METSTRADE hosts over 1650 exhibitors from 55 countries - Australian MarineBusinessWorld newsletter
by Peter Rendle 7 Nov 14:00 PST
Overview METSTRADE Show © Event Media
As the Australian marine industry takes stock of their results following the winter and spring boat show season, the attention turns to Europe with METSTRADE taking place later this month. The major topics which occupy all forward-thinking companies in the leisure marine industry, will be very much to the fore at this year's show.
From 19 to 21 November, RAI Amsterdam will welcome many thousands of visitors, exhibitors, conference delegates and speakers to explore issues related to the environment, circular economy, digitisation and sustainable employment. Add in three days of productive B2B meetings and the chance to see the very latest products and it is clear why the world's marine professionals so enjoy making their annual pilgrimage to the show.
Locally, one of Australia's largest boat dealers outlines its future plans: Ensign Yachts is taking a new strategic direction. This progressive strategy will see it reducing its retail footprint across Australia while developing maximum reach by expanding its presence in yacht clubs and marinas around Australia and via its emerging digital platform. Ensign Yachts is moving with the times. In discussions with Sail-World editor, John Curnow, Joint MD of Ensign Yachts, Sean Rush commented, "We already enjoy industry leading coverage with a strong presence in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Perth and will be increasing our coverage across Australia with more sales professionals in additional strategic locations. We have hired four new Ensign sales ambassadors since we took over the business increasing our team to more than 25 and are looking to bring on more."
An industry milestone was reached recently when Rolly Tasker Sails celebrated their 70th year as sailmakers. Australian Rolly Tasker (1926 - 2012) was one of the pioneers in modern yacht racing. Exactly 70 years ago, he also founded Rolly Tasker Sails with a capital of 500 Australian Dollars, which now is among the world's largest sailmakers, with 2.3 million sold sails mainly for cruising and club-racing. In 1956, Tasker won the first ever Olympic medal in sailing for Australia. What followed was a global "career" in competitive yachting as he became one of the most successful racing sailors of his generation. In the Flying Dutchman class, for example, he more than once competed against the famous Dane Paul Elvstrøm, who in one of his books described Tasker as his most dangerous rival.
Whilst on the subject of sailing, the 36th America's Cup is gaining momentum as the defender and challengers prepare for the event in 2021. Sponsorship deals are being made and Mercury Marine announced their support of Emirates Team New Zealand as the Official Outboard Supplier. Under the agreement, Mercury will provide all the outboard engines needed for Emirates Team New Zealand's chase and support boats. "We are incredibly honoured to be part of the America's Cup defence which is going to be such an important event for everyone in New Zealand," said Dean Harris, New Zealand Manager, Mercury Marine.
New product releases announced recently includes Fusion's addition of the Apple AirPlay® 2 functionality to the Apollo Series marine audio entertainment systems. This new feature is available with a free software update. With Apple AirPlay 2, users can enjoy seamless high-quality audio streaming from an app on compatible Apple devices to the Apollo Series stereos. In addition, they will be able to stream the same audio to multiple Apollo Series stereos connected to the same network and enjoy volume control individually or globally. Compatible units include the MS-RA770, MS-RA670, and MS-SRX400. iOS 11.4 or later is required.
And Propspeed, a leading innovator of underwater coatings, announced recently the introduction of a revolutionary foul-release coating designed specifically for transducers - Foulfree. Designed by industry-leading engineers and designated by Airmar as a certified transducer coating, Foulfree releases marine growth, reducing the maintenance needed to keep transducers clean and streamlining water flow.
Aveagooden!
Peter Rendle peter.rendle@sail-world.com