Awards that rejuvenate the industry - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 16 Nov 2023 15:00 PST
Overall winner of the DAME Design Awards 2023: Oceanvolt HighPower ServoProp 25 © Marianne Ottemann
Jury Chair Andre Hoek presented the world-renowned DAME Award 2023 to the Oceanvolt HighPower ServoProp 25 at the commencement of the METSTRADE show this morning. Nine products took wins in eight brand new categories for this year, while fourteen more received Special Mentions. The jury also named a recipient for its discretionary Environmental Design Award.
There were several strong electric propulsion solutions nominated this year. Among them the Jury selected the outstanding HighPower ServoProp 25 from Finnish electric inboard pioneer Oceanvolt to win the Propulsion & Dynamics category. In a closely run final round this product then claimed the overall DAME 2023 Award against other excellent category winners.
The jury commended this 25kW electric saildrive as an excellently conceived and engineered product that tangibly moves the goalposts for 45-70ft sailboats by providing a reliable and extremely quiet option for electrification. Oceanvolt's use of its controllable pitch propeller technology ensures maximum efficiency for propulsion and hydrogeneration, with the system able to return up 5kW of power when the yacht is sailing at 10 knots.
The jury also noted the careful thought had been given to installation and ease of servicing when long-distance sailing.
Apprentice boat builder Oscar Press of Sydney's Northern Beaches is bound for Europe in 2024 to further his passion for sustainability in the industry after winning a Global Footprint Scholarship.
Oscar, 21, is in his fourth year and apprenticed with Rowell Marine situated in the heart of Pittwater. Boating Industry Association members Rowell Marine have a deep connection with boating and Pittwater dating back more than 50 years. Oscar said it was a dream to work at Rowell's on Pittwater and to have had the opportunity to work on quality timber boats including the impressive Palm Beach line of motor cruisers.
For Oscar, the scholarship means he will be able to travel overseas in the middle of 2024 once he has completed his apprenticeship. His goal is to be able to gain invaluable experience as an intern with a timber boat building business in in Scandinavia, France, Portugal, Spain or Italy.
Congratulations to the overall Apprentice of the Year (AofY), Nicola Skeldon, who is a marine mechanic at Nautek Marine. Nicola saw off an incredibly strong field including Dimitri Giannikopoulos from Mercury Marine who was awarded AofY in the Marine Mechanic space, and Jay Be Zar from Haines Hunter who took out the Boat Builders award.
In an industry first, Edencraft were presented the prestigious Apprentice Employer of the Year Award, for their efforts nurturing and supporting multiple apprentices throughout the year. Congratulations also to AofY finalists James Morwood - Edencraft, Robert Reed - St Kilda Boat Sales, Kobe Gogoll - Inferno Marine, Aaron David - Mullies, Finn Vantslot - Haines Hunter, and Employer finalists Inferno Marine and Nautek Marine.
Women & Leadership Australia has announced new scholarships to enable more women to access world-class leadership and workplace skill development programs. By combining cutting-edge leadership theory with practical application, and a flexible part-time delivery, Women & Leadership Australia offers an unparalleled learning experience designed to fit into your busy schedule.
With partial scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, there are four programs to suit women in non-leadership roles all the way up to senior executives. Don't miss this incredible opportunity! Applications close Friday 24 November 2023. Limited places available.
The 54th edition of the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) Annual Meeting ran from 10 to 14 November in Malaga, Spain. This event features meetings of the ORC's Management, Promotion and Development, Offshore Classes and Events, Measurement, and Rating Officers Committees, culminating in the meeting of the ORC Congress on 14 November. The meeting's Schedule, Submissions and Agendas are all found online.
New Products: With more than 250,000 Torqeedo drive systems in the field, Torqeedo today introduces their latest product innovation. The iconic Travel motor has been delighting boaters with its outstanding efficiency, useful technology, and easy-to-use design since 2005 and more than 100,000 Travel motors have already been sold worldwide. Now, Torqeedo has taken the original to the next level.
"The new Travel family marks the opening of a new chapter of Torqeedo products. The original Travel was Torqeedo's first product and the one that disrupted an industry. A true icon which now has been redefined," said Fabian Bez, CEO of Torqeedo GmbH. "The new lineup serves an even broader range of boating applications, adds many user-centric features, and allows boaters to fully customize their Travel experience to meet their individual needs. The customers' demands are at the very core of our product development - resulting in the Travel XP. Our latest product with up to 1600W input power clearly closes a gap in the market."
Adding to its complement of internationally respected and popular composite products, ATL Composites represents the EPIFANES range of Yacht Varnishes. Suitable for amateurs and professionals, and made in The Netherlands, Epifanes products have been setting the standard in marine coatings since 1902 and are now available in more than 50 countries. Known around the world and considered the ultimate in high gloss finish, the Epifanes Clear Varnish provides outstanding protection for all marine and household timbers and can be applied to interior and exterior woods above the waterline.
Designed for RVs, off-grid living, off-road camping and marine/yachts, Decarbon Venture Airbase uses revolutionary semi-solid batteries for high power-to-weight ratio; new generators store typically twice the power and weigh less than half that of traditional lithium battery-based generators.
The DCV portable generators are about half the weight and deliver twice the power of similar products. Feature a breakthrough swappable and modular battery design. Batteries work with DCV solar panels and can continually charge while in use. Airbase generators can run air conditioners, tea kettles/coffee pots, hair dryers, etc.
People news: Camper & Nicholsons announces the appointment of Windie Tsoi as Sales Advisor in Hong Kong. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Windie has first-hand knowledge of the Asian market and incredible insight to what the region can offer yacht owners. Inspired by the demand for experienced and professional support with regard to yacht ownership and enjoyment, Windie's appointment with Camper & Nicholsons gives her opportunity to combine her interest in yachting with her passion for hospitality, helping clients to attain their luxury aspirations.
Supported by the global network of Camper & Nicholsons, Windie is able to assist clients with charter, purchase and commissioning of new build yachts, as well as introduce them to the company's wider services in yacht and crew management.
The Melbourne Boat Show was perfectly timed. Not only for being on the cusp of summer, and just as the boat market improves, however also in time to welcome the new Minister for Boating (Recreation), Steve Dimopoulos. Premier Allan's recent re-shuffle has seen Minister Dimopoulos elevated to the Environment and Recreation (Boating/Fishing) portfolios, to complement his already fullish card that includes Tourism and Major Events. It was fantastic therefore, that the new minister could attend the show, meet numerous stakeholders, and enjoy an industry and boat show overview at the start of his tenure.
Dimopoulos also seemed quite keen to find out how he could arrange his next boating trip, and get some more firsthand involvement in the portfolio. Amongst other things the minister was keen to explore some of the Victorian manufacturing on display, to take in the volume and value of boating statewide, to discuss some of the advocacy and infrastructure issues facing the industry, as well as to identify the link with his tourism and events portfolios.
More marine industry news daily at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania
Stay Motivated,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com