The lockdowns persist but boating is cranking up - MarineBusinessWorld.com Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 12 Aug 2021 15:00 PDT
Valhalla V-37 running off the Gold Coast © Game & Leisure Boats
The country is still coming to grips on how to curb the virus and a target of around 70-80% of a vaccinated population needs to be achieved before we start so see restrictions being significantly reduced. In the meantime, life goes on: several new boats on the market this week and an interesting report from an engine supplier.
Viking Yachts and Valhalla Boat Works, exclusive Australian Distributor Game and Leisure Boats, is pleased to announce the arrival of the first Valhalla Boatworks into Australia, one of the best-selling centre console sport fishers on the market today. Hitting the sweet spot in the Valhalla boat Works V Series line-up, the V-37 shines as a versatile coastal or offshore fish-raising thoroughbred with the legs to run long distances in comfort. With performance a priority, the twin stepped "Michael Peters" designed hull powered by Triple 400 Verado's provides a comfortable 60 plus knot top end with of operation and comfort aboard high priorities.
At the same time leading Australian luxury motor yacht manufacturer Maritimo, has unveiled its fifth new model in 2021, a record for the company, with today's exciting global reveal of the all new M60 Flybridge Motor Yacht. The M60 Flybridge Motor Yacht is slated for its official global launch early in 2022. The global reveal of the M60 Flybridge Motor Yacht marks the fifth of eight total global launches or global reveals scheduled in 2021, as announced by Maritimo Design Director, Tom Barry-Cotter earlier this year.
"Our immense new model development strategy sees us continue our way up the model lineage with more and more breathtaking new models in development," he said. "Our completely in-house design team are continuing to set new standards in flybridge motor yacht design, as we combine innovative design expertise with the collaboration of our knowledgeable global network of Maritimo owners. The new model design developments, the team are working on in collaboration with our customer network are truly spectacular, and we grow more excited with each new global reveal.
Propulsion company, Cox Powertrain's Germany-based distributor, Diesel Power, successfully installed a twin-CXO300 diesel outboard configuration on an Axopar, one of Europe's leading boat brands. The leading British diesel outboard manufacturer Cox Powertrain has been working closely over the last few months with its Germany-based distributor, Diesel Power, and Axopar's German dealer, Boote Polch, to commission a twin installation of the 300hp CXO300 diesel outboard on board an Axopar 37.
Axopar is one of the fastest-growing recreational European boatbuilders on the market today, having captured an increasing market share over the last few years. Since 2014, Axopar has built an enviable reputation in the marine market for creating exciting and innovative boats with excellent handling and performance. With one of the most fuel-efficient hulls for fast motorboats, the Axopar 37 is an excellent candidate for showcasing the twin CXO300 configuration which is destined to be subsequently installed by many other vessels across the globe.
Further signs of future optimism from the Gold Coast. The Boat Works is pleased to announce Marine Trade Supplies & Chandlery store, the on-site mega-store for every aspect of boat repair, maintenance and supplies related, will expand yet again. Since opening nine years ago, the Chandlery has evolved from a modest trade store into the leading chandlery in South-East Queensland, bursting with international and Australian brands and a product range that is second to none. In the past two years since the Superyacht yard began to attract larger boats, more vessels and more people to the area, Marine Trade Supplies & Chandlery has outgrown the 1,000-square-metre facility and will now expanding to an additional 500-square-metres from 1 September.
From the sailing side of the industry, Ronstan International is pleased to announce the release of the new RF4056 analogue watch. Following the global popularity of the digital ClearStart™ range, Ronstan began to look at options for a sporty analogue watch, equally at home on the water or in the office, which represented Ronstan's reputation of quality and functionality (and strikingly good looks). The RF4056 features a high-quality Japanese quartz movement retained in a stylish matt black SS316 case. The 43mm watch case has a durable hard mineral crystal lens and is water resistant up to 10ATM. The watch features a chronograph function with a five-minute countdown timer as well as displaying 24-hour time and date. Proudly designed in Australia, the RF4056 is a comfortable and reliable daily wearer appropriate for any occasion.
As voted by superyacht captains and crew, Coral Sea Marina has been announced as Runner-Up in the ACREW Superyacht Business Awards 2021 in the category of Best Superyacht Marina. The ACREW Superyacht Business Awards is a global awards program, with a network of over 15,000 captains and crew, who are invited to select the best businesses within the superyacht sector and vote on those that provide exceptional experiences, recognizing them as top in their field. Arnold Venki, ACREW Head of Business-to-Business Sales explains, "I am delighted to congratulate Coral Sea Marina Resort for being Runners-up for the Best Superyacht Marina Award. This confirms the hard work of the team towards assisting Yachts and Yacht Crew. Keep up with the good work, the Superyacht industry highly values your professionalism."
Finally, the marine giant Mercury Marine, a leader in marine propulsion systems and a division of Brunswick Corporation, has announced multiple job moves and promotions within its global leadership team with the objective of continuing to strengthen its leadership position in the marketplace and expanding the global experience of key talent. These actions are effective immediately. Will Sangster is promoted to President, Mercury EMEA. Sangster has been General Manager of ANZP since 2014 and added responsibility for the Asia region in 2019. Under his leadership, Mercury APAC has continued to grow revenue and market share.
Sangster will relocate to Mercury's European headquarters in Petit-Rechain, Belgium. Marty Bass, who has been the president of Mercury's EMEA business for the past five years, will be moving back to the U.S. to take on a future role within the company that will be announced shortly. Bass has been with the company for 15 years in leadership positions of increasing responsibility, including Vice President of Category Management for Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac.
Stay positive, look forward, and keep that news coming.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com