Marine Industry tops AUD 9.64 billion in 2022-23 - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 3 Aug 2023 15:00 PDT
2023 Sydney International Boat Show countdown © Flagstaff Marine
The Boating Industry Association (BIA) released the State of the Industry data report revealing national turnover at $9.64 billion for 2022-23.
BIA President Andrew Fielding launched the report on day one of the Sydney International Boat Show in Darling Harbour. "Our industry has seen significant growth over the last six years, with turnover up by 16 per cent over that time," Fielding said. "With more than 25,000 people directly employed in the boating industry and many thousands more contractors supporting more than 2000 businesses across the nation, the boating industry continues to be a significant industry sector. Close to seventy-five per cent are in small, family businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities."
The 2023 Sydney International Boat Show opened yesterday (unfortunately, I am unable to attend due to an accident, sustaining a number of injuries). Recognised as one of the world's leading boat shows, the Sydney event continues through the weekend with a comprehensive and diverse recreational marine exhibition, featuring 600 vessels and thousands of marine products, filling the exhibition halls at the ICC Sydney, the custom-built marina at Cockle Bay and surrounding foreshore, and presenting everything for the boating lover in one iconic location, covering cruising, sailing, ski and wakeboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, fishing and more.
Over 200 marine businesses from across Australia and beyond have converged on Darling Harbour alongside government agencies, offering visitors the chance to view and compare hundreds of the latest products, learn about the features of various watercraft, and hear about the regulations and safeguards in place to protect our state's waterways.
A clear indication that the industry has bounced back, the show will host over 65 global, Asia-Pacific and Australian new product launches and the marina alone will showcase more than 215 boats, a significant increase on the number of on-water vessels presented at the pre-Covid 2019 Show.
BRP is making history in the Australian marine industry with this year's show set to stage what is said to be the next big step in the future of the country's boating landscape. Making its debut on New South Wales soil, Quintrex Freestyler X will officially make its public launch in the heart of Darling Harbour. Driven towards redefining the on-water experience with new technology and ground-breaking innovations, the four-day global event will provide people from across the globe with the first chance to touch, see and experience the unparalleled design.
As one of the first products in the world to combine Rotax Stealth technology, the Quintrex Freestyler X is unmatched in the industry, designed to bend expectations by capitalising on transom space with a seamless outboard integration.
Mercury Marine will further underline its market leadership in electric propulsion with an exclusive first look at Avator 20e and 35e engines - the most powerful electric outboards on the market - as part of a huge array of new Mercury product on display and on demonstration at the show. Mercury will be back on Darling Harbour for this year's edition of the Sydney International Boat Show, giving attendees the chance to see the latest and products from Mercury.
Partnership news includes the Marina Industries Association (MIA). Walcon Marine Australia (WMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to the industry as a Bronze Sponsor of the MIA. WMA design, manufacture and install quality floating marina systems for commercial and residential marinas across Australia and Asia, operating three different production and assembly bases, located in NSW, WA, and China. WMA's first introduction to the marina industry in Australia was through supplying the pontoons for the Sydney International Boat Show, a contract they continue to hold today.
MIA CEO Suzanne Davies commented, "This is a great fit for the industry and Walcon. Walcon's ongoing involvement and support of the Sydney International Boat Show as an Official Event Partner and supplier of the marina infrastructure is demonstration of their commitment to the Asia-Pacific and we are delighted that Walcon has renewed its sponsorship of the MIA and support specifically for marinas in our region."
Whitehaven Motor Yachts has appointed Marine Riley to represent them in New South Wales. Led by Dealer Principal Mark Riley, Marine Riley brings a wealth of experience gained from building, designing and sourcing luxury yachts for clients worldwide. Australian-based custom motor yacht builder, Whitehaven specialises in bespoke motor yachts, designed and built to suit an owner's preferences and requirements. Whitehaven CEO Bruce Scott welcomed Mark and his team aboard, saying, "Marine Riley has an excellent understanding of the luxury motor yacht market in Australia."
New boats launched this week: Hanse Yachts Germany announces new 410 with optional electric propulsion and unmatched space that will revolutionise 40-foot sailing yachts. Following the success of the Hanse 460 and 510 from the yacht designers of Berret-Racoupeau, Hanse Yachts is now launching the third model in this revolutionary new series.
The new Hanse 410 will celebrate its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival (12-17 September 2023) and Windcraft will be there to capture the moment and report back to our customers in Australia and New Zealand. The optimised hull design with chines at the bow and stern delivers a slim waterline which ensures that performance is not compromised by the cockpit and modern living space that is unparalleled in a yacht of this size.
A new Horizon yacht has hit the water, once again demonstrating the world class builder's strength in customized yacht designs and builds. The customized RP125 springs from the Raised Pilothouse (RP) platform but features an FD Series High Performance Piercing Bow for enhanced performance. Named Vin Xan, the new RP125 was visualized by and built for a repeat Australian owner, who previously owned an RP100. At 125 feet in length, she is the largest Horizon yacht sold in Australia.
From New Zealand we learn the details of the New Zealand Marina Operators Association's flagship event for 2023. Designed to equip and inform your management teams to understand and be informed about best international practice, emerging products and innovations, and to learn from the successes of others. With local and international speakers, the return of master of ceremonies Philip Wardale, numerous great topics, two dinners and nine incredible site visits. NZMOA's Conference Program is now available and it's time to register.
More industry news at www.MarineBusinessWorld.com/Oceania
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com