Boating not immune from environmental developments - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 6 Apr 2023 15:00 PDT
Extreme product testing for extreme conditions © Raymarine
While the debate around zero carbon emissions continues to involve energy alternatives and increasing energy prices, the boating industry is not exempt from developments. With new climate extremes, environmental testing in the harshest of conditions is critical to a product's success. Changes in climate extremes and their impacts on the natural physical environment means that technology needs to be more durable than ever.
The ability of a product to withstand the environment within which it has to operate, is critical to its success, and the reason Raymarine goes beyond industry standards to test its marine products. Raymarine's testing centre in the UK is at the forefront of the industry. The facility provides a comprehensive range of accredited marine environmental testing, from hard drops, prolonged vibration, extreme temperatures, wireless emissions, relentless rain and spray, full submersion, and the simulation of months at sea inside a salt mist chamber.
Meanwhile, Greenline Yachts, the worldwide leader in alternative propulsion motorboats and pioneer of hybrid yachts, has announced it will cease production of the Greenline 33. This will allow the luxury Slovenian boatbuilder to focus resources and production space on its larger models. Orders placed up to summer 2024 will be fulfilled by the boatbuilder. Launched in 2008, the Greenline 33 set a new benchmark in environmentally conscious boating and was the first production hybrid boat. Almost 500 units of the revolutionary 33ft family cruiser have since been delivered in more than 50 countries worldwide.
And from China, Far East Boats, one of the biggest sailboat builders in China, and ePropulsion, a global leader and market challenger in marine electric propulsion systems and services, have announced the launch of a brand-new electric catamaran, the 42-foot FAREAST 42C. The boat was unveiled at this year's China (Shanghai) International Boat Show. The first all-electric catamaran developed by Far East Boats and the first mass-produced catamaran powered by ePropulsion's integrated propulsion system solution, the FAREAST 42C combines speed with comfort to provide an excellent sailing capability.
The catamaran was designed by Simonis Voogd Design, an internationally renowned boat design firm, and features a spacious living area. It adopts a streamlined design and uses extra-long built-in plexiglass portholes to allow passengers to enjoy a 360 degrees unobstructed view in the "living room" and greater natural light in the cabin. The deck layout can be selected from a sport version or a charter version.
Locally, exhibitors are lining up for the Sydney International Boat Show. Australia's premier recreational boating lifestyle event is set to run from the 3rd to 6th August at the ICC Sydney and Cockle Bay at Darling Harbour, attracting many of the most recognised and respected boating manufacturers, suppliers and retailers. Major exhibitors who are already locked in to showcase the latest innovations on the water include Australian Superyachts, Clipper Motor Yachts, Cobalt of Australia, Collins Marine, Iliad Catamarans, Multihull Solutions, Short Marine, Sundance Marine, The Yacht Sales Co and Whitehaven.
Trailer boats, water sports and inflatable craft will have a prominent presence at the Show with the likes of Blakes Marine, Dunbier Marine, Hunts Marine, Insinc Marine, Marine Co, Nautique Central, Sirocco Marine, TR Marine, Watersports Marine and Webbe Marine.
Overseas, METSTRADE, the world-renowned platform where the leisure marine industry comes together, and The Foiling Organization, the international association for the hydrofoiling industry and its professionals, announced a new partnership during the Foiling Awards prize-giving ceremony held recently in Milan. The partnership will lead to the first ever Foiling Technology Pavilion, to be featured during METSTRADE 2023 (15-17 November) in hall 7, to showcase manufacturers of foiling hardware and technology and to educate trade visitors.
Meanwhile, Sirocco Marine will exhibit the latest Northstar Orion 8 - the luxury sportscar of the RIB world - at this year's Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, 25 to 28 May. Designed by the famous British racing boat designer, Adam Younger, and made in Turkey, the Northstar line of performance RIBs boasts advanced tapered stepped hulls for excellent efficiency and seakeeping, a sleek profile and plenty of horsepower for jetting between anchorages. Northstar have been building RIBs for over 20 years and the Orion range features a vacuum infused cored Vinylester hull and deck and full Hypalon tubes.
At the same event, the next brand-new Catana Bali 4.4 catamaran, "Halyna" is currently on the way to Oz from France. She will be at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on Pier E. Yacht Share Mariner, together with Dream Yacht, suppliers of Bali in Australia, will show case this revolutionary yacht. This very highly optioned yacht includes air-conditioning, generator, water maker, up-graded 57 HP engines, 630-liter fridge freezer with an icemaker in the door. A master cabin and two doubles with en-suite facilities make up the luxury accommodation.
Australia continues to expand its boating offerings with Freedom Boat Club, a Brunswick Corporation business and the world's largest boat club, announcing this week the planned opening of three new locations in Australia at Bobbin Head, Pittwater, and Lake Macquarie. These new locations will provide direct access to picturesque waterways north of Sydney.
Together with the previously announced company-operated location on Sydney Harbour at d'Albora's the Spit Marina, these three new locations will begin the process of quickly scaling Freedom's presence in the Asia-Pacific region, replicating its successful model in North America and Europe. "We are thrilled to continue our growth into truly stunning and popular yet accessible boating locations in Australia," said David Kurczewski, General Manager, Shared Services Asia-Pacific.
New products this week includes a Ronstan block (pulley). Most competitive dinghy sailors would likely have used or seen Ronstan's popular 20mm single sheave ball bearing and HHL Orbit lashing blocks. Ronstan has now added additional multi-sheave configurations as well as a lightweight cheek block to the range. Double and triple lashing blocks, including a double HHL version for higher load applications, offer sailors stronger and lighter options for multi-purchase control systems on modern high performance and foiling sailboats.
And Hawke Optics, a worldwide leader in precision optics with outstanding performance in the field and optimal value for the consumer, has expanded into marine and boating life with their line of Endurance ED Marine Optics. Designed to suit all marine applications, the Marine Optics family of binoculars and monoculars is superior. Hawke's Endurance ED Optics have been distinguished for their performance and reliability for over a decade.
The Marine Optics line is no different. Hawke has grown their award-winning selection with optics that are specifically designed for marine and boating applications. These models are 7x magnification, making them ideal for being on the water, as the lower the magnification power the more stabilized your viewing image will be. They are designed with advanced BAK-4 roof prism optical systems making them far more compact, modern, and lightweight than the industry norm.
More industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania every day.
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com