NEWS UPDATE14 June 2024 Publishers noteYes – I know. My opening comments last week were probably not as well thought out as they should have been. Firstly, the weather last weekend was not as bad as I thought it would be. It was actually quite good in most locations despite the deluge many received in the days prior. Secondly, past research shows that many boaties are on the water all year round. I haven’t looked at the research for a while, in fact, I am not sure if any new research has been conducted on this subject, but I recall the data clearly showed that people liked their boating 12 months of the year. Of course, the seasonality of boating shows a peak in summer and a dip in winter, but Australia is not like other countries whose crippling winter means no boating at all. The spirit of Australian boating, especially in sports such as fishing and sailing, ensures there wasn’t a month when no one was boating. Last weekend, many of our own were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list. Congratulations to those who were awarded the Emergency Services Medal. A special mention also for the late Sir James Hardy OBE, who was posthumously awarded an AO. More on this story next week. 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, “Anglers have notoriously selective memories…Fishing is hard! There, I’ve said it! I reckon it’s something we should all probably hear — and say out loud — a bit more often than most of us actually do, especially in this brave new world of social media and its insidious spread of FOMO (fear of missing out), where almost every “look at me!” post and video tells of sunny days, calm seas, prize catches and happy memories. Tassie: the Wooden Boat capital of AustraliaTasmania is the epicentre of Australian wooden boat building. As the home of what is considered the world’s finest boat building timbers, Huon Pine, Tassie has a rich heritage of boat building which began in the early years of colonisation and survives to this day. Marine Rescue NSW volunteers awarded Emergency Services MedalFour Marine Rescue NSW volunteers with a combined 115 years of service dedicated to saving lives on the water have been recognised on the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List. Mercury Marine introduces 8HP and 9.9HP EFI FourStroke and 9.9HP EFI ProKicker outboardsMercury Marine have introduced the 8hp and 9.9hp EFI FourStroke and 9.9hp EFI ProKicker™ outboard engines. These new outboards feature an advanced Mercury electronic fuel injection (EFI) system designed to provide boaters, fishing enthusiasts and pro anglers with easy starts and efficient performance. Commercial Houseboat crewing exemptionIn response to BIA’s advocacy over the last three years on behalf of the Class 4 DCV houseboat sector, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority has put in place a new exemption to support houseboat business owners and employees operating houseboats when not on hire.
Freezing fishers reminded to layer up with a lifejacket As the mercury drops, winter sets in, and recreational fishers embrace the cold by heading inland and dropping lines in southern New South Wales, marine authorities have issued a reminder about the heightened risks of cold-water boating. Cairns Maritime Jobs & Careers Expo 2024 launches new regional workforce planIn collaboration with local industry and government departments the Australian International Marine Export Group hosted the second annual Cairns Maritime Jobs and Careers Expo on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Marinas24 Innovation Showcase WinnerThe Marinas24 Innovation Showcase introduced five new products or services to the market with each delivering a punchy seven-minute presentation where developers outlined the unique benefits for the industry. The showcase session chairman, Phil Wardale, the current secretary of NZMOA, said “It was a brilliant session, really highlighting the strength and ingenuity of the industry”. Demand for RIBs runs hotThis year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show was a “pleasant surprise” for Neil Webster, Managing Director of Sirocco Marine, specialists in Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) and exhibitor at the show for 20 years.. Exceptional Sanctuary Cove Show for RivieraAustralian premium luxury motor yacht builder Riviera has defined the 2024 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show as ‘exceptional’. Twelve motor yachts from Riviera’s wide range were selected for the company’s display, which was visited by more than 600 Riviera owners and 3000 visitors. The four-day event is the only boat show Riviera is taking part in in 2024. Port Denarau Marina Gold Sponsor for inaugural South Pacific Superyacht RendezvousFiji’s leading marina, Port Denarau, has confirmed its support for the inaugural South Pacific Superyacht Rendezvous as a Gold Sponsor. Port Denarau Marina is a key location for superyachts in the South Seas. Boasting more than 50 berths for vessels measuring up to 85 meters, the marina plays an important role in hosting international visitors and supporting the local maritime community. Axopar’s Strategic Acquisition: Owning Markos to Boost Production and InnovationFinnish Axopar Group made a significant move on June 4, 2024, by acquiring a majority shareholding in Markos Sp. z.o.o. through its newly founded subsidiary, AX Composites Ltd. This strategic acquisition marks Axopar’s ambitious step toward becoming a global leader in composite technology manufacturing. AIMEX are seeking expressions of interest to attend and exhibit at boot DüsseldorfAIMEX are seeking expressions of interest to attend and exhibit at boot Düsseldorf in Messe Düsseldorf from 18 – 26 January 2025. boot Düsseldorf is the world’s largest yacht and watersports show, with 214,000 visitors from 120 countries and more than 1,500 exhibitors from 67 nations on 220,000 square metres in 16 exhibition halls. 72 hours free berthing – and a nod to the WhalesThe Yacht Sales Co. Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race will now offer 72 hours of complimentary berthing to all competitors and is adapting their race course to be friendly to whale migrations. “We’re excited to announce great news for all the skippers and crew joining us for the 2024 Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race”, said Karen Baldwin, RQYS CEO. |