With the Boat Show season in full swing, companies prepare their promotions
by Peter Rendle 6 Jun 2019 15:00 PDT
The SEAir 5.5m Flying Tender - a foiling RIB that is just huge fun! © John Curnow
The Sanctuary Cove Boat Show has come and gone and in this week's newsletter we wrap it up with reports from John Curnow, editor of Sail-World Australia and PowerBoat-World, who interviewed a number of exhibitors on their stands and tested a number of boats post-show.
John was one of the first editors to get aboard the new SEAir 5.5m foiling RIB. Following similar foiling developments in the sailing market the 5.5m powerboat uses its foils to elevate the craft out of the water, reducing drag and fuel consumption at the same time.
It is always useful to discuss marine matters with leading manufacturers from overseas and John met with Django Fontaine, Export Sales Development manager from French engine manufacturer Nanni. It was an interesting discussion regarding the company's future in Australia and their plans for the development of their engine range globally.
And now we look forward to this year's other shows in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Adelaide is already reporting high involvement levels. Hundreds of boats from more than 40 exhibitors based in South Australia and across the country have booked the allocated floorspace at the Adelaide Convention Centre to capacity, as the 55th Adelaide Boat Show is set to open for three days from June 28. Whether it's a love of fishing, water skiing, wake boarding or just paddling around SAs unique waterways, the Adelaide Boat Show has something for every water-loving South Australian.
Sydney exhibitors are already advising us of their product line ups and Eyachts is showing Sydney how to day boat, with the Australian premiere of the revolutionary range of Greenline NEO entertainment yachts with innovative high/low platform, 1.2KW Solar Panels and twin outboards offering 46+kts. They are keen to show the public the quality finish of the Brabus Package for the first time on board the award-winning Axopar range.
Further evidence of the concern for the environment, especially the oceans, is reflected in the initiative taken up by the Royal Ocean Racing Club of Victoria. Their recently relayed this message, "To all who have a love for the environment and in particular our oceans: Save the ocean, protect your passion and make an impact, is the message from all at the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV)". Recognising ORCV's 'keep plastics out of the ocean' efforts in the recent Melbourne to Apollo Bay Ocean Race, Sailors for the Sea awarded a Gold Certification for sustainability of an event to the Club the only Australian entity to receive a Gold Certificate in 2019. "The fact is, eight million metric tons of plastic waste enters the ocean from the land each year and the problem we face cannot be solved in isolation," says ORCV Commodore, Martin Vaughan. "On a recent 4WD trip to Cape York, I was on an isolated beach. I was shocked and saddened to see the amount of plastic washed up on the beach. It needs to stop," he said.
And finally, it was with regret that we learned of the demise of Lowell North, founder of North Sails. Nicknamed "The Pope" by his peers, Lowell began his sail-making career at the age of 14 when his father purchased a Star with cotton sails. The father and son team came in last in every race, motivating the young Lowell to recut the mainsail. The rest, as they say, is history. As an aeronautic/aerospace engineer, Lowell knew he could build a better sail through rigorous testing and incremental improvement. His methodical and scientific approach to sailmaking changed the industry forever, and it also helped him win five Star World Championship titles and a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics. The foundation laid by Lowell in 1957 has permanently shaped the North Sails culture.
Aveagooden,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com