The industry continues to weather the financial storm - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 2 Nov 2023 16:00 PDT
2023 Melbourne Boat Show © Boating Industry Association of Victoria
Despite the current trading conditions and the threat of more interest rate rises in Australia, the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) has deemed the 2023 Melbourne Boat Show a resounding success. From 26 to 29 October, the event celebrated boating across more than 1km of waterfront, and five full marinas at Docklands, in Melbourne's CBD.
Featuring well over 100 exhibitors and 42,575 attendees, the event provided something for all boating enthusiasts, as well as those new to boating. Show attendees lauded the event, noting its growth on the 2022 event, the additional exhibitors, as well as the new activations. "The initial feedback from visitors has been fantastic," said BIAV CEO Steve Walker. "Our members put on a great display of boats and boating lifestyle, and the new activations and features were really well received."
Those new features included Hooked Up's Rig-Rundown, the Supertank, Retail (Tackle) Island, as well as the Heritage and Wooden Boat Precinct. The historic ferry Grower was also well received as it transited visitors over to North Wharf to take in the two Tall Ships, the historic steam tug Wattle, and a vast array of beautiful wooden boats.
Overseas, The Hong Kong International Boat Show will be back again at the end of this month with an exciting four-day programme at the Club Marina Cove. Organised in response to the popular demand from boat dealers and boating enthusiasts, the event will be held between 30 November and 3 December. More than 30 boats of the latest designs and makes from Italy, France, Britain, Poland, Finland, U.S.A., South Africa, China and Hong Kong will be on display alongside watersports equipment and boating accessories as well as a car show.
The evolution of electric propulsion continues and is now recognised with awards. After tallying the votes from a panel of 25 international electric boat experts and 5,000+ electric boat enthusiasts all over the world, the fourth annual Gustave Trouvé Awards for Excellence in Electric Boats and Boating - 'The Gussies' - has announced the recipients of its 2023 1st Place honours.
The awards are the only international boating awards that focus exclusively on electric boats and recognize craft already in production as well as concept boats and those in late development stage. They include electric leisure boats, workboats, commercial passenger vessels, sailboats and fossil fuel boats that have been refitted with electric propulsion.
The Boating Industry Association (BIA) has today launched its 'See You Out There' advertising campaign as part of its Discover Boating initiative. With the peak boating season approaching, the three-month campaign is set to inspire and welcome new participants into the world of boating, showcasing the diverse array of activities accessible across budget ranges.
BIA CEO Andrew Scott said promotion of the boating lifestyle and growing participation in boating was part of the BIA's strategic business plan and key priorities. "Boating has long been cherished by Australians as a standout leisure activity, offering a great variety of experiences for individuals, families, and friends alike, from fishing and water sports to cruising and sailing."
The BIA also announced a changing of the guard with Adam Smith stepping into the role of President of the association representing a vibrant industry that last year reported more than $9.6 billion in turnover nationally. Outgoing President Andrew Fielding said the transition was smooth and in the making for some time and resulted from his need to assist his family with a transition to a new management model for its Anchorline Yacht Brokers business.
The modern Yamarin boat collection from Northern Europe is launching in Australia. The elegant and practical Nordic design is represented by two separate product lines: sleek and stylish Yamarin day cruisers and durable aluminium hull Yamarin Cross bow riders. Yamarin and Yamarin Cross boats are designed and manufactured by Finland's Inha Works, part of the Yamaha Motor Group.
"We are bringing to Australia our smartest and most innovative solutions, which have been tested in the demanding and highly variable Nordic weather conditions. We have combined the latest boat building techniques and timeless design to guarantee effortless, safe and comfortable boating. When our boats perform well in our ever-changing conditions, then you can rely on them anywhere in the world," says Artturi Niittynen, Sales and Marketing Director at Yamarin Boats.
Australia and the broader Asia Pacific region's growing superyacht movement will be celebrated when the fourth edition of Australian Superyacht Rendezvous is staged on 17 and 18 May 2024 at Australia's most awarded marina, Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard (GCCM) in Queensland, Australia. Trenton Gay, CEO of GCCM and organiser of the Rendezvous made the announcement today at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Florida - the largest in-water boat show in the world - where he is attending with a contingent of Australian representatives and businesses all highly committed to international promotion of Australia's unrivalled charter experiences and world-class marine refit and repair services.
More than 40 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff have taken part in the Service's first flood rescue and operation induction training at Brunswick Heads and Mullumbimby. The training is part of Marine Rescue NSW's focus to enhance its on-water flood rescue capability in support of the NSW State Emergency Service when additional resources are requested during a weather emergency. Efforts were centred on the Service's new Multi-Purpose Vessels, and associated equipment funded by the NSW Government following recommendations from last year's Flood Inquiry.
More marine industry news daily at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania
Stay Focused,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com