Boat Shows over April and May kick-start the industry - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 13 Apr 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