MARINE BUSINESS NEWS
NEWS UPDATE
17 May 2024
Publishers note
When I joined this industry over 30 years ago, in my various roles, I had the pleasure of crossing paths, and in many instances having some form of working relationship with some amazing and brilliant journalists.
There was Bob Ross, David Lockwood, Mark Rothfield, Caroline Strainig, Robin Copeland, Mike Sinclair, Barry Thompson, Dick Lewers, Jim Harnwell, Jeni Bone, Graham Lloyd, and the list goes on. People I admired for their ability to put words down to present our products and services to their readers in such a way that we, all of us within the marine sector, would benefit.
One of those giants was Bob Wonders, a person I had the pleasure of working closely with for a good 20 years. He had his ways, but he never let me down. Always ready to go, never late with a job, and always having the ability to be on message.
Earlier this week I was saddened to hear of his passing. Bob was 85. I didn’t see him much once he retired from the industry, but we did speak. He was able to understand more on some days, than others. I recall vividly a call he made to me, at a time when he was most ill, concerned for my welfare. It was the type of guy he was.
I spoke to his brother Bruce this week, and I was comforted by the story he told me. On Monday night, he spoke to Bob, and whilst a little croaky, he was keen to talk about football. Nothing out of the ordinary. Bruce got a call Tuesday to say Bob passed peacefully in his sleep.
I am grateful for having known Bob, what he did for me, and what he has done for our industry.
Rest in peace Bob
Fair winds and following seas
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
Vale Bob Wonders
It is with much sadness that we report the passing of our industry friend, Bob Wonders. Bob was a well-respected sporting and boating journalist with a history as a soldier, Bondi lifeguard, dedicated Whale Beach life saver and member of the boat crew competing in numerous carnivals. He was also a world record holder in powerboat racing.
AIMEX reveals ASMEX 2024 speaker program
he Australian International Marine Export Group, Superyacht Australia, and Australia Commercial Marine Group have released a comprehensive conference program for the ASMEX 2024 Conference. This three-day conference, including networking events and industry tours, will take place at the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, running from Monday, May 20 to Wednesday, 22 May, concluding with the 2024 Australian Marine Industry Awards Gala Dinner.
Marinas24 Not to be Missed!
The final preparations are being made for the 370 delegates, from 14 countries who have registered to attend the Marinas24 International Conference and Trade Exhibition, kicking off in ten days at the Royal International Convention Centre (RICC) in Brisbane. With over 50 industry suppliers exhibiting at the event, Marinas24 will again provide delegates with the most efficient and cost-effective way to meet suppliers face to face.
102 Global & Australian Premiers at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Witness 102 of the world’s newest boating and marine innovations at the 35th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, from May 23 to 26. Mulpha Events General Manager Johan Hasser said his team was hugely excited to present one of the marine industry’s most anticipated events and looking forward to welcoming huge crowds to this year’s Show.
YESSSS Celebrates Impressive First Year in Business
YESSSS, an Australian and New Zealand based marine marketing and business development company, is celebrating its first year in business. In just one year, the company has surpassed its own expectations, working with marine companies across the globe.
For me, the bottom line is this” we NEVER stop learning! Or at least, we shouldn’t.
I wrote my first article for a fishing magazine in my final year of high school, just before my 17th birthday. With considerable trepidation, I mailed it off to my teenage hero and the editor of what was then the Australian Angler magazine, Ron Calcutt. Several weeks passed before I received Ron’s reply, and my fingers shook nervously as I summoned the courage to finally open that nondescript envelope.
Dometic NRX-S refrigerator wins 2024 Top Products Award from Boating Industry Magazine
Marine business publication Boating Industry Magazine has recognised the new Dometic NRX-S line of refrigerators with a 2024 Top Products Award. The Dometic NRX-S line refrigerator was recognised by the jury for its outstanding energy performance and variability in cooling modes, one with almost no noise in operation.
Robert Clifford honoured for decades of innovation in the maritime industry
Incat Founder and Chairman Robert Clifford has been recognised for a lifetime of contributions to the maritime industry at the Shippax Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, where he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is a testament to Robert’s decades-long commitment to innovation, leadership, and advancement in shipbuilding.
Lumitec Makes a Splash Down Under at SCIBS
Attention installers, regional resellers, and distributors! Lumitec, America’s leading marine lighting brand, is expanding in Australia and exhibiting for the first time at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. YESSSS, a trusted Australian based marine marketing and business development company, will be joining forces with Lumitec to showcase their comprehensive lighting solutions, designed to illuminate any vessel “Bow to Stern.”
Bar Crusher’s exclusive new colours
Australian plate aluminium boat builder Bar Crusher has introduced a new range of premium hull colours. Inspired by automotive brands, and the result of a collaboration with a long-time paint supplier, the new colour range complements Bar Crusher’s recent update of its hull graphics to set these Fishing Weapons even further ahead of the pack.
SailGP wrap up from 3 days in Bermuda
Diego Botin’s Los Gallos got the better of two of the leagues heavyweights – Australia and New Zealand – in a tense three-boat final at the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix to win its second SailGP event of Season 4.
Highfield E330 ZeroJet into SCIBS 2024
Highfield Boats and ZeroJet will release the E330, the world’s only battery powered, jet propelled tender in production at the 2024 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Highfield, represented by Northside Marine will headline the world’s only battery powered, jet propelled tender on their large waterfront display at SCIBS 2024, showcasing the brand’s class-leading aluminium-hulled RIBs.
AUSTRALIAN WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL. Boat expressions of interest for 2025 AWBF now open
Embark on a maritime odyssey unlike any other as the Australian Wooden Boat Festival (AWBF) announces the opening of expressions of interest for the prestigious showcase of vessels ashore and afloat at the AWBF 2025. Held 7 – 10 February 2025, this grand event, held in Tasmania, stands as the largest celebration of maritime culture in the Southern Hemisphere
Raymarine Unveils Exciting Exhibits at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, Showcases New Location on The Promenade
Raymarine, leading innovator in marine electronics, is returning to the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, taking place from 23rd – 26th May. This year, Raymarine is set to make waves with its new location on The Promenade, offering visitors a prime spot against the picturesque backdrop of the marina to explore cutting-edge marine technology and witness firsthand the latest in navigation and fish finding solutions.
