BIA of Australia posts review of 2024 achievements - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 19 Dec 2024 15:00 PST
Australia has some of the best waterways in the world © Boating Industry Association
The Boating Industry Association (BIA) is concluding 2024 with a host of accomplishments, advancing its mission to support members representing the full width of the marine industry and promote the boating lifestyle, according to CEO Andrew Scott.
Scott said the BIA had delivered a strong program to underpin its commitment to strategic key priorities of jobs, promoting boating, advocacy to government and services to members. "This year marked the acquisition of the Marine Jobs brand and digital platforms, enhancing career pathways and opportunities across the marine industry," he said. "Boatsafe Training QLD joined the BIA en masse, a second Marine Academy location in Redlands was opened in partnership with the Industry School, and more than 1000 high school students were engaged at boat shows.
Looking ahead, space will be at a premium at the upcoming inaugural Geelong Boat Show as the likes of Edencraft, Bar Crusher, Geelong Marine World, Portside Marine, Whittley Marine, Geelong Boating Centre, Aussie Boat Sales, Boats & More, Eyacht, Port Phillip Boating Centre, KGM SsangYong, Sirocco, Sportsman Boats, RAM, Club Marine, Boating Careers, Savwinch and many more line up for the show. BIAV is joining forces with The Royal Geelong Yacht Club, City of Greater Geelong and exhibitors to deliver this exciting waterfront event. Space in the leafy Transvaal Square, which overlooks the club and Corio Bay, will mainly accommodate boat displays, and this space is almost filled. Transvaal displays will flow into Fairnie Park, as well as along Stony Pier Lane, before winding into the near full RGYC marina. Additional marina and sea trial berthing will be allocated at Wangim Walk.
The high-end boat syndication company, COBLI, has announced its expansion into Rose Bay Marina, marking an exciting new chapter for luxury boating in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. With a focus on accessible, stress-free boat ownership, COBLI is introducing two flagship offerings: the PRESTIGE 420, available now, and the Axopar 45, launching in early 2025.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state were busy during November, with the service expecting demand to increase over the holiday season. Commissioner Alex Barrell said volunteer crews completed 375 search and rescue missions last month, including 98 emergency responses, with 902 people safely returned to shore. "The large number of search and rescue missions performed by our volunteers across the state in November indicates that Marine Rescue NSW is anticipating an extremely busy holiday season ahead," he warns.
New to Australia, Sunbeam Yachts is never satisfied with the status quo. This is also the case with the Sunbeam 29.1 - a GT model has been developed that focuses even more on performance and sportiness. The GT stands for Gran Tourismo and is characterized by consistent weight optimization. The performance T-keel ensures less water resistance and more speed due to its unique shape. With a draft of 175 cm, it offers the same righting moment with less weight. The twin rudder system is replaced by a single deep racing rudder, resulting in more precise steering. In addition, the GT variant has lighter hatches and covers as well as a cork deck covering.
Mark Jardine, Managing Editor of Sail-World, recently interviewed Ensign's Sean Rush and Angus Stranack for their overview of the Bavaria 46. Judged 2024 European Yacht of the Year for the 'Best Family Cruiser' category, it brings the best balance of performance, design, comfort, and quality. The Ensign Yachts team are very proud to represent Bavaria Yachts in Australia.
Further south, the next Derwent Class (D-Class) yacht to join the fleet is undergoing a meticulous rebuild in the hands of talented craftspeople at Tasmanian Shipwrights & Co, ahead of her official debut at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in February. Mermaid is now part way through a complex restoration, as Nathan O'Neill explains. "It has been a very tricky project for a number of reasons. It's a full rebuild. We have had to completely re-rib her and replace six or so planks in the hull." Along with sourcing the perfect timber for the project, Nathan relies on WEST SYSTEM epoxy products and will complete the job with Epifanes varnish.
We thank all our readers for following our marine industry updates throughout the past year and I look forward to your ongoing support during 2025. I hope everyone has a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year.
Keep cheerful,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media