Industry needs to stay positive to attract buyers - Australian MarineBusinessWorld.com newsletter
by Peter Rendle 6 May 2021 15:00 PDT
Lagoon 46 © TMG
It goes without saying that disposable income is critical to the future growth of our industry. Boating is not without risks but it's imperative that we do not allow the occasional 'accident' to become an exaggerated story that deters future participants.
Having sailed all my life, longer than I care to remember, I acknowledge that risk is part of the adventure. However, I would not have changed that experience for the world; while sailing across the English Channel at the age of 14 as a Sea Scout in gale force winds was not exactly a picnic, it taught me life lessons that have assisted me in many ways, especially when overcoming adversity and taking a positive stance.
It disturbs me to constantly note headlines that cover the downside of boating, aimed at sensationalising the impacts of the risks we undertake the moment we leave the wharf. When one takes into account the number of times people sail, go fishing or motoring in their preferred form of boat the number of incidences that end in tears is relatively low. So, let's tell everyone the sheer delights of being out on a boat either on a river, lake, harbour or ocean and celebrate this great pastime for what it is and encourage others to get involved.
While on the subject of being involved, we listed the number of regattas that will take place this year, having had to be postponed last year due to the pandemic. The Sunshine Coast Yacht Club will be holding their regatta at Mooloolaba on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast Ocean Regatta (SCOR) will run on 18th and 19th July. A great location and a seriously fun regatta.
More good news for the superyacht industry: with the Trans-Tasman bubble operating between New Zealand and Australia via air travel, exemptions to quarantine requirements are also available to superyachts and crew to enter both New South Wales and Queensland. David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia commented, "Back in March the first exemptions for superyachts to enter Sydney without quarantine were approved by NSW Health. After successful meetings with QLDHealth, exemptions are also now available for vessels wanting to enter QLD direct. This is only possible for superyachts and occupants who have been in New Zealand for longer than 14 days and exemptions are considered on a case-by-case basis."
The Sanctuary Cove Boat Show is happening in a couple of weeks (May 20th - 23rd) and exhibitors are flagging their displays in advance. The Multihull Group will be showing off the Lagoon 42 and 46. Be aware that if you want to get aboard you will need to register your interest as numbers are expected to be high.
Italian gyro stabilization technology specialist Smartgyro will debut its range of advanced marine stabilizers at this year's show. Introducing key benefits and breakthrough design features in line with the company's mission to elevate the entire onboard experience, Smartgyro will launch the first two gyroscopic stabilizers in the SG range to the Australian market for the first time at the show. Visitors will be able to learn more about the current models - the SG40, for boats from 50ft to 60ft, and the SG80, for boats from 60ft to 70ft - and will also have the opportunity to view the stabilizer's display on demonstration mode. YANMAR-backed Smartgyro will also preview the upcoming expansion of the portfolio with new units for smaller vessels soon bringing superior stabilization across a range of boats from 30ft to 80ft.
Princess Yachts, the UK's largest luxury yacht manufacturer, has announced that four yachts will make their show debuts at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show this year. The presence of the V55, V39, F55 and F50 underlines Princess's exceptionally popular medium-sized yachts, with the V55 having a forward order book until 2023. Located at Marina H1 to H6 for the display, Princess are represented by their distributors for Australia.
And from the sailing scene, the highly-anticipated Dufour 470 will have its Asia Pacific launch at The Yacht Sales Co display. The Yacht Sales Co sales manager Bob Vinks said there has been very strong interest in the new yacht, which is set to arrive in Australia in this month. "Dufour Yachts have an exceptional reputation throughout the world, and this new model has captured the attention of buyers as it delivers stunning design and superb performance in one perfect package," Bob said.
Electric power continues to unroll and following an overwhelmingly positive response to the Pulse 58, the world's first electric RIB with a fully integrated electric drive launched at Düsseldorf Boat Show 2020, RS Electric Boats has further developed the boat's design and technology to bring out the next generation model - the Pulse 63. An evolution of the Pulse 58, the new version is slightly longer at 6.3 metres and features a more efficient hull shape to reduce drag and promote quick acceleration. The Pulse 63 also has more open space onboard with the drive system set flush into the transom. The 46kw Hyperdrive battery pack provides up to 400v of power to the RAD hubless rim drive, resulting in quicker acceleration, ample range, excellent manoeuvrability and minimal maintenance.
New boats being launched currently include the Figaro Beneteau 3. After a month of setup and tuning, the first Figaro Beneteau 3 (FB3) in Australia, sold by Beneteau dealer, Flagstaff Marine, was successfully launched with her happy owner onboard. She is named "Intiy", and the owner's comments on the first sail were: light, fast and responsive. Last week, Intiy was spotted at Sail Port Stephens 2021 for her Australian racing debut. This FB3 has a tight schedule ahead. After the debut, the happy owner has signed her up for the legendary Beneteau Pittwater Regatta 2021, where he will meet other Beneteau owners from different parts of Australia for a day of social racing and post-celebration. After the friendly competition, the FB3 will be publicly displayed at Pittwater and undergo sea trials with journalists onboard.
After a delayed delivery due to the Suez Canal incident, but following the successful launch of the 805 Sportsfish, Arvor Australia is pleased to announce the second model in the new generation Sportsfish range, the 705. Fishing isn't just a hobby, it's a lifestyle, and that's abundantly clear in the all new Arvor 705 Sportsfish. A free-flowing cabin with an ergonomic, spacious design greets you for your fishing journey on board. The sleek, sporty hull is designed for the ultimate in comfort on open ocean or harbour with best-in-class amenities. Control your vessel from the skipper's seat or the optional second helm on deck and find both fish and safe harbour with top quality electronics.
The Brabus Shadow 900 XC is the latest incarnation of the Red Dot Award-winning range of 37ft super-boats. Combining 60kt performance, multifunctional spaces and pristine luxury, the Brabus Shadow 900 leaves nothing left to be desired with everything you would want as standard including carbon fibre dashboard with twin 12" glass displays, joystick with skyhook, intelligent steering module with integrated trim tab, bow thruster and audio controls, as well as, many other accessories you would expect to be extras.
Finally, the 2021 Club Marine Marina of the Year Awards will be held on Tuesday 25 May 2021 at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney. The awards are usually presented at the conclusion of the biennial Marinas International Conference & Trade Exhibition which was to be held next month on the Gold Coast, yet despite the postponement of the event entries were strong. Submissions require entrants to reflect on their business direction, plans, strategies, innovations, and outcomes and must document them in a succinct presentation for the judges' consideration. This year entrants were also asked about how they managed the complexities of the pandemic and to outline any learnings and legacies that will benefit their business into the future.
After a gruelling period of lockdowns and a range of restrictions due to the pandemic, we need - as an industry - to look forward to promoting our industry and letting the public know that boating is fun, safe and very rewarding. Let's not dwell on the occasional mishap that may deter future clients from participating. That would be a travesty!
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com