Riviera opens new apprentice Academy of Excellence

Riviera is making a significant investment in the future of young Australians seeking a career in the marine industry by opening its own state-of-the-art training centre, The Riviera Academy of Excellence. The Academy, based within Riviera’s 16.8-hectare Gold Coast facility will allow the motor yacht builder to train, in partnership with Major Training Group, their 150 apprentices onsite across 10 individual trades, including composite technology, marine craft construction, diesel fitting and cabinetmaking.

Yamaha launches new V6 4.3 Litre 350 Horsepower Outboard

Yamaha Marine has announced the release of their much anticipated all-new V6 350 horsepower outboard, combining big horsepower, state-of-the-art features, industry leading boat control integration, premium level performance and Yamaha’s legendary reputation for reliability. Yamaha was the leader in bringing big horsepower engines to the outboard market, introducing the V8 350 way back in 2007. 

MIA appoints Luke Habermann as Membership & Programs Manager

The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has announced the appointment of Luke Habermann to the role of Membership & Programs Manager. Working across all areas of the business, the role supports the MIA’s expanding membership and member programs. A passionate sailor, Luke’s marina career journey spans over 20 years and includes extensive operational marina management experience both in Australia and overseas.

Boat rescues up 18 per cent as more people flock to waterways

Marine Rescue NSW has completed its busiest year on record with 4,786 search and rescue missions across the state in 2023, as favourable weather lures boaters onto waterways. All six regions with Marine Rescue NSW units had a record number of rescues in 2023, including the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter/Central Coast, Greater Sydney, Illawarra and Monaro.

Whitsundays Expands Fleet with Aquila 54 Power Catamaran

Cumberland Charter Yachts and Luxury Yachts Whitsundays has announced the latest addition to its distinguished fleet, the Aquila 54 Power Catamaran. With this new addition, Cumberland Charter Yachts solidifies its position as a leading provider of premium boating experiences in the Whitsundays, offering enthusiasts an unparalleled range of vessels for self-skippered charters.

Princess Iluka gets transformed by Keeley Green Interior Design

Australian timeless treasure, Princess Iluka, undergoes significant refit in time for superyacht resurgence in 2024. The signs are all there for a significant resurgence in the global superyacht charter market in 2024, building on growth across the sector in 2023. Australia is also anticipating a surge in demand for superyacht charters, and it is predicted the Grande Dame of Australian superyachts, Princess Iluka, will be in particular demand, having just emerged from a major refit, preserving its status as a timeless classic.

Eleven strong Clipper Race Fleet say farewell to City of Newcastle

The 1pm gun from Newcastle’s Fort Scratchely was a fitting farewell signal to over 200 sailors on eleven identical yachts as they set off on their sprint to the Whitsundays in the second race of the Australian leg in the Clipper Around the World Race. The Clipper Around the World Race is an eleven-month circumnavigation with non-professional sailors across 55 nationalities represented in the fleet.

Public boat ramp set to open at Port Hedland’s Spoilbank Marina

The Spoilbank Marina project in Port Hedland WA will achieve an important milestone this month, with the public boat ramp facility to open at 6am on 20 January 2024. The opening will give the Hedland community and visitors access to a new four-lane boat ramp and substantial car park area for recreational boat owners to use. The Spoilbank Marina boat ramp will initially be available for use daily between 6am and 6pm. The Richardson Street boat ramp will remain open for use 24 hours a day.

Marine Rescue Batemans Bay crew completes medical evacuation

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Batemans Bay successfully completed a medical evacuation from a yacht after radio operators at the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre received a call for assistance on 13 January.  Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said the call was received just after 6pm Saturday while the vessel was almost six nautical miles southeast of the Tollgate Islands.

7 people rescued from upturned boat off Bundaberg

At 5pm (AEST) on Saturday 13 January, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) received a distress signal from a registered emergency beacon, with a position showing between Lady Elliot Island and Bundaberg, off the Queensland coast. Contact was established with associates of the beacon owner, who advised that a vessel was due to be returning from a surfing trip to Lady Elliot Island, with 7 people.

Marine Rescue Trial Bay replacement vessel on target for autumn completion

Construction of Marine Rescue Trial Bay’s new replacement vessel, Trail Bay 30 is progressing well after fabrication commenced at Yamba Welding and Engineering on the NSW Northern Rivers last November. Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin said the new Trial Bay 30 is being delivered as part of the Service’s vessel replacement program.

Boat users urged by Maritime NZ to follow safety code

Maritime NZ is urging recreational boat users to take greater caution and follow the Boating Safety Code, following several alarming incidents and near misses this summer.  Maritime NZ Principal Advisor Recreational Craft Matt Wood said while most boaties seem to follow good practice, examples such as the rescue of Will Fransen off the coast of Whangamatā and various collisions around the country showed many were still risking their lives.

New Zealand SailGP Team crowned champions of the UAE

New Zealand did the double in the UAE to secure back-to-back victories after winning the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Mastering the light conditions and its nemesis – the 29-metrer wing – New Zealand beat Spain and the United States in front of a sold out crowd. In a change of favor, overall leaders Australia missed out on its first event final of the season to finish seventh.