The virus continues to impact on everyone's life - Australian MarineBusinessWorld newsletter
by Peter Rendle 30 Jul 2020 15:00 PDT
Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Clubhouse in Darling Point © Cruising Yacht Club of Australia
It's hard not to include the latest developments involving the Corona-19 virus despite feeling worn out by the continual disruption that it has brought to everyone's life.
Latest industry victim is the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which has been closed down until further notice. Earlier this week the CYCA was advised an active Member of the Club and their partner had tested positive for COVID-19. As a result of this news, the CYCA has closed its Clubhouse until further notice, for deep cleaning and for the testing of staff - with the health and safety of Members, guests, staff and the community the CYCA's number one priority. The club, as part of its COVIDSafe plan, is working with NSW Health on next steps.
A well-established business located on the club's premises has found a silver lining to the current pandemic. Like many Sydney businesses, Terry Wise was given 24 hours notice that he couldn't go into the Pacific Sailing School offices at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia due to Covid-19. What initially felt like a disaster has turned into an opportunity, as Terry and his team now delivery many of their sailing courses via Zoom to new clients around the world. Mark Jardine, Managing Editor of Sail-World.com, chats with Terry to find out more...
However, another event has had to be postponed. Organisers of the fourth annual Australian Superyacht Rendezvous - have postponed the event that was to be staged in the Whitsundays by Coral Sea Marina Resort from 15th to 18th October 2020. New dates will be announced in the future. The prestigious annual Australian Superyacht Rendezvous showcases the Australian superyacht industry, its capabilities and economic potential along with Australia's destination appeal, marking it as a uniquely intrepid travel destination for superyacht charters for luxury holiday-makers. Paul Darrouzet, organiser of Australian Superyacht Rendezvous, Great Barrier Reef Edition and owner of host venue Coral Sea Marina Resort, says ongoing uncertainty around the border closures and lifting of restrictions has resulted in the decision to postpone the event until further notice.
Also, in Queensland, marine maintenance centres continue to expand. The Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) has now completed the construction of expansive new undercover hardstand areas with additional blasting and painting facilities to meet growing demand from 50ft-plus vessels. With the existing refit sheds operating at capacity, GCCM's owners saw the need to invest in increased undercover works spaces providing improved flexibility to meet the ever-increasing and diverse size requirements of visiting vessels. The sprawling new construction is the latest addition in the ongoing development of the comprehensive award-winning marina and shipyard, now celebrating its 20th year in operation.
New products this week include outboard manufacturer, Suzuki. Suzuki is recognised worldwide for making advanced technology and innovative features available to boaters of all types, not just those who run the largest, highest-horsepower outboards. This tradition continues with the unveiling of Suzuki's new DF115BG and DF140BG four stroke outboards, the first in their class to offer all the advantages of drive-by-wire technology. By bringing its proven drive-by-wire technology (known as Suzuki Precision Control) to its new 115HP and 140HP in-line four-cylinder models, Suzuki is helping to simplify the rigging process for a wide range of boat builders, along with delivering silky smooth shifting, instant throttle response, enhanced performance and superior fuel efficiency to the end user.
From the USA, Harken have introduced the Harken Marine Grip, a thin, durable, nonabrasive grip tape that is more effective than adhesive alternatives and waxes, is now available. The superior grip tape reduces slipping and stands up to harsh marine conditions. "What I think our customers will like about Harken Marine Grip is what it doesn't do," said Jim Andersen, Harken USA Sales Manager. "It doesn't get hot in the sunlight or oxidize. It doesn't come off in pieces when it's removed or abrade skin or clothing. It doesn't make promises it won't keep."
I was impressed with this picture of the harbour in my home town back in the UK. The latest announcements from the British Government setting out some general easing of restrictions have allowed the preparations for the Yacht Racing Forum 2020 to continue with a stronger degree of confidence that the event will be able to take place in November in Portsmouth. The organisers were pleased to confirm that the Yacht Racing Forum 2020 in Portsmouth, UK, on November 23-24 is likely to go ahead. Organized by MaxComm Communication and hosted by Portsmouth Harbour Marine, the event will reassemble members of the yacht racing community and sailing industry from many parts of the world to discuss the present and future of our sport and do business.
And if you are looking for the perfect Father's Day Gift you could do worse than enter the Sail Exchange draw. Sail Exchange is giving away the perfect gift! Don't miss out on winning the Sail Exchange Sustainable Father's Day Gift pack.
What's included:
- The Upcycled Barrel Bag
- Bamboo Travel Mug (choice of 2 designs)
- Delivery Australia Wide
The winner will be announced live on the
Sail Exchange Facebook page on Friday 21st August 2020 and the winner will be notified via email and SMS.
Enter the competition here. GOOD LUCK!
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com