NEWS UPDATE3 March 2023 Publishers noteLast week we shared the news of the loss of boating legend Ken Warby. This week we sadly also share the news of the passing of another great sporting and boating legend, Syd Fischer AM OBE. Our condolences to the Fischer family and his friends. RIP Syd – Fair winds and following seas. Marine Business News has this week had the pleasure of delivering lots of great news and stories about our industry. With Australia being one of the world's great boating nations, and our industry at the forefront in so many areas, it is not surprising that many within our industry are kicking goals locally and internationally. Each week I like to highlight some of my favourite stories. This week I am not going to. I tried and failed miserably. There is so much to read, I can only invite you to check out the stories in this newsletter, and visit our website for a whole lot more. However, I will mention Michelle. She is so close to home, yet so far. Michelle has travelled around 12,900km with only 1,300km to go, depending on where she lands. On Monday I shared the news of the dramatic mood change she has had since our last chat. She is doing it tough with the conditions not in her favour. We invite you to 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 events calendar, our jobs board, and now an eNews log of 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, Vale Syd FischerAustralia has lost one of its greatest sailors over the weekend with the passing of Syd Fisher. Sydney Fischer AM OBE (4 March 1927 – 25 February 2023) was an Australian businessman and property developer and sailor. Superyacht Australia Soirée 2023The 2023 Superyacht Australia Soirée, to be held on Saturday March 11 at Jones Bay Marina, is gathering momentum and excitement with a record number of superyachts and associated vessels expected for the event. Michelle’s rollercoaster ride of emotionsFrom a perky and happy Michelle late last week, to a very different mood over the weekend. With the finishing line at her finger tips, Michelle has gone from being adamant about arriving in Sydney to now wanting the closest piece of land. Her desire to travel south west has been challenging. This is what Michelle had to say over the weekend. Nautilus Marine Insurance on deck for the 18th Sydney Harbour Regatta – 4-5 MarchHosted by Middle Harbour Yacht Club, the regatta will see some 200 boats and crews will compete across 19 divisions and seven course areas on the waters of one of the best sailing harbours in the world, or offshore within sight of the harbour entrance so spectators are in for a treat. Riviera announces Apprentice of the Year winners Australian luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, has announced four winners in its Apprentice of the Year awards for 2022, showcasing the depth of talent within the company’s workforce of 900 people, including 112 apprentices. Historic appointment for Marine Rescue ShoalhavenMarine Rescue NSW volunteer, Lynne Hocking has been appointed the Shoalhaven unit’s first female Deputy Unit Commander. Hocking was offered the position by recently retired Unit Commander Bruce Mitchell and newly promoted Unit Commander Martin Kaye. Pump It, Don’t Dump ItIn the lead up to Clean Up Australia weekend, 4 & 5 March 2023, The Boat Works is getting behind an initiative by Sweep Marine Services, keen to inform boaties and marinas that dumping raw sewage into our waterways is just not on! Maritimo’s continued growth into new marketsMaritimo forges ahead with its strategic push into Asia by appointing The Yacht Sales Co as their exclusive dealer for South East Asia. Leading Australian luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo, has appointed The Yacht Sales Co as its exclusive dealer for Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong. Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking crew save interstate outriggersA trip to Sydney for a group of paddlers from Townsville has ended up with six women being rescued near Cronulla. The women were competing in Sunday’s Port Hacking Outrigger Regatta when their outrigger failed early in the event. Marina Supplier Directory launched to industryIn support of its core marina and boatyard members, the Marina Industries Association (MIA) has launched its latest industry initiative, the Marina Supplier Directory www.marinasupplierdirectory.org. ICYMI: Frank Hugelmeyer’s State of the Industry Presentation from the DBMIBS Industry BreakfastLast week at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show Industry Breakfast, NMMA President, Frank Hugelmeyer, provided an update on the state of the recreational boating industry. Hugelmeyer touched on the latest sales data and trends, as well as accomplishments made on the advocacy front and the success of the Discover Boating brand integration. Call for MIA Director nominationsThe 2023 Marina Industries Association (MIA) Annual General Meeting will be held electronically from Wednesday 26 April until Friday 12 May 2023. Board nominations are now open. Any MIA Member representatives who are interested and eligible to nominate for a position, please contact Suzanne Davies at ceo@marinas.net.au for a nomination form. Raymarine electronics chosen to equip the new Leopard 40 PowercatRaymarine’s innovative range of marine electronics has been selected for the highly anticipated new Leopard 40 Powercat. Products, including the award-winning Axiom chartplotter series, featured when the boat was unveiled for its world debut at the Miami International Boat Show. Five Female Fishos Announced As OzFish’s Latest Brand AmbassadorsIn an important step towards gender equality, OzFish has announced five female recreational fishers to its brand ambassador program, including former Olympian Emma George, Victoria Harrington, Mel Spikes, Charlotte Klose and Channel 7 TV presenter Olivia Degn. Industry-First Factory-Installed Amphibious Solution Now Available for Boat BuildersAnura NZ, manufacturer of high-performance amphibious systems, and Sea-It, producers of a powerful online visualisation app, announced they are now taking orders for their factory-installed amphibious solution at Bluewater4x4.com. This represents a new option for both custom and volume boat builders. Arvor Boats Australia establishes distribution agreement with Aquasports Marine in WAWestern Australia is a unique market for boats in Australia with a wide range of conditions to greet the enthusiastic boat owner at any time of the year. Superyacht Ready and poised for moreThe Boat Works is Superyacht Ready, adding Gold Anchor accreditation and Superyacht Ready status to its credentials, passing both with flying colours and achieving milestone in the dedicated superyacht yard. ICOMIA half year trend reportICOMIA’s Marine Industry Association members have provided a snapshot overview of their industry for the past 6 months – 1 July 2022 to 31 December 2022 – compared to the same period of the previous year – 1 July 2021 to 31 December 2021. Sanctuary Cove launch multi-million superyacht destinationSoutheast Queensland’s luxury destination, Sanctuary Cove, has become the home of superyachts with the launch of its new $3.5M Pier C development, adding a further 31 berths to the marina and taking the destination’s superyacht berthing capabilities to 39 in total. Trailblazing Australian sailors step up for first ever Women’s Competition for the World’s Oldest Sport Trophy – The America’s CupAustralia is bidding to return to the cauldron of the world’s oldest sporting trophy competition, The America’s Cup, with an Australian Women’s Challenge announced today to compete at the Barcelona 37th America’s Cup in its newest iteration – a women’s regatta in 2024. R Marine Jacksons host a trip of a lifetime to Tasmania, Australia’s historic island stateFive brave and adventurous Riviera owners took on Australia’s southern seas for a three-week cruise exploring Tasmania’s eastern and southern coastline. Organised by Stuart Jackson from R Marine Jacksons and led by Master 5 Skipper David Prior, the owners knew they were in the safest of hands as they took on La Niña’s relentless east coast lows in late February. |