Please select your home edition
Edition




Boat Shows over April and May kick-start the industry - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter

by Peter Rendle 13 Apr 2023 15:00 PDT
Horizon RP125 © Horizon Yachts

As the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show approaches (May 25-28), exhibitors are advising of their latest offerings.

Demonstrating record sales over the last two years, the Australian market has fully embraced the variety of Horizon yacht models targeted to the region's diverse boating audience. This year, Horizon plans its largest showcase to date at Sanctuary Cove, with eight yachts on display bookended by the debuting V74 and RP125 motor yachts. The Horizon Yacht Australia team will be joined by senior members of Horizon Yachts headquarters on the display on Pier G that will also include three FD80s, two FD90s and an RP100.

Highfield Boats Australia will host the Australian debut of the all-new Sport 660, a 6.6-metre offshore capable dayboat that already has a legion of fans around the world. This mid-sized family RIB with a super-deep-V hull is perfect for exploration, water sports and days on the water. With 46,000 boats delivered globally since the brand's inception in 2011, Highfield Boats is now the world's number one in the RIB tender sector and a global player in the 5-metre+ segment.

The new Highfield Sport 660 boasts a hull with a deadrise angle of 26-degrees, integrated under floor fuel tanks, EVA teak flooring and fantastic family-friendly features such as cushioned seating, sundeck, plenty of storage, swim platform with ladder and shower kit. A bimini is just one of the optional extras that make this versatile RIB the choice for "a casual cruise, water sports or offshore adventures," as CEO, Julien Carussi explains.

Meanwhile Groupe Beneteau have announced their appearance at the Sanya International Boat Show (April 13-17, China). Simpson Marine will represent Beneteau and Lagoon Catamarans to show a great line-up at the show. Beneteau's presence includes the Oceanis Yacht 54 (sail) and Antares 11 (power). Lagoon Catamarans will display the Lagoon 46.

Busan International Boat Show (April 21-23) is the leading boat show in South Korea and is set to open at Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre and Suyeong River. Supported by Yacht Master, two Beneteau sailing boats (Oceanis 38.1, Oceanis 40.1) and a Lagoon catamaran (Lagoon 40) will be displayed in the outdoor session of the boat show.

The Singapore Yacht Show (April 27-30, at the ONE degrees15 Marina Sentosa Cove) display is arranged by Beneteau local dealer Simpson Marine, featuring three South-east Asia premieres. Beneteau models displayed are the Oceanis Yacht 54 (South-east Asia premiere), Gran Turismo 41, and Grand Trawler 62 (South-east Asia premiere). Lagoon Catamarans will send the Lagoon 55 (South-east Asia premiere).

Back in Sydney, female members of the Boating Industry Association and the Women's International Shipping and Trading Association Australia came together recently for an afternoon of sailing and networking. Hosted by Andoo, they boarded the record-breaking ocean racing yacht Comanche and sailed in the Wednesday Summer Series hosted by the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club.

The experienced crew were patient with the novice guests, who were thrilled to be on board the magnificent vessel, with legendary Iain Murray AM at the helm. They also won the race. The event was the first of many aimed at supporting and uniting women in the industry.

And in Queensland, Brisbane Marine has done it again, going back-to-back-to-back with Mercury Marine's most prestigious award, The Australian Dealer of the Year for 2022. Brisbane Marine is the one-stop shop for Mercury products, boats, trailers, marine parts, and electronics. They continue their track record of success having previously won the Mercury Marine Dealer of the Year Award in 2020 and 2021.

Mercury Marine's Director of Sales David Meehan said Brisbane Marine's three-peat was "a massive achievement". "It's one thing to be successful, but it's another to keep delivering at such a high standard," David added.

New products this week includes South Korean giant, Hyundai. Avikus, HD Hyundai's autonomous navigation in-house startup, have announced to adapt automotive's self-driving platform from Hyundai AutoEver to its self-boating platform. Hyundai AutoEver (CEO Seo Jeong-sik) and Avikus (CEO Lim Do-hyeong) held a signing ceremony at Pangyo Global R&D Center on April 4th, signing a collaboration contract to implement next-generation automotive's self-driving platform to marine mobilities.

The two companies will work together to apply Hyundai AutoEver's vehicle software platform, mobilgene, to NeuBoat - an autonomous operation solution for leisure boats developed by Avikus. Avikus' NeuBoat provides steering and docking capabilities far beyond monitoring and alerts, corresponding to the users' selected level of navigation assistance. The two companies plan to promote development and quality verification with the goal of mass production in 2026.

New boats include BRP's launch of the Freestyler X, the latest addition to the industry-leading Quintrex lineup. Backed by over 75-years of industry expertise, the all-new design will make waves in marine; redefining the boating experience with an enhanced interior and stern to bow layout, only made possible with the unrivalled Rotax Outboard Engine with Stealth Technology - an exclusive BRP design.

Observe the rules and stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com

Related Articles

Excitement builds for Sydney Boat Show
A summary of news relevant to businesses across Oceania The ultimate indoor boating experience, Sydney Boat Show, will take over Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park from 14 to 17 August for the first time. It is presented by the Boating Industry Association (BIA). Posted on 3 Jul
Letter aims to reduce harm to U.S. Manufacturing
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America NMMA joined 29 leading industry associations in a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick advocating for revisions to the Department of Commerce's implementation of Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and related derivative products. Posted on 2 Jul
Despite world politics industry remains resolute
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America As part of NMMA's continued advocacy efforts following the 2025 American Boating Congress (ABC), a group of NMMA leaders visited Capitol Hill last week to meet with Congressman Mike Collins (GA-10). Posted on 25 Jun
Sydney Boat Show indoor exhibitor space sold out
A summary of news relevant to businesses across Oceania With two months to go, indoor exhibition space for the 2025 Sydney Boat Show is sold-out, as brands and businesses secure their spot at the new look event, which is set to offer a comprehensive indoor marine showcase. Posted on 19 Jun
Boat Lagoon Yachting appoints Richard Allen CEO
Allen aims to "enhance client service, and deepen engagement with long-term yacht owners" Boat Lagoon Yachting has announced the appointment of Richard Allen as the new Chief Executive Officer of the company. Posted on 19 Jun
Major industry event updates in the USA and Europe
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), North America's premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry announced today that registration for visitors is now open for this year's Show. Posted on 18 Jun
Awards to industry members dominate the news
A summary of news relevant to businesses across Oceania Andrew Chapman CMM, President of the Marina Industries Association (MIA), has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King's Birthday Honours in recognition of his significant service to youth and the marina industries. Posted on 12 Jun
Room for industry optimism for the rest of 2025
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America Despite varying economic factors across all states, the latest data from NMMA's Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report offers a tempered view of the recreational boating market. Posted on 11 Jun
Sanctuary Cove delivers perfect weather
A summary of news relevant to businesses across Oceania There's no better place to be in May when the weather behaves, than the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Mark Jardine, Sail-World's Managing Editor travelled from the UK to catch up with the latest marine offerings at this year's event. Posted on 5 Jun
More confusion as tariff decisions overruled
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America On May 30, President Donald Trump announced that Section 232 tariffs on imported steel and aluminum will double from 25% to 50%, effective Wednesday, June 4. The announcement was made during a speech at U.S. Steel's Mon Valley Works-Irvin Plant. Posted on 4 Jun