Dealer appointments, new products and boat show details - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 16 Mar 16:00 PDT
Hydrolift X-32 S © Fredrik Helliesen
Since 1985, Hydrolift from Norway has chosen to do things differently. It has challenged convention and continually delivered innovative designs that have been game-changing. Its owner and designer, Bard Eker, knows a thing or two about going quickly in boats, and how to make them that way.
Eker is a former winner of the Class One Offshore Powerboat World Championship, he is also a key influence behind the groundbreaking Koenigsegg supercar, and this experience in world-beating design coupled with a drive to succeed forms the DNA of Hydrolift.
Hydrolift has made a strong commitment to the Australian market with an ample supply of boats being made available from Ocean Boats (NSW, VIC, SA, WA) and Geoff Lovett International (QLD).
And in Asia, SILENT-YACHTS is expanding its presence by signing an agreement with Asiamarine. As the exclusive dealer in Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand, Asiamarine will provide access and service to the company's full range of solar-powered catamarans for clients in the region.
According to Eric Noyel, Founder and CEO of Asiamarine, "SILENT-YACHTS has pioneered and championed this now key segment of alternative powered catamarans for close to 20 years, gaining incomparable experience and developing reliable and performing solutions. We are proud to have been chosen to accompany them in this exciting development. We expect the solar electric catamarans to be a huge success in Southeast Asia. Our clients are increasingly sensitive to the environmental challenges."
Meanwhile, Dan Brown has joined the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) as the newly appointed Manager - Education and Industry Skills. This follows an extensive recruitment process and interview series, of a strong applicant pool. Dan will commence with BIAV on Monday 20 March.
Dan has extensive experience in the education, training, RTO and recruitment spaces, and joins us following recent National Sales, and Business Development Manager roles with the Greenhill Education Group, and the Ashley Institute of Training.
In Sydney, Australian Sailing in collaboration with the Australian National Maritime Museum are excited to announce that nominations have now opened for the prestigious Australian Sailing Hall of Fame. The only elite sailing institution of its kind in the country, the Australian Sailing Hall of Fame is now entering its seventh year. Established in 2017 to recognise the greats of the sport, the Hall of Fame showcases the achievements and impact of sailings finest, and is not limited to athletes and teams, but instead covers all disciplines of the sport, from coaches and designers to club officials.
Nominations are being sought across two categories: the sailor or athlete category and the general category for those who have played a critical supporting or leadership role.
Further north in Queensland, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) is welcoming a host of international exhibitors and visitors when it returns from May 25 to 28. From returning big name brand exhibitors, to new players participating for the first time, this year's Show will see the return of the internationals. Kept away for the past three years by travel restrictions and supply issues, SCIBS 2023 will welcome exhibitors from around the world. Companies from USA, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Holland and Turkey will bring an exciting array of the best the marine industry has to offer to the show renowned around the globe as one of the world's best.
International exhibitors already confirmed to appear at SCIBS 2023 include European exploration motor yacht builders Bering Yachts, Italian FTP engine makers Bepower, Italian RIB makers Lomac, Japanese engine manufacturers Yanmar, Dutch boat coating specialists AkzoNobel, Chinese LED lighting manufacturers Yuyao HOJA, Chinese portable power manufacturers Ecoflow, American outdoor fabric specialist Sunbrella, Swedish RIB manufacturers Iron Boats and New Zealand's foul release coating specialists Propspeed.
From the USA we learn of Navico's latest approach to sustainability. The Navico Group have announced that its Lowell facility is the first company site to reach zero-waste-to-landfill status. The zero-waste process requires a facility to demonstrate a 90% or higher diversion rate, meaning 90% of its waste materials are being recycled, reused, or otherwise eliminated. This accomplishment represents another step in Navico Group's commitment to conservation and sustainability.
"Sustainability is a key pillar of Navico Group and its brands, and we are dedicated to preserving the joy of being on the water for generations to come," said Brett Dibkey, Navico Group President. "This is Navico Group's first site to achieve this recognition, but it will not be our last. We are very proud of our team in Lowell that helped accomplish this, and we will use this momentum to continue working toward this designation across our other facilities."
A new product has been launched from Harken: Zircon blocks (pulleys). Ceramic is much harder and smoother than steel or composite, so it requires less force to start moving. Why does that matter? Through the line, you feel even the slightest pull which enables you to fine tune a sail shape. In the lightest breeze, you can ease a sheet when others can't.
The ceramic ball bearings are mounted inside caged races. The cages keep these bearings apart so they don't bunch up, touch, and stop each other. The result is a very free-running block with less energy lost to friction, in fact, the most efficient small boat block Harken has ever developed.
More product news comes from Webasto. This global systems partner to the mobility industry is now outfitting the boats of the premium Lagoon brand with compact BlueCool S-Series air conditioning units. The Lagoon boatyard has been building catamarans with a focus on innovation and individuality since 1984. For the Lagoon 40 to 55 models, the yacht manufacturer now relies on Webasto's BlueCool S-Series air conditioning systems to enhance on-board comfort when navigating the high seas.
Thanks to the heat pump mode of the stand-alone compact air conditioning units, the catamarans' cabins can be cooled or heated independently of each other, offering passengers added comfort and freedom.
And finally, but not least, a reminder about our safety on the water. The newest addition to Marine Rescue's fleet in NSW, Merimbula 31 has arrived at its new home on the South Coast as it prepares for operational service. The 11.3 metre Naiad (NY-ADD) is one of 38 new rescue vessels funded by a four-year $37.6 million NSW Government investment to support the vital, life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, said the rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of Merimbula's active local boating community and visitors.
We continue to bring you the industry news as it happens from across our region The website is accessible 24/7 and is updated daily. Know of anyone who would like to receive this weekly newsletter? Sign them up at Marine Business Oceania.
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com