US Trade Policy not a damper on Australian Boat Builders
by Peter Rendle, Sail-World.com 8 Mar 13:00 PST
9 March 2018
Some of the Maritimo vessels on display at Miami and the Maritimo Miami show stand which proved popular with prospective boat buyers. © Promedia
While Donald Trump considers trade tariffs on imported commodities Australian Boat builders vigorously pursue the North American market. Economic conditions in the USA are proving positive for the boating industry with strong enquiry at the recent Miami International Boat Show, according to Australia's iconic luxury cruiser manufacturer, Maritimo. Maritimo sent a team of executives to the recent Miami show and its four-boat display attracted strong interest with several sales under negotiation.
The other major builder, Riviera, will premiere its sophisticated 4800 Sport Yacht in a display of four gleaming new motor yachts at the seventh Caribbean International Boat Show in Puerto Rico over three days beginning on March 9. The show is held at Marina Puerto del Ray in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, the home marina of dedicated Riviera and Belize dealer Wally Castro Marine.
In the Whitsundays when Cyclone Debbie crossed the coast at Airlie Beach, the Abell Point Marina Manager, Luke McCaul, was ready to implement his internal disaster management plan. But it soon became evident there was a hitch. His plan was developed in isolation and an event of this magnitude needed a whole-of-region approach. That is why last week Mr McCaul convened a meeting of representatives from not just the local marine industry but insurance and government sectors as well.
Also in the Whitsundays, Cumberland Charter Yachts celebrated another success at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held at the Perth Optus Stadium on Friday evening, winning silver for Unique Accommodation.
They were one out of ten winners from Queensland and this is the third accolade won by Cumberland Charter Yachts in 2017 after winning silver at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards and gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards.
New launchings covered this week include the X-Yachts X46. In January 2018, the X49 was presented for the first time to the press at the world's largest boat show, Boot Düsseldorf. On this same occasion, the first design layouts of the X46 was introduced. Niels Jeppesen, Design Director – about the X46: "This boat will be the ideal family cruiser that can also get a bit racy at the weekend; it's fast, stylish and safe. The sailing experience for an X-Yacht is meant to be outstanding, and we dare to promise that the X46 will come standard with those build and design features, which for almost four decades have set X-Yachts apart."
Fountaine Pajot has unveiled the designs of their new MY 40 power catamaran, which will launch in 2019 and complement the existing range of the MY 37 and MY 44.
Designed by the internationally renowned Daniel Andrieu, the MY 40 is expected to enjoy strong sales across the world. Delivering superb performance, stability and spaciousness, the MY 40 will also feature a stunning design by Pierangelo Andreani and will be available in a range of layouts.
For yachties going to Hammo this year don't forget to book your accommodation early. Whitsunday Holidays have apartments, villas and houses available but the numbers are limited so get in quick and make sure the onshore facilities are in place so that the focus is on the racing.
Lots more industry news in this week's e-news and if you're in the market for new gear, check out the new Musto range with their modern styles, technical performance and excellence by design.
Aveagooden
Peter Rendle, Sail-World