More news of boat shows filters through - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 9 Feb 15:00 PST
Ultimate Fishing Expo © Victorian Fisheries Authority
As we mentioned in last week's newsletter, boat show news is starting to filter through. Recreational fishers of all ages will converge on Melbourne later this month when two exciting events are held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said the Ultimate Fishing Expo on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 February would be followed by the 10th World Recreational Fishing Conference on 20, 21 and 22 February. He explained, "The Expo provides free entry to the public and will be a weekend bonanza of knowledgeable speakers, fishing celebrities from Australia and overseas, engaging activities for the entire family, and all the latest gear, boats and fishing equipment."
After a four-year wait, 500 vessels and 70 exhibitors are headed to the picturesque Hobart waterfront for the 2023 Australian Wooden Boat Festival, 10 to 13 February. Show sponsor, ATL Composites, is looking forward to attending the festival, promoting the full range of WEST SYSTEM epoxy resins and accessories. ATL is taking the opportunity to launch a new and exciting brand, the Epifanes Yacht Coatings range, to visiting wooden boat enthusiasts, both amateur and professional.
For over 120 years, Epifanes range of marine paint systems and products have been made in The Netherlands and are now available in more than 50 countries.
In May, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show takes place (25-28th) and exhibitors are advising of their latest products. For the first time in Australia, Sirocco Marine will present models from the entire Zodiac range of RIBs. 20 different models will be on display, spanning four to nine metres, including the global boat show launch of the all-new Medline 9.
Specialists in RIB tenders and day boats, Sirocco Marine will have the biggest selection of the world's most respected brands on show, comprising Zodiac, Northstar, Sirocco, Williams and BRIG. On display for the first time at a boat show anywhere in the world, the Zodiac Medline 9 will attract plenty of attention for its size and features.
All eyes will be on Multihull Solutions and The Yacht Sales Co as they stage the Asia Pacific premiere of four new power and sail models at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. The event will be the stage for Multihull Solution's launch of the highly anticipated Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 sailing catamaran and the MY4.S by Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts.
Sister company The Yacht Sales Co will also unveil the walkaround luxury day boat, the Tesoro T-40 Outboard, as well as the Absolute 47 Fly for the first time in the Asia Pacific region. With strong enquiries for these models already being received by the sales teams, the Gold Coast event is shaping up to be the most successful in the companies' history.
ILIAD Catamarans will stage the global premiere of its new ILIAD 53S at the show. The new ILIAD 53S is set to be a major drawcard for visitors to Sanctuary Cove with the first model already sold and the sales team enjoying an extremely strong level of enquiry. Signalling a departure from the flybridge design that distinguishes its current models - the ILIAD 50, 62 and 75 - the new 53S features a sporty sedan silhouette making it ideal for unrestricted cruising throughout the world's waterways.
With a comprehensively optioned model priced from USD$1.795M, the ILIAD 53S is expected to enjoy strong demand from buyers seeking a semi-custom motor yacht that features outstanding space, economy and performance. The 53S has outstanding interior living space, including a huge forward lounge, helm station and dining for 6-8 people, and the entire area is bathed in natural light courtesy of a large skylight that is included as standard.
Expansion details this week includes the Whitehaven Group who have appointed Pier 35 at the Marina Village in Port Melbourne as the Victorian dealer for the Aquila brand of power catamarans. Terry Ryan, who runs Pier 35 Boat Sales with his wife, Karen, business partner Chris McRedmond, and a team of five, has represented Integrity Motor Yachts since 2012 and the Whitehaven brand since 2015. Terry has been Dealer Principal at Pier 35 since 2012, and prior to that, ran the operation on behalf of the previous owners.
People moves involves a father-daughter reunion. Lisa Seiffert, the daughter of Adrian, the founder of Marine Auctions, has joined her father in the family business. Lisa returned home to Australia 6 months ago after spending over 20 years in New York as a successful model. Since Lisa returned home to Australia, she has been learning the ropes of Marine Auctions, and has been part of the crew of the 80ft Ocean Racing Yacht "Stefan" which she crewed on in the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. "Stefan" is owned by her father and well-known ocean racing legend Grant Warrington.
Adrian said one of the first boats Lisa will be selling is a well-appointed 2014 Sessa C38, which is an Italian Designed Sports Cruiser with stylish accommodation, luxury fit out and Finish.
And further afield, Dockmate®, manufacturer of advanced wireless remote-control systems for yachts, announced today it has expanded its dealer network to Taiwan with a strategic partnership with nautical equipment distributor DragonShore. DragonShore is a representative of European and American original equipment manufacturers, and a key source of product information and technical guidance for its customers in Taiwan.
Offering the highest-quality marine systems, DragonShore's service scope includes the Asia and Pacific region. Its professional and experienced technical team provides customer-oriented services with a focus on listening to and understanding the needs of its customers and being a communication bridge with its suppliers for the fastest and most direct solutions.
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com