NEWS UPDATE26 April 2024 Publishers noteAfter a somewhat quiet and somber start to the day, the team at Marine Business News worked our typical Thursday afternoon to build the eNewsletter our readers get at 7.00 am (AEST) every Friday morning. Our respects to all those we celebrate on this special day. Lest we Forget. In preparing our newsletter, from the many and diverse stories, two themes stand out this week. Firstly, the volume of boat reveals from the international sailing fraternity, with the Swiss, Kiwis and Brits, adding to last week’s show and tell from the Italians. I have to say that whilst these are at times the types of stories I brush over; I was intrigued by the spectacular craft and the flamboyancy with which they were launched. Clever marketing from someone, with no doubt it building anticipation for the upcoming America’s Cup to feature these craft. Secondly, Danny Casey has again hit the keyboard to bring us some some history and his thoughts on a series of product from yesteryear. In addition to last weeks “The golden era when OMC took the world boating…” which was one of the highest-read stories for last week, this week he brings us “The Great Survivor!” and “The Great Mightabeen…!” – but don’t brush over these. Make a coffee, sit back and enjoy. 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,
The Whiskey Project Group delivers watercraft to US Marine CorpsAustralian specialist and tactical watercraft manufacturer, The Whiskey Project Group (TWPG), has successfully delivered the first two (2) 11metre Whiskey Bravo – Multi Mission Reconnaissance Craft (MMRC) to the United States Marine Corps (USMC) at the Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton, in Southern California. Sydney International Boat Show becomes platform for change.The Sydney International Boat Show will return to Darling Harbour from August 1 to 4, 2024. Whilst record crowds and exhibitors are anticipated, organisers are aiming to use the Show as a platform to discuss and drive change around wider issues impacting the marine industry. The Great Mightabeen…!When it comes to marine propulsion units, it’s not my wont to eulogise sterndrives, primarily because I’ve never liked them much and consider them a fiscal black hole. Also, there is too much power loss and parasitic drag through the universal joint and two gear clusters – not to mention that the only thing between a floating boat and a sunken one is the rubber gaiter between the drive unit and the gimbal bearing. The Great Survivor!Over the summer holiday, I, my son and my nephew were leisurely sitting in my boat, anchored on a glass-calm Jerusalem Bay on Pittwater. I was head down in a newspaper eating a picnic when we heard a small boat creaming and pitter-pattering past with a 2-stroke outboard at full noise – a frenzied, frenetic, full-blooded and urgent buzz. Empire Marinas Group appoint David Randall as CEOEmpire Marinas Group has announced the appointment of David Randall CMM as CEO. David has extensive experience in the marina and marina Industries with a career spanning the New Zealand Navy, hospitality, yacht charter, yacht club facilities management and marina management. Upholding Tradition Suspended in a cradle at the former Creese’s yard, Battery Point, a 40-year-old 40-foot timber yacht is being brought back to its original form with the aim of competing in the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart. The yacht is owned by experienced sailor, Rob Gough, who with John Saul aboard the Akilaria RC2 “Sidewinder” etched their place in Race History by winning the inaugural 2-Handed Line Honours in the 2021 edition Sirocco 730i – the ultimate day boat on show at SCIBS 2024Stylish, spacious and totally unique, the Sirocco 730i is striking a chord with boat owners seeking low-maintenance, fuss-free boating. Since its arrival ‘down under’ in August 2023, the 7.3-metre Dutch-built day boat is already making waves in Sydney and on the Gold Coast with owners who appreciate its impeccable craftsmanship, abundance of features and the ease of setting out for a day on the water. Record Number of Suppliers to Showcase at Marinas24!On the back of an exhibition sell out at Marinas22, space was increased by 25% to accommodate for the extra demand and to provide delegates with a broader range of suppliers to connect with. Marinas24 is a must attend event for marina owners and operators, providing delegates with an efficient and effective way to meet with suppliers and learn about the latest range of products and services available on the market. Jerry Newton Named Venture Boat Group PresidentBrunswick Corporation has named Jerry Newton president of its Venture Boat Group division effective immediately. Newton will be responsible for the overall business performance, strategic growth and operational execution of the Venture Boat Group portfolio including brands Bayliner, Heyday, Quicksilver, and Uttern in North America, Europe, and Australia. MDS Brand launches customisable technology solutions for dealers and boat manufacturersMDS Brand has announced the launch of its powerful, customisable web design services: MADIS AI content creation tool, integrated CallersIQ CRM software and ModelMixer Boat Configurator for boat builders. The ultimate partner in driving sales for dealers and builders alike, MDS provides a complete suite of tools that streamlines the entire sales process for a better customer experience. Pilbara emergency services get a $1.65 million upgrade on land and seaThe Cook WA Labor Government has injected a $1.65 million funding boost from the Emergency Services Levy, with four new frontline response vehicles and a marine search and rescue vessel delivered to help local emergency service volunteers. Australia’s sailing squad for America’s Cup in Barcelona announcedThe sailing squad for Australia’s 2024 America’s Cup challenge in the Unicredit Youth and Puig Women’s competitions in Barcelona has been announced, with a combined team of 13 sailors including several Olympic and Sail GP athletes. Incat to commence design study for new electric-hybrid ferry in partnership with DFDSIncat Tasmania is excited to announce a new partnership with Danish Shipping and Logistics Company DFDS to complete a design study for the construction of a cutting-edge electric-hybrid ferry. The 72-metre ferry, which will have the option to convert to fully electric, is suited to a number of ferry routes across Europe. SeaLink’s Talwurrapin Wins Best Small FerrySeaLink South East Queensland has announced its vessel, Talwurrapin, has been awarded as the Best Small Ferry for the Baird Maritime Work Boat World Best of 2023 Awards. This global accolade highlights Talwurrapin’s outstanding performance and contribution to enhancing transportation services in the region, taking out the title amongst 400 other new vessels reviewed in 2023. |