We bid farewell to 2023 and welcome 2024 - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 21 Dec 2023 15:00 PST
BRP celebrates 20 years of adventures and innovation © BRP
As we say goodbye to 2023, marine companies are reflecting on what has been a year of increased interest rates and cost-of-living expenses rising. We include several articles that look back on the year.
BRP marks an important milestone in its history by celebrating 20 years of adventure, innovation and growth. BRP's adventure began on December 18, 2003, when it was launched as a stand-alone company. Its mission, which remains the same today, was to create new ways to move people and redefine powersports riding experiences so that they are measured by emotion rather than distance.
BRP has experienced exceptional growth. In 20 years, the company has tripled its global market share, becoming the world's leading powersports original equipment manufacturer (OEM). It has grown from 7,500 to 23,000 employees in 26 countries. Revenues have more than quadrupled from A$2.7 billion (CAD 2.4 billion) to over A$11.2 billion (CAD 10 billion), and BRP now offers 8 diversified product lines covering all seasons and catering to the whole family, from pure adrenaline enthusiasts to weekend adventurers.
In Queensland, Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst and CEO Wes Moxey have credited the tireless effort and dedication of their team for Riviera's global success as a builder of premium luxury motor yachts. Speaking to the 900-strong team at the year-end celebrations on the Gold Coast, Mr Longhurst said he was absolutely committed to the continued investment in his people, technologies and their ever-expanding facility.
In 2023, Riviera was announced as the Large Employer of the Year for the Southeast region, in the Queensland Training Awards. The award was attributed to Riviera's unique program for personal and career development in which master craftspeople and senior management share their knowledge, experience, and skills, ensuring high retention rates across the business.
Whittley Marine Group have an impressive 70 years to celebrate. Australia's largest trailerable fibreglass boat builder, retailer and service Group looks back at the journey of the company as it evolved from a 1950s bond wood boat builder through to today, being the market leader for trailerable fibreglass boats.
Today, the Whittley Family still own 100% of the Whittley Marine Group, which has an industry-leading manufacturing facility in Melbourne, managed by Neville and Alan Whittley. The model range offers four unique series: the cruiser, a weekend-focused live-aboard "CR" series, the offshore performance fishing hull Sea Legend "SL" series, the affordable value packaged family fishing "FF" range, and a newly announced "XS" series of Bow Rider sports boats.
The 2023 Health of the Australasian Marina Industry Survey is closing soon. Over the past few weeks, you may have received invitations, reminders and phone calls from independent researchers, Marina Industries Association (MIA) staff and directors encouraging you to participate in the survey. The survey response rate is disappointing this year. The representation that the MIA and other marine associations provides relies on credible data. The higher the survey response rate, the more credible the data is. We urge you to please continue to assist in driving better outcomes for industry by completing the 2023 survey and enabling collation of this very important data.
Looking to the future, the Boating Industry Association (BIA) continues to brief key stakeholders on the Propelling our Future - decarbonisation pathway study. The aim is to help policy makers make informed decisions in collaboration - not conflict - with industry. This is particularly important as governments are behind schedule in their commitment to meet green-house gas emission targets which Australian has signed up to and they are under increasing pressure to act.
The BIA can help governments with the best science and best data for the best social, economic and environmental outcomes for boating. This week BIA has directly briefed: Federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the national Transport Priority Area Industry Working Group; Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; and Transport for NSW. More briefings are planned for the early new year.
The Paynesville Classic Boat Rally & Maritime Festival will take place from March 1-3, 2024 and you're invited to join in. This free community event, attracts over 10,000 visitors to Paynesville for the weekend. In 2020 it was awarded East Gippsland's Community Event of the Year, and plans are under way to deliver a spectacular fleet of classic boats on water, ranging from Tall Ships, to sailing vessels, classic motorboats, skiffs, fishing boats, small crafts and more for 2024.
Overseas, the (just ended) Hong Kong International Boat Show reported positive response from dealers, exhibitors and visitors. The organiser, Club Marina Cove, said the four-day event received the full support of the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association and its members. About 40 boats of the latest designs and makes from Italy, France, Britain, Poland, Finland, USA, South Africa, China and Hong Kong were on display at the show.
As a result of the Covid pandemic, which drove many people turning to water sports as a leisure activity, the boating industry has flourished in the past years. However, the recent economic slowdown does not dampen the confidence of the industry. It just provides the makers with the time to handle the delivery backlog.
The second annual Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event will present an expanded in-water display of sail and power ranging from tenders and speedboats up to the Princess Y95 which will be premiering in Thailand. Taking place 11-14 January at Royal Phuket Marina, the in-water display is complemented by an onshore display of marine products and services, and luxury lifestyle, as well as the Thailand Yachting Conference, Robb Report Thailand Best Of The Best Yachting Awards Gala Dinner, and a vibrant social programme on the boardwalk.
The first Lagoon 46 has hit the waters in South Korea. In November the 46 was grandly premiered at Wonhyeong Marina, Yeosu by Lagoon's dealer in the country, Yacht Master. During the premiere, sea trials were conducted with the presence of her owner, families and friends near the waters of the Wonhyeong Marina. This allowed them to experience the 46's performance and comfort at sea first-hand and celebrate her arrival.
And in New Zealand and after ten years of planning, and a build that started just days before the first big Covid lockdowns, the team at Marlborough Marinas have celebrated the opening of the North West extension of Waikawa Marina.
To all our readers, subscribers and industry members, have a safe and merry Christmas and New Year. We will be posting our final newsletter for the year on the 28th of December.
Have fun,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com