Our industry bodies experiencing a busy time currently - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 8 Aug 15:00 PDT
Sydney International Boat Show © SIBS
It's a wrap for the 2024 Sydney International Boat Show which attracted almost 42,000 attendees through the doors of the Sydney International Convention Centre (ICC) and purpose-built marina on Cockle Bay from 1 to 4 August.
Over the four days, the Show featured 185 exhibitors, 618 boats including 194 on the purpose-built marina on Cockle Bay and 424 in the ICC Halls across 19,030sqm. The 55th Show saw a number of highlights and firsts including: 44 Asia-Pacific and Australian premieres and launches, 618 boats on display in the ICC Halls and Cockle Bay Marina, more than 19,000sqm of indoor exhibitor space, more than ten industry forums, collaboration and activations with the Australian National Maritime Museum including HMAS Advance joining the Show for the first time and collaboration and activations with the Australian Melanoma Institute of Australia.
In another first for the Sydney International Boat Show, the 2024 event also played the backdrop for a significant conference involving industry heavyweights to discuss and address key issues currently facing the marine and boating industry. The Boating Industry Association (BIA) hosted a national marine and maritime industry conference of more than ten marine and boating forums over two days during the annual Show, with attendees including Local, State and Federal Government decision makers, members of the NSW Parliament, heads of national maritime regulatory agencies in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, and major non-government organisations involved in the boating sector.
During the show, the Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG) successfully hosted the inaugural Australian Commercial Marine Conference in Sydney on Thursday, 1 August. The event drew a substantial audience from across the industry, with 72 attendees representing 42 marine businesses. This well-attended gathering included ferry operators, tourism vessel operators, marine technology innovators, naval architects and designers, ship builders, component manufacturers and safety regulators.
In Sydney, third-generation boating industry family member and apprentice Marine Mechanic Michaela Douglas of Douglas Marine, Pittwater, won the BIA Apprentice of the Year 2024 Award. BIA President Adam Smith said during the presentation at the official opening of the Sydney International Boat Show, "I'm delighted to see Michaela, who is third generation of this wonderful family business recognised in this way by industry. Michaela at only 22, has already started her second trade qualification in Automotive Electrical Technologies, having just finished her Marine Mechanical Apprenticeship; a testament to her commitment to be the very best she can, demonstrating her enthusiasm for continual learning and development.
The BIA announced Steber International as winner of the Boating Industry Sustainability Award for 2024. BIA President Adam Smith said the award was introduced in 2023 to recognise outstanding efforts by businesses promoting sustainable practices and supporting environmental responsibility within the boating industry. "It was fantastic to see the number of submissions increase significantly over the past 12 months, it is a testament to the industry's growing commitment to sustainability," Smith said.
Looking to the future, the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX), the Boating Industry Association and Marine Jobs proudly present the 2024 Gold Coast Marine Jobs & Careers Expo, set to sail on Saturday 7 September, from 9:00am to 2:00pm at the Coomera Marine Precinct. The Expo offers an unparalleled insight into the diverse and dynamic career paths available in the marine industry, aiming to connect with a broad audience, including aspiring apprentices, entry-level workers, university and high school students, tradespeople, and professionals seeking a career transition or new opportunities.
On the sailing scene it's been a busy time for North Technology Group with the addition of Doyle Sails and Quantum Sails just announced, adding the best-in-class sailmakers to their existing portfolio which includes North Sails, and Southern Spars. Sail-World Managing Editor, Mark Jardine, spoke to NTG CEO Sam Watson to find out what it means for the industry, for sailors, their aims for the future and how the Group can grow participation in sailing.
From Europe: Dragonfly Days. The annual event will take place on 22 to 24 August at their yard in Skaebaekvej, Denmark. The Dragonfly Days give you a great opportunity to sail, network and socialise with other Dragonfly owners and invited guests as well. Any Australian or New Zealander that visits the Dragonfly Days and buys a Dragonfly Trimaran within three months will have A$ 7,500 reimbursed for their travel costs.
Also from Europe, the new J/40 performance cruising yacht just launched in Les Sables d'Olonne, France. She will be undergoing sea-trials this week with designer Al Johnstone aboard, joining Didier LeMoal and Fred Bouvier of J/Composites. From the same team that launched the award-winning J/112E, J/122E, and J/45, comes an exciting new 40-footer that boldly pushes the envelope on performance (double-digit speeds!), versatility of use, and cruising comfort.
From New Zealand, Marlborough Sounds Marinas, comprising Picton, Waikawa, and Havelock marinas, are the first New Zealand marinas to be awarded the International Clean Marina accreditation. Following a rigorous independent environmental audit, all three sites achieved a perfect score of 100%. Anouk Euzeby, the Manager of Marlborough Sounds Marinas, reviewed the environmental accreditation options available for the marinas and decided on the MIA's Clean Marina due to its rigour, reputation, and highly trained environmental assessors who undertake the on-site audit.
Finally congratulations to Matt Wearn for winning the Men's Dinghy Gold Medal and Grae Morris for winning the Men's Windsurfing Silver Medal in Marseille.
Stay alert,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media