Sydney International Boat Show news, docking made easy and the Nebo app helping boat owners
by Peter Rendle, Sail-World.com 21 Jun 2018 15:00 PDT
22 June 2018
Sydney International Boat Show Marina © AAP Medianet
As we approach the end of June the industry attention is already turning towards the 51st Sydney International Boat Show. The show returns to the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney and Cockle Bay from the 2nd until the 6th of August 2018.
The largest recreational boat show in the southern hemisphere fills the entire exhibition space available at the ICC, as well as the show's purpose-built marina on Cockle Bay. Every year more than 60,000 people visit the show, renowned for being the largest public exhibition to be staged at ICC Sydney, with more than 800 watercraft housed within the exhibition space, and another 200 on-water vessels berthed at the purpose built marina on Cockle Bay.
Reports from industry members are now being received with announcements of their show exhibits. Jeanneau Australia dealers will be displaying the multi-award-winning Sun Odyssey 440 and holding the premiere of the new Sun Odyssey 490.
The Sun Odyssey 440 was announced in 2017 with four examples being sold immediately from the plans to keen Australian customers. The 440 has gone on to win the European Yacht of the Year (Family Cruiser), SAIL magazine Best Boats (Best Monohull Cruising Boat 40 to 50ft), Cruising World magazines Boat of the Year (Most Innovative), and the Asia Boating Awards (Best Monohull Sailing Yacht - up to 65ft).
Multihull Solutions is looking to follow up on its record-breaking success at last year's show when it showcases two of the world's finest catamarans. This year, the company will stage the exclusive southern hemisphere launch of the Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42 sailing catamaran, which was recently awarded 'Multihull of the Year' in France, as well as the MY 44 by Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts, which was awarded the title of '2018 European Power Boat of the Year'.
While setting up their vessels at the show's extensive marina complex, exhibitors may want to investigate a new product from Volvo, but they will have to wait a couple of years. Aiming to tackle one of boating's most stressful manoeuvres – docking – Volvo Penta has revealed an advanced self-docking solution, targeted for launch in 2020.
The Gothenburg, Sweden, stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race was the scene for the unveiling of what could be the most sought-after system in modern boating. In a live demonstration, a 68 foot yacht fitted with the technology skilfully manoeuvred itself into the tightest of spaces between two of the Volvo Ocean Race 65 racing yachts.
Another product aimed at making life easier and responding to feedback from users globally, the popular boating app NEBO has released a host of new features aiming to build a safer and more connected global boating community.
Primarily designed as a tool to automate logging boating voyages with advanced geofencing technology, NEBO's new features make it easier than ever to find, connect and interact with boating friends. By connecting with like-minded boaters within NEBO, skippers can share voyages and photos, ask questions, or simply arrange sunset drinks. Sharing can happen automatically, or skippers can choose what and when to share.
And a warning from the authorities following a targeted charter vessel compliance operation carried out late on Friday at Woolloomooloo Wharf that has resulted in the grounding of two luxury charter boats. Roads and Maritime Services Executive Director Maritime Angus Mitchell said a team of marine inspectors and surveyors, with support from NSW Water Police, boarded two charter vessels both owned by the same operator, about 4pm on Friday 15 June.
Aveagooden
Peter Rendle, Sail-World.com