Tribute for Barry Thompson – Friday October 6

An Australian Tribute and Farewell will be held for Barry Thompson on Friday October 6. The family and friends of the late, great, legendary, though characteristically very humble Kiwi marine journalist, father, husband, world powerboat racing champion and Hutchwilco NZ Boating Hall of Famer, Barry Thompson invite fellow journalists and marine industry identities and friends to a special Australian Tribute and Farewell.

Powercraft giant keeping Australian beaches safe

From humble beginnings in 1907, the Surf Life Saving movement in Australia has grown to become an iconic organisation comprising over 190,000 members, all committed to keeping the beach-going public safe. It is now one of the largest volunteer emergency services groups anywhere in the world.

Australia’s top sailors in Sydney for America’s Cup you and women’s squad selection camp

Some of Australia’s top performing sailors have undergone a two and a half day training camp in Sydney this week for selectors, led by John Bertrand AO, to finalise a youth and women’s squad for Australia’s America’s Cup campaign in 2024.

Mercury apprentice named top school based apprentice

Mercury Marine first-year apprentice Joachim Lopez-Valoa has won the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year award at the 69th Victorian Training Awards, earning the distinction of Victoria’s top school-based apprentice for 2023.

Australia celebrates Australia II’s 40th Anniversary of Success

September 26th 2023 marks the 40 year anniversary of the Australia II crew winning the prestigious America’s Cup. In an event that truly stopped the nation, and indeed many others, the iconic America’s Cup win shaped the very fabric of the Australian sporting landscape by instilling the support of the “under dog” and the never give up Aussie attitude in popular culture.

BIA Victoria launch Boating Podcast

The BIA in Victoria have launched a podcast series This Boating Life with the support of their Boating Careers service. With industry stalwart John ‘Bear’ Willis at the helm, in the first episode he talks to Peter Cleland of Bar Crusher about the early days, some of the challenges, the success stories and a great deal more.

Boating speeds reduced on Noosa River

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) has reduced boating speed limits in some parts of the Noosa River ahead of the September school holidays. The southern shore from Noosa Sound to Lake Doonella and the Dog Beach areas near the Noosa River entrance are now permanently limited to six knots.

Search and Rescue exercise at Batemans Bay tests skills of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers

Over 100 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff from the Monaro and Illawarra regions teamed up with NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW for a major Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) at Batemans Bay over the weekend.

Delightful day boating is simple with Sirocco 730i

A new, luxury day cruiser has arrived in Australia in time for summer boating, offering a head-turning profile, large carrying capacity and fuel economy. The 7.3-metre Sirocco 730i is an inboard diesel day boat made in the Netherlands that is ideal for cruising Australian waterways, from Sydney Harbour, Pittwater and the Hawkesbury to Port Phillip Bay and the Gold Coast Broadwater and canals.

All-New Elan GT6 Explorer

The team from Performance Cruising Yachts say that they are thrilled to announce Elan Yachts has unveiled a new addition to their fleet: the Elan GT6 Explorer, also known as the Elan GT6 X in its abbreviated form. As suggested by its name, the Explorer is built on the platform of the multiple award winning GT6—a luxurious 49-foot cruiser designed in collaboration with Studio F. A. Porsche. 

Expansion in the deep south

Set to be completed by early September, the home of Stabicraft’s manufacturing in the windswept city of Invercargill, New Zealand, is undergoing an extension. Located in the South Island of New Zealand, Invercargill is home to Stabicraft and the infamous, rugged westerly winds named the ‘Roaring Forties’. .

How to Become Superyacht Crew

Superyacht Australia, the peak national industry body for the superyacht industry in Australia, is proud to have published a new resource aimed at making it easy for Australians to start their journey as superyacht crew. Australians are natural superyacht crew with over 90% of our population living on the coast. 

$100,000 Innovation awards – shortlist announced

21 Australian innovators from both the defence and civil sectors have been shortlisted for the prestigious Indo Pacific 2023 Innovation Awards, worth $100,000. Steber International (NSW) has been nominated for their hybrid propulsion system for surface craft reducing operational expenditure and emissions.

Spectacular Geographe Bay delights Riviera owners

Lavish weekend at Port Geographe Marina in Australia’s South West has given a group of Riviera owners the chance to indulge in much-needed rest, camaraderie and enjoyment of their luxury motor yachts. Organised by R Marine Perth, the event was also a chance to unwind in wilderness.

In conversation with Mark Riley

Mark Riley was born to boat. Growing up around coastal rivers in NSW, since before he could walk, he was on or in the water. In July 2023, Whitehaven appointed Marine Riley to represent them in New South Wales. Marine Riley, led by Dealer Principal Mark Riley, brings a wealth of experience gained from building, designing and sourcing luxury yachts for clients worldwide.