MARINE BUSINESS NEWS

 

NEWS UPDATE

01 May 2026 

 

Publishers note

It is always sad when we report on, and respectfully recognise, the passing of an era. This week, we had two.

The first was the passing of Olympian, sailing legend and well-known identity Gordon “Wingnut” Ingate OAM, who left us this time last week at the age of 100. Very few can claim such a full, rewarding and enduring life on the water. Fair winds and following seas.

The other is a farewell to an iconic business many across the industry have known for decades, Coursemaster Autopilots. Today is officially their last day. We extend our thanks for their service and contribution to the marine industry, and we wish Richard Chapman, his family and the entire Coursemaster team our very best for their next chapters.

I’m not going to lie; the last few weeks have felt like one big dog paddle. Not in a bad way, but there has certainly been a lot happening. There are many positive things underway with Marine Business News, its new sister publication, Exhibition Industry News, which I am equally proud of, along with a range of other activity happening behind the scenes.

It is all moving in the right direction, and as the coming weeks unfold, we expect to have kicked a few more goals, with more news to share with you soon.

Don’t forget to check out our Marinas26 updates in today’s news wrap up. You’ll also find links book your place for Marinas26 as well as ASMEX below.

We do hope you enjoy this week’s news.

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

 
 
 
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Coursemaster Autopilots closes after more than 50 years of Australian marine innovation

Coursemaster Autopilots will close its doors today, 1 May 2026, bringing to an end more than five decades of continuous operation for one of Australia’s most recognised marine technology businesses.

 
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Vale Gordon Ingate OAM

Sailing legend, Gordon Ingate OAM, passed away following a short illness, he had turned 100 in March and celebrated in style at Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron with his family and a mass of friends, including those he collected interstate and overseas. Gordon, or 'Wingnut’,  as he was famously known in ...

 
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Strong member turnout for BIAV 2026 AGM and Annual Dinner

The Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) brought members together for its 2026 Annual General Meeting and Annual Dinner, marking an evening of industry updates, governance continuity, member recognition and networking. Held on ...

 
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Caribbean 40F Flybridge – Global Reveal

Caribbean has unveiled the 40F Flybridge to a global audience, marking a significant moment in the evolution of the brand’s flybridge convertible range. The Caribbean 40F introduces a refined exterior design direction that redefines the visual identity ...

 
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Marinas26 – 300+ Delegates Register – 4 weeks to Go!

With still four weeks to go, over 300 delegates have registered for the Marinas26 International Conference and Trade Exhibition (Marinas26). In a return to the Gold Coast, the event will be held at the Royal Pines Resort on 25 & 26 May 2026.

 
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SCIBS 2026 top marine toys and innovations revealed

While SCIBS is perhaps best known for serving up a stellar selection of luxury on-water vessels, it’s not just powerhouse motor yachts that are set to draw crowds this year. Boating gadgets and high-tech toys have been steadily rising in popularity, and ...

 
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Celebrating 10 Years on the Water

Boat Gold Coast Magazine marked its 10-year anniversary. We spoke with founder and magazine director ANDY KANCACHIAN about why the magazine began, why it’s still growing, and what makes the Gold Coast one of Australia’s great boating cities.

 
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Solar Power, Seamlessly Perfected – Riviera

For more than 45 years, Riviera has refined the art of the luxury motor yacht, guided by considered design and engineering. Today, that evolution extends to how energy is experienced on‑board – introducing a more integrated, quieter approach through solar.

 
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Sea-Trex returns to SCIBS 2026 — Born in ’83, Back for Good

Sea-Trex is set to return to the spotlight at the 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), marking a new era for the long-established Australian aluminium boat brand, originally founded in 1983. Acquired in July 2025 by marine industry leader Tim ...

 
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Highfield Boats Australia welcomes WaterSports Marine as exclusive dealer for NSW

Highfield Boats Australia has announced the appointment of WaterSports Marine as their exclusive authorised dealer for New South Wales, marking an exciting new chapter for both companies and boating enthusiasts across the state. This strategic partnership ..

 
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In other news...

 
 
 
Marinas26
 
Marinas26 – 300+ Delegates Register – 4 weeks to Go!
 
Marinas26 Conference Session Announcement: AI — Practical Applications for Marinas
 
Meet the Marinas26 Exhibitors
 
Marinas26 Conference Session Announcement – Marina Maintenance & Asset Management
 
ASSOCIATION NEWS
 
BOAT SHOWCASE
 
BOAT SHOWS
 
Record fleet and global reach mark International Multihull Show 2026
 
Little sailors inspired by big boats
 
Pearl Yachts to showcase the Pearl 63 and Pearl 82 at the Palma International Boat Show 2026
 
EDUCATION
 
ENVIRONMENT
 
Revolutionising the Blue Economy: Explorer Lisa Blair OAM and ACM CRC partners launch landmark project to advance sustainable marine composites
 
GOVERNMENT & GOVERNANCE
 
News from Marine and Safety Tasmania
 
HISTORY & SOCIETY
 
INDUSTRY, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
 
Aquila scoops two awards in one week
 
Azimut|Benetti Group wins the Yacht Style Awards 2026
 
Vessev unlocks waterways as the next layer of urban transit
 
INTERNATIONAL
 
First Majesty 145 Superyacht launched
 
Purser Support responds as captains seek solutions to manage rising operational demands
 
LIFESTYLE
 
Exploring Fjords and beyond aboard the Archipelago 47
 
PEOPLE
 
POLICE
 
Located: Search and rescue, Point Lookout
 
NSW man charged over alleged plot to import 200kg of cocaine after at-sea transfer off Qld coast
 
RESCUE & SERVICES
 
SHIPPING
 
Australia begins first live S‑100 bridge trial in Sydney Harbour
 
Chris-Marine® launches Engine Insights to turn cylinder data into instant maintenance decisions
 
bound4blue completes eSAIL® installation on Klaveness Combination Carriers’ CABU III newbuild
 
SPORT
 
Jeanneau sailors enjoy every moment of Sail Port Stephens!
 
Foiling Week 2026, entries opened 13th edition in Malcesine
 
2026 Sail Port Stephens Performance Series report
 
OMEGA to serve as official timekeeper of the 38th America’s Cup
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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