Glorious weather on the Gold Coast for SCIBS - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 1 Jun 2023 15:00 PDT
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2023 © SCIBS
The Sanctuary Cove International Boat bathed in glorious sunshine last week, in stark contrast to last year's event. With over 300 exhibitors, a record number for the show, visitors turned up in droves to enjoy the holiday atmosphere and to view the latest marine industry products. The show had 47,345 visitors and from comments we received, from a cross section of exhibitors, the show was very successful. We now look forward to the Sydney International Boat Show to be held in August.
As mentioned in previous industry news letters we will continue to report on alternative power developments. Last week Mercury announced their next step forward in electric propulsion. The Avator 7.5e electric outboard offers an alternative to traditional petrol-powered engines, delivering clean, quiet power that's as simple to use as it is fun to drive. Testing out the outboard recently at the Rapala BASS Australian Open, competitive angler Beau Everleigh showed that an electric engine can still compete with much larger horsepower outboards. The Avator has the equivalent power of a 3.5hp Four stroke petrol motor, yet the performance it gave in comparison to other electric engines is what stood out to Beau. "The limited range of my other electric motor meant I would have struggled to get to the fishing spots I wanted to go to, so the Avator really played its part over the weekend," Beau said.
Marina operators owners and suppliers, are reminded of the upcoming Marina24 conference. Marina Industries Association (MIA) has announced that registrations for the Marinas24 International Conference and Trade Exhibition (Marinas24) are now open. Taking place on the 27th and 28th of May 2024 at the Royal International Convention Centre (RICC) Brisbane, Queensland, Marinas24 is a must attend event for marina owners, operators and suppliers.
Not only is the event the most efficient and effective way to meet with suppliers and learn about the latest range of products and services available on the market, the MIA will once again ensure that networking and information sharing amongst industry peers is another key component. Andrew Chapman, MIA President commented on the decision to open registrations one year out, "Following the success of Marinas22, and the continued growth of the event in recent times particularly the exhibition component, we want to ensure we provide delegates as much time as possible to confidently plan their attendance."
From Victoria we received news of a new BIAV President. Scott O'Hare has been elected as Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) President. This follows Scott's two-year tenure as Vice-President, and extends his seven-year role on the BIAV Board. The appointment also complements Scott's long and passionate involvement in the boating industry, where he's had many and varied roles.
With his wife Dani, Scott currently owns and runs the highly regarded Aussie Boat Sales, and is a Director at The Anchorage Marina. He's represented both the Boat Dealers and Clubs/Marinas at Board level and has been part of several committees and work groups. With Aussie Boat Sales, Scott is also a prolific boat show participant and exhibitor. He employs staff across sales, maintenance, workshop, and apprenticeships, and is currently developing a drystack aspect of his business. He's been in the commercial houseboat industry, is an avid sailor, and keen tow sports participant.
The Boat Works has become the latest marina to be awarded the coveted 5 Gold Anchor accreditation by the Marina Industries Association (MIA). Conveniently located at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct, The Boat Works is an ideal pit stop for vessels cruising the east coast from Melbourne or Sydney to the tropical Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. The 110-berth marina positioned on the Coomera River offers visiting vessels deepwater access in protected waters. The Boat Works is also home to one of the largest Shipyard & Marina facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, covering two yards and spanning more than 55 acres, this impressive shipyard can handle up to 500 vessels at a time.
While presenting their accreditation, Suzanne Davies MIA CEO praised the marina: "5 Gold Anchors is among the highest accolades that the industry awards and is reserved for marinas which offer their customers consistently high standards of service and facilities. The Boat Works is known for its commitment of delivering high quality marine infrastructure and is a leader in the services and facilities it provides for all vessels from 30 feet through to superyachts. They are a worthy recipient of the 5 Gold Anchor accreditation."
New products this week involves clothing manufacturer Vaikobi. Vaikobi has announced a new product range to its line-up of sailing gear: V-Grip Gloves; next generation gloves with superior grip, comfort and durability. Vaikobi's new range of V-Grip sailing gloves offers four product options for sailors. The V-Grip DECK gloves (grey in colour) are suited for smaller diameter lines and high trimming activity, such as dinghy, skiffs, sports boats, catamaran and smaller keel boats, and are available in short and full finger styles. The V-Grip PRO gloves (orange in colour) offer more abrasive resistance, more palm protection and an extra durapro layer; better suited to larger diameter lines, higher loads and large keel boats, also available in a short and full finger styles.
New boat news comes from Flagstaff Marine. Flagstaff Marine has been busy with Amel Yachts, handing over a new Amel 50 EVO, visiting the factory in La Rochelle and test sailing an Amel in France! This year heralded the release of two updated models, the Amel 50 EVO and Amel 60 EVO, both Evolutions of the Award-winning and popular selling models. The upgrades include many new standard inclusions, improving the comfort, performance and safety of these renowned world-cruising yachts. The Amel 50 and Amel 60 have been awarded "European Luxury Yachts of the Year" and many other accolades.
From Europe we learn that Viasat Inc., (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, have announced the completion of its acquisition of Inmarsat. The combined company enhances the scale and scope to continue to drive growth in the increasingly dynamic and competitive satellite communications industry. The company's assets, once fully integrated, are expected to increase the pace and scope of innovation in the global satellite connectivity sector, offering new and improved capabilities to customers that will address the ever-increasing speed, flexibility, reliability, coverage and security they demand.
"We are thrilled to welcome Inmarsat's employees, customers, shareholders and partners into the Viasat ecosystem," said Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO, Viasat. "The combination of our companies brings together the people, technology, innovation, network assets, spectrum resources and global partnerships needed to help connect the world more affordably, securely and reliably. Together, we believe we are positioned to offer customers a multi-layered network that gives them the right connectivity at the right time, place and price."
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com