Political turmoil in Australia 2018 is set to return in the New Year
by Peter Rendle 27 Dec 2018 13:00 PST
74m AURORA - Sunset © MY AURORA
As we draw to the end of 2018 it would be fair to say that its been a roller coaster ride as far as the political scene in Australia. A new Prime Minister added to a growing list over the past few years with political parties vacillating over who they want to lead them. A change of government is the most likely outcome of the general election that takes place in May next year and that normally means a period of paralysis within business circles as they contemplate the effect of ongoing political policies and decisions.
This year has been relatively kind to the boating industry with boat sales, especially larger units reaching record levels, domestically and via exports. An ageing population and some extraordinary gains in home values has left some 'wriggle' room for 'baby boomers' to make use of their financial gain to invest in a new boat or an upgrade. With property likely to plateau for a while it remains to be seen if the trend continues. We hope it does.
An example of the worldwide growth in not only the numbers of super yachts gracing the world's oceans but the size: The Brisbane skyline recently presented a glorious backdrop for the largest superyacht to visit the River City, 74m (243ft) MY AURORA, on Friday 21 December. This five-deck, privately owned superyacht is the first of its kind to enter the City Reach of the Brisbane River. "Welcoming AURORA to the City Reach of the Brisbane River is an historic event," said Rivergate General Manager, Andrew Cannon. "AURORA is one of many international superyachts forecast to head to our shores in the next few years, taking advantage of all our region has to offer and generating revenue at many levels in the marine and tourism industries."
On the sailing scene, the 2018 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race reflects the increasing length of yachts taking part. This year a record five super maxis, all measuring 100ft, headed for the start line and at the time of writing 'Comanche' looked to be making it first across the line ahead of Wild Oats XI after a sublime reach south before the breeze dropped to make an intense last stretch to the finish. All Sat Communications has sponsored the crew of Tattersall Cup contender 'Celestial' with 14 Ocean Signal rescue ME MOB1s for the 2018 Race. Significantly improving the safety of everyone on board the TP52 racing yacht, the award-winning personal man overboard device is automatically triggered in the event of a man overboard situation. The MOB1 transmits the first alert within 15 seconds to all AIS receivers and AIS-enabled plotters in the vicinity as well as activating the DSC alarm on the vessel's VHF radio to alert fellow crew members. It also provides visual indication with the integrated strobe light.
Staying with sailing, Swedish company Aston Harald AB has completed its sale of the World Match Racing Tour to a group of investors behind C Shine Financial Corporation. The sale was initially announced last month in an interview by Aston Harald CEO, Häkan Svensson. The new owners have taken over the management of the Tour effective immediately, including its registered offices in London and Bermuda. The purchase of the WMRT follows C Shine's hosting of the Shenzhen Match Cup and Match Racing World Championship in Shenzhen, China in November 2017. When Aston Harald AB expressed interest in selling the Tour at the end of the 2017 Tour season, negotiations between the two companies started earlier this year.
As one of only eight officially sanctioned World Sailing 'Special Events' including the America's Cup and The Ocean Race WMRT is also the longest running global professional sailing series in the sport. Previous Tour Champions include six-time world champion Ian Williams (GBR), Peter Gilmour (AUS), Adam Minoprio (NZL), Phil Robertson (NZL), Taylor Canfield (ISV) and defending Champion Torvay Mirsky from Australia.
Meeting the requirements of the cruising fraternity in the South Pacific, good news from a marina in Indonesia. Medana Bay Marina has announced that they are the first marina with a yacht haul out facility in the country. The Dutch manufactured Roodberg HBC38 hydraulic haul out trailer with 38-tonne and 2m draft capacity, is the first of its kind in Indonesia. Prior to Medana Bay becoming operational, there were no marinas with a facility for keeled yachts to be hauled out between Darwin and Singapore.
Allow me to take this opportunity to wish the 8,000 + subscribers to this weekly e-newsletter a happy and prosperous 2019.
Aveagooden
Peter Rendle, Sail-World.com