NEWS UPDATE28 June 2024 Publishers noteI have said this before, and I’ll say it again. I do not in any way hesitate to share news about what the Marine Rescue services are doing around Australia. Regular readers will know that it is uncommon that a week passes that we are not sharing a story or two, about an event, a rescue, or other activity that one of the services has completed. As is the case late on a Thursday, I sit to ponder what I will say in my weekly publisher’s note. As I do so tonight, more information has just arrived at Marine Business News HQ, that Marine Rescue NSW has held its first-ever multi-agency flood rescue and operational readiness exercise as the Service enhances its flood rescue capability to support NSW SES and other agencies during significant weather emergencies across the state. We will have this story online soon. This this week’s news (and today’s newsletter) we reported on Marine Rescue NSW volunteers who completed major Search and Rescue Exercise in Sydney Harbour. Whilst this may sound NSW-centric, it’s not meant to be. What I hope to do is use these as examples of what all the wonderful services do to prepare, so they can look after us on the water. Yes, I do have a lot of stories about Marine Rescue NSW, but we equally search for, and report when we can about what is happening in other states. Well done to all the volunteers. Thank you for what you do. Whilst we may be lax at times in showing our gratitude, rest assured there are many of us that look to you in absolute admiration. 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, Vale John Owen SpeedieIt is with sadness that we report the passing of John Speedie. John was part of the Mercury family for a long time. He was an original Mariner employee from when they first came on the market and then joined the Mercury team originally in as the International Sales Manager looking after the South Pacific region. A New Way of AdventuringProject Zero Embarks on Second Leg to Promote Climate Change Awareness Through Global Expedition. Watch the new Dometic documentary ‘A New Way’ following the inspiring journey of a father and son duo and their innovative approach to conservation and sustainability. Nautilus Marine Insurance on the start line for the 39th Hamilton Island Race WeekNautilus Marine Insurance, one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading providers of insurance solutions for recreational vessels and marine business assets, is continuing its support of the acclaimed Hamilton Island Race Week. Offshore wind farms – what does it mean for boatingIt was this time last week when the federal government announced that they were taking the next steps towards introducing the Hunter offshore wind zone. We have heard about this project for some time, but it was light on detail, and their announcement goes as so far to advise what the government intends that can occur in and around each turbine. Hire and drive operator fined for illegal charterThe Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has fined a ‘hire and drive’ operator $3,756 for chartering a domestic commercial vessel (DCV) on Sydney Harbour without the required classification. The vessel was chartered out as a class 2 (non-passenger) vessel, with a skipper, when it only held certification as a class 4 (hire and drive) vessel. The most expensive yachts to charter from the Northrop & Johnson fleetFor me it’s dreamtime. When we received the news from the Northrop & Johnson team letting us know of their most expensive yachts to charter, I originally passed over the email. Then I had a second look, and then could not stop looking. Over my past 30 years in the industry, I’ve had the privilege and honour to see and board some spectacular vessels, but these were something else. Please enjoy.Gori props – hard to beat the original The prototype Gori folding propeller was informed by a range of influences, from engineers, from a manufacturer of specialist paints and a designer from iconic audio group Bang & Olufsen. So it’s no wonder that approaching its 50th anniversary the original concept is still winning awards Marine Rescue NSW volunteers complete major Search and Rescue Exercise in Sydney HarbourMore than 25 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have practiced their skills alongside members of NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW during a Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) in Sydney Harbour. Petition to Stop Record Tax on NSW BoatingThe Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has launched a petition in a bid to stop Transport for NSW applying from 1 July the highest taxes in Australia on boating. RIBs at SIBS – Sirocco will have the most extensive rangeSirocco Marine is preparing for the 55th Sydney International Boat Show where it will be among the largest exhibitors, occupying a massive space in the ICC Hall with 36 models of the latest RIBs on display. 11th Australia Tahiti Rendezvous Goes from Strength to StrengthThe 11th Australia Tahiti Rendezvous was held across Thursday June 20 and Friday June 21 at Marina Taina in Papeete, Tahiti. The occasion provided an excellent platform for the Australians to educate the yachts currently in Tahiti on their cruising options, refit and maintenance facilities and service providers as they continue their journey west in the South Pacific. Record submissions made on proposed South Coast Marine Park in W.A.Thousands of submissions have been received from individuals and organisations during the consultation process for the proposed South Coast Marine Park. The proposed marine park’s four-month public comment period – which is longer than was legally required – closed on Sunday, 16 June. Black Foils dominate in New York, securing fifth win of the seasonNew Zealand’s Black Foils put on a commanding performance to win the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix – a coming of age event for SailGP. The Black Foils have claimed victory in the Big Apple – securing their fifth win in 12 events and extending their lead at the top of the season standings. Olympic icons feature in Australian Olympians’ Oath videoAustralia’s oldest living Olympian Gordon Ingate (98) shares the limelight with Tokyo champions Emma McKeon and Jess Fox, Boomers’ talisman Patty Mills, Matildas captain Steph Catley along with track great Raelene Boyle, hockey legend Ric Charlesworth, diving veteran Mel Wu competing in her fifth Games in Paris and surfer Jack Robinson who will make his Olympic debut. Catherine Pourre appointed Chairwoman of the Board of Groupe BeneteauGroupe Beneteau’s Annual General Meeting was held in the presence of its shareholders. Following the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors elected Catherine POURRE as Chairwoman of the Board of Groupe Beneteau. |