BIA release their end of 2025 Sydney Boat Show overview

The 2025 Sydney Boat Show came to a close on Sunday, capping four successful days at the Sydney Showground, attracting strong crowds and industry support from 14 to 17 August. Exceeding all expectations the four days delivered an impressive 23,525 attendees through the doors.

Leadership change at Marine Rescue NSW as Commissioner Barrell accepts national appointment

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell ESM will step down from the role next month after accepting a position as Executive Director of Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). 

Vale – Peter “Pete” Lester 

Global Sailing Community Mourns the Passing of America’s Cup Legend – Peter “Pete” Lester (1954–2025). Pete passed away suddenly on August 8, 2025, at the age of 70, following complications from a heart attack suffered a week earlier.

BIA Report – “Blue Economy Delivers High Values”

The Boating Industry Association has launched the National Recreational Boating Statement at the Sydney Boat Show to an audience of government, stakeholder and industry representatives.

Outstanding statutory notice checks now available before purchasing used boats

Boat buyers can now check whether a vessel has any outstanding Transport for NSW Maritime notices relating to safety or condition before purchasing in NSW. Previously, outstanding notices would remain with a vessel when they changed ownership and were legally binding unless they were resolved before sale.

Edencraft Unveils First-Ever Centre Console at Sydney Boat Show

For the first time in its history, Edencraft International has unveiled a centre console, answering long-standing calls from serious anglers who wanted the brand’s legendary performance in a layout designed for fishing freedom.

New Sailing Podcast: 2 Hulls 1 Life

A new sailing podcast has been launched called ‘2 Hulls 1 Life’ hosted by Brent Vaughan, Managing Director of Multihull Central, who interviews inspirational sailors about their adventures cruising the world onboard their catamarans.

Australia Moves to Ban PFAS Firefighting Foams – What It Means for Marinas and Boatyards

News from the Marina Industries Association (MIA). The Australian marine industry is facing one of its most significant reforms with the phase-out of firefighting foams containing PFAS, known as “forever chemicals.”

GORI Propeller Powers LEON to Victory in the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race

The 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race has come to a thrilling close, with LEON—a JPK 1010 skippered by Alexis Loison and Jean-Pierre Kelbert—claiming overall victory. Completing the race in a corrected time of 4 days, 5 hours, and 2 minutes, this marks Alexis’s second Fastnet win, having first secured the title in 2013.

A vintage vessel with a modern mission

How a 50-year-old sailboat is pushing the boundaries of electric sailing with AkzoNobel. When Dan and Kika of Sailing UMA first set sail over a decade ago, it wasn’t for luxury or leisure. It was a bold leap into sustainable living, independence, and the pursuit of freedom.

BIA awards 2025 Apprentice of the Year

Boating enthusiast and recent graduate apprentice shipwright Tom Ironside of Mac Marine Group, Newport, NSW, last week won the 2025 BIA Apprentice of the Year award.

DockPro Wins BIA Sustainability Award

Gold Coast based marine business DockPro last week won the BIA Sustainability in the Boating Industry Award at the official opening of the Sydney Boat Show, at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.

Sea Jay PowerMatched

Family-owned Queensland boat manufacturer Sea Jay Boats has achieved a major milestone in its long-standing partnership with Yamaha Motor Australia, becoming a certified PowerMatched partner.