI (formerly Wild Oats XI) and found myself once again standing in quiet awe.
What made the evening truly memorable was the address by Palm Beach Motor Yachts Founder and CEO Mark Richards. His remarks were sincere, generous, and delivered with a natural ease that quickly captured the room. He expressed genuine appreciation for everyone involved in the project and his past, his shipwrights, directors, shareholders, staff, the Oatley family, mentors, clients, and many others.
It never felt like a list to be completed; it was heartfelt gratitude that resonated deeply. His humour, delivered entirely off the cuff, only strengthened his connection with the audience. At times very funny, always engaging, and throughout, you could hear a pin drop.
Now with the boat still in the shed and some way to go, with components still arriving from overseas, Mark said that we should expect to see her on the water early next week. Keep an eye out. I have little doubt her beauty and technology will stop you in your tracks as well.
As always, my selection of top stories leads this eNews, with the remainder grouped in the summaries below.
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
Ultra-luxe Marina First to Drop Anchor on the Gold Coast
Gordon Corp, led by Tim Gordon in partnership with pub baron Bruce Mathieson, has commenced a twelve-week Expression of Interest campaign for the new 67-berth Mantaray Marina on the Gold Coast Broadwater, as the superyacht and lifestyle precinct moves into its final stages of delivery.
Bill Barry-Cotter talks about Maritimo and the rebirth of Caribbean
For an industry icon like Bill Barry-Cotter, time spent on the water is often inseparable from the hours spent in the engine room of enterprise. Whilst the magnificent vessel that is Maritimo 100 epitomises his latest on-water ambitions, and a return to his sailing roots with his family, Barry-Cotter is a study in relentless forward momentum.
Daved Lambert Appointed Vice President of BIAV
The Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) has announced the appointment of Daved Lambert as its new Vice President, following a decision by the Association’s Board. A Board member since 2019, Lambert brings extensive business experience, strong industry knowledge and a longstanding passion for boating to the role.
Superyacht Australia appoints Stephen Joyce to lead Brisbane 2032 Marine Project
Superyacht Australia has announced the appointment of Stephen Joyce as Project Manager for the Brisbane 2032 Marine Project. A multi-year initiative, the project is set to transform Queensland and the wider South Pacific as a premier global superyacht destination in the lead-up to, during and far ..
Discover Boating Australia Launch Dry Stack Storage Promotional Campaign
Steering into 2026, The Boat Works unveils When leaders of the boating industry unite for safer, smarter boat storage solutions, great things happen. Ahead of the summer boating season, Discover Boating Australia has partnered with key South East Queensland marinas to launch a region-wide Dry Stack Promotional Campaign to ...
BIA WA Warns of Economic Hit Following WA’s New Demersal Fishing Ban
The Boating Industry Association of Western Australia (BIAWA) has expressed concern over the State Government’s newly announced demersal fishing reforms, warning that the extended closures will have significant economic and social ...
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers return over 800 boaters to safety in November
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state returned 823 people safely to shore during November, completing more than 370 search and rescue missions, including 108 emergency responses. Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews said demand remains high for the volunteer service.
AMSA urges caution: Illegal vessel hire could cost lives this holiday season
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is warning holidaymakers and vessel owners to stay safe and comply with the law this summer. AMSA has identified an increase in illegal charter operations particularly in popular backpacker destinations along the Queensland coast ...
New Sydney Fish Market
As you may be aware, the new Sydney Fish Market will open on Monday 19 January 2026. When the new Fish Market opens, there will be no water access available. Maritime facilities, including berthing for visiting boats and a ferry service are expected be operational within 8-9 months of this opening date and we will advise you ..
Helping South Australians get out on the water this summer
Make the most of summer with free boat ramp access, extra surf life saving patrols, as well as tourism and dining vouchers – all initiatives of the S.A. Malinauskas Labor Government’s $102.5 million Summer Plan package that begin today (5 December).
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