The Marine Industry sails and powers into the New Year with great expectations
by Peter Rendle 21 Dec 2018 13:00 PST
Mothquito Foiling Catamaran © Mothquito
It is the silly season and Christmas has crept up quickly as we approach the annual break. At Marine Business World we will be staying alert to the marine news that comes across our desks and we will be sending our next newsletter seven days from now. Digital media allows readers to access the site even when they are away from their work place and the world has become a 24/7 shop window.
To all the readers of this newsletter and the Marine Business World website, here's wishing you all a Merry Christmas and hopefully a prosperous New Year.
And talking about how the world has changed, sailing has taken on a new meaning with the advent of foiling craft. Some observers believe that flying is a more apt description. Foiling Awards, organised by Foiling Week, are the greatest recognition a foiling boat can achieve worldwide. The prize categories are broken down into different categories such as production series, upcoming designs, racing, etc. The public gets to pick the winner for each category, and the mere fact of getting short-listed is in itself worthy of international prestige.
Short-listed for the Design category is one pioneering initiative, the Mothquito, which boasts an innovative design aimed at foil sailing from its inception with its Increased Foiling System (IFS). Patented by the company developing the Mothquito, IFS Foiling, the IFS design extends the dynamic length and beam on flight, affording greater performance and stability compared to its hull size.
Australia has always had a strong leisure boat building resume albeit somewhat diminished from the heady days of the 80s and 90s. However, skills shortages have presented an ongoing headache for this industry segment. A unique program, and the first of its kind in Australia, aims to address the looming welding skills shortage in the marine and boat building industry. Supported by the Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business, East Coast Apprenticeships, with the help and encouragement of key industry proponents, plans to deliver the 'Launch into Work' pre-employment project targeting the superyacht sector. Queensland State Government has also committed funds to implement the program.
One of the interesting aspects of our industry is that it covers a vast range of boating participation that includes power and sail, small and large. HydroDrive is a new product for small boat owners with outboards up to 150 horsepower, steering options are typically limited to mechanical cable style systems. AMI have introduced HydroDrive, a hydraulic steering system catering specifically to the small boat sector with outboards up to 150 horsepower. This product is affordable, high quality and available in four complete kits ready for new installation or refit.
And small boats and their owners need servicing. Boat owners in south-west W.A. are the winners, with a revitalised Augusta Marine becoming Australia's latest Mercury Dealership. "We've put a lot of work into the business over the past five years and joining the Mercury team is taking us to the next level," said owner Craig Gilbert.
Augusta sits right on the south-west tip of W.A. With the Indian Ocean to one side, Flinders Bay on the other and the Hardy Inlet right in the middle, it's no surprise a lot of Augusta residents have boats.
Aveagooden,
Peter Rendle, Sail-World.com