MarineBusinessWorld.com Newsletter: Women's participation is critical to future industry growth
by Peter Rendle 4 Apr 2019 14:00 PDT
Lisa Blair at Portland Victoria, Australia © Dean Coopman
The involvement of women in boating has always been a key issue and a way of increasing growth in the industry.
The challenge of increasing female participation in boating and in boat buying will be addressed at Marinas19 International Conference and Trade Exhibition on the Gold Coast in May. The plenary session Chair on the topic is Nicky Vaux, Dealer Principal at Empire Boat Sales in Sydney. According to Nicky, "it's the details and little changes to what we offer in our marina environment that can make all the difference in engaging women further in boating."
We touched on the importance of quality Marina complexes in last weeks e-news letter and this week we include news of incentives available at new locations. Multihull Central celebrates the opening of the new multihull display area and Roodberg catamaran lifting trailer at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron with three months of free storage. Last month, the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron recently launched their new Roodberg catamaran lifting trailer, the first of its kind on Moreton Bay. Multihull Central also recently opened a new office located in the heart of the RQYS at the old marina office. Three months of free storage is offered to suitable catamarans and trimarans who list to sell their boats through Multihull Central (Conditions apply).
Further north, Wide Bay's newest marina has launched an introductory offer that will guarantee boaties a range of benefits, including discounted berthing rates, from the moment it opens later this year. Located at the mouth of the Burnett River and a short walk from the recently upgraded Burnett Heads Town Centre, Gateway Marina Burnett Heads is in the final stages of harbour dredging and expected to be completed in time for the marina to be opened between August and December this year. With an initial release of 56 private berths, the marina is offering a Founding Members package that includes a 10 per cent rental discount, a guarantee of first rights to buy berths if released for sale and first viewing of completed apartments.
The booming Asia Pacific marine sector has prompted global yachting powerhouse Hill Robinson Yacht Management to open its first office in the Southern Hemisphere on Australia's Gold Coast. The Gold Coast has always been a magnet for tourists with 300 days of sunshine a year, an exciting calendar of events and incredible natural assets. Increasingly superyacht crew are being attracted to the city to make the most of their downtime and access the world-class superyacht facilities in the city's thriving 250-hectare dedicated marine precinct.
As winter approaches the Boat Show season gets into full swing and in Sydney the Rosehill Trailer Boat Show takes place at Rosehill Race Course. Promoted by the Australian Boating Industry Association, those who enjoy fishing and boating will gather for this year's biggest Trailer Boat Show, operating from 10am to 5pm across both days of the weekend (April 6 & 7). With free entry, free parking, and the opportunity to view the latest in boats and general marine equipment, this rates as a "must visit" exhibition for boat owners and those aspiring to make their first purchase.
The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is on the horizon and Multihull Solutions will unveil the highly anticipated first model from Iliad Catamarans' range the Iliad 50 at the event and expects to enjoy intense interest from Asia Pacific's power catamaran enthusiasts. Multihull Solutions will also be showcasing the award-winning Fountaine Pajot Fountaine Astrea 42 and Saona 47 sailing catamarans as well as the MY 44 by Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts. Both the Astrea 42 and MY 44 have won the European Boat of the Year awards, with the Saona 47 also winning the prestigious Christofle Yacht Style Award in 2018.
Aveagooden
Peter Rendle
Marine Business World Australia