MARINE BUSINESS NEWS
NEWS UPDATE
10 February 2023
Publishers note
It seems like many within our industry are converging on the Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart this weekend. The reports I am getting about this show are very good. I am long overdue for a visit. I can’t make it this year, but it is definitely going into the calendar for its next running.
On the subject of shows, it’s good to see that the team at the BIA and Mulpha are now taking exhibitor bookings for the Sydney International Boat Show. We are hearing that Sanctuary Cove is going to be bigger than last year and is either at capacity or close to it. Let's hope this is a good omen for Sydney
Michelle called earlier in the week and it was a long conversation. Much longer than normal. She was told by Roger to bunker down for at least the next five days to ride out a storm. She didn’t say much more other than it was rough out there. She kept saying "it’s tough out here".
Her plan was to go out and stretch her legs for as long as she could until the storm arrived. After all, she was facing 5 days laid out on her back with very little to do. We had one of our moments where I told her in a firm tone to make sure she tethers off before going out. She paused, and then said that she would.
She also seemed tired and has now told Roger to direct her home to the east coast of Australia using the shortest route. Whilst Sydney was her dream, her journey may end in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast or another safe location.
I urged her not to wish this journey over too quickly. The ocean is her happy place, and I have no doubt she be wishing she was back out there, and will be planning her next adventure soon after landing. In fact we have already concocted an idea that may well come to fruition in the future.
Mid-week came the news that Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle was forming. Looking at the BOM charts it will travel between Michelle’s position and the Australian coast line. This certainly concerned me. I’m not sure if Michelle didn’t know about the cyclone or if simply she wasn’t worried about it when we spoke.
I don’t think I’m the only one to have lost a little sleep over it but my mind was somewhat put at ease. I had a call today from champion adventurer and friend, Justin Jones – one half of the Cas & Jonsey duo who Crossed the Ditch. Justin also had a chat with Michelle and neither of them were overly worried. Justin explained that the discomfort she would encounter was far less than that he a James had when they rowed to New Zealand late in 2007.
For now I am hearing that Michelle has her Drogue (sea anchor) off the bow, keeping the 'Maid' pointed into the wind while drifting essentially backwards, stern first. Those in the know say that this is safer and more comfortable.
Please keep in mind Michelle still needs help with the return of her trailer from the east coast of the USA back to Oz. If you think you can help, please drop me note at newsroom@marinebusinessnews.com.au and I will put you in contact with one of her ground crew locally.
We invite you look at the many more stories on our website not seen in this newsletter as well as links to resources, photo libraries, reviews, our international industry events calendar, and our jobs board and now an eNews log of all our past Friday Newsletters.
Our newsroom is open, and if your business has news to share, please let us know. Feel free to contact me or our team in the newsroom at newsroom@marinebusinessnews.com.au
Stay safe on the water,
Domenic Genua - Publisher
Exhibitor applications now open – 2023 Sydney International Boat Show
The Boating Industry Association (BIA) together with event delivery partner, Mulpha Events are pleased to announce the opening of exhibitor applications for the 54th edition of the Sydney International Boat Show.
Brunswick Corporation Names John Buelow President – Mercury Marine
Brunswick Corporation has named John Buelow Executive Vice President and President, Mercury Marine. John was previously Vice President, Global Operations, Mercury Marine and succeeds Chris Drees, who has decided to leave Brunswick to pursue opportunities outside the Company and the marine industry.
Five additional Mercury Marine facilities achieve ‘zero waste to landfill’ designation
Mercury Marine announced the addition of five facilities to its list of zero-waste-to-landfill (ZWTL) operations. Starting in December 2022, sustainability teams at these locations across the U.S. began reporting that their months long initiatives aimed at reducing, reusing and recycling waste materials have brought their facilities into compliance with widely accepted ZWTL standards.
Suhaili Fulfilling a dream
In a makeshift tin shed in Newcastle, NSW, marine surveyor Mike Smith is building a replica of the legendary Suhaili, the cutting ketch made famous when Robin Knox-Johnston sailed non-stop around the world to win the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race.
Suzuki announces Growth Strategy for FY2030
Suzuki Motor Corporation announced its Growth Strategy for FY2030. With the motto to deliver “value-packed products” by focusing on the customer, Suzuki will carry out its unique Growth Strategy for FY2030 by operating under the principle of manufacturing “Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, Beauty”.
Navy divers safeguard popular site
Navy clearance divers have protected a marine park in the Jervis Bay area after removing and disposing of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Clearance Diving Team One located and disposed of a 500-pound Mark 82 general purpose bomb that had laid dormant for more than 40 years.
Boating Industry Association launch new trade membership
The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has launched a three-year Trade Membership program for individuals and sole traders. As a Trade Member, you may be an employee of an existing BIA Member business or have set out on your own to build your own business.
The legacy of Steve Fisher – Rivergate’s Director of International Business
There aren’t many people that know the ins and outs of the superyacht industry quite like Steve Fisher, Rivergate’s Director of International Business.
ATL Composites introduces EPIFANES Yacht Coatings at Australian Wooden Boat Festival
After a four-year wait, 500 vessels and 70 exhibitors are headed to the picturesque Hobart waterfront for the 2023 Australian Wooden Boat Festival, 10 to 13 February.
City’s Mayor endorses Aussie invention
The ingenuity and craftsmanship of The Boat Works partners at Element Concepts are attracting global clients and employing more locals, thanks to its high-tech manufacturing skills within the marine industry.
Brunswick Corporation Reports Strong Performance & Engagement at Largest Global Consumer and Marine Trade Shows
Brunswick Corporation and its award-winning brands have reported a strong start to the 2023 boat show season, highlighting the Company’s continued market momentum and showcasing of its ACES Innovation strategy.
2023 Offshore Superboat Championship – Lightning can strike twice in the same place!
Four exciting classes will each have three races spanning each weekend. Close to shore action to enthral the thousands of spectators. Race Village feel with additional entertainment and hospitality options.
Boating changes into a high-technology activity
Moving ahead from the traditional conception of boating and yachting as a nostalgic experience with wind, water and ancient seamanship, leading companies in the industry have presented their innovative digital products at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas recently.
Reminder about upcoming Marina Training Institute courses
Upcoming MTI courses and seminars include: Insurance Intensive Seminar, Legal Webinar, Oil Spill Response Course (online), Nautilus Marine Emergency Preparedness Course (online), Marinas 101, BMT Environmental Best Practices, Nautilus Marine Extreme Weather Preparedness.
Volvo Penta and Groupe Beneteau unveil concept for future of leisure boating and invite customer input
The trial vessel will capture feedback from media, customers, and dealers to help shape the future boating experience. The collaboration with Groupe Beneteau is a step forward in defining tomorrow’s sustainable, intuitive, near-silent, leisure boating experiences that will enable boaters to explore and experience life on the water.
Facing supply chain stalls
Prices for parts remain high. The price for transport has not returned to pre-covid levels and some yacht components remain out of stock. Yards for pleasure craft struggle to keep production ongoing, but have to confront their clients with longer delivery times. The supply chain congestion caused by the pandemic has inflicted some long lasting effects.
Upcoming regional members’ meeting in Southern Sydney
The Marina Industries Association (MIA) Directors invite Southern Sydney/NSW members to join them for a meeting and networking forum on Thursday February 23 from 3:30pm – 6:00pm at Royal Motor Yacht Club Port Hacking, 228/232 Woolooware Road, Burraneer, NSW 2230.
$441,000 Rescue vessel boosts safety on Hawkesbury
Boaters around the Hawkesbury will be kept safer thanks to the delivery of a new $441,000 rescue boat to Marine Rescue NSW. Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke joined Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch, Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Todd Andrews to commission the new vessel Hawkesbury 30 in a ceremony at Mooney Mooney today.
