The Boating Industry Association of Australia restructures - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 30 Jan 2025 15:00 PST
Andrew Fielding today became CEO of the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) © Boating Industry Association
Boating industry stalwart Andrew Fielding last week became CEO of the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) in a long-planned restructure of the peak marine industry body in Australia.
BIA President Adam Smith announced the appointment which will see Andrew Scott move seamlessly to Chief Financial Officer to create a powerful Executive leadership team with the unanimous support of the Board. Fielding brings more than 30 years of industry knowledge and almost ten years with the BIA in roles including membership with his family business Anchorline Brokerage, Qld State Chair, BIA Ltd Board Chair and President, and more recently as Business Development Manager with the BIA team.
The Marina of The Year Awards take place soon. Don't miss your chance to gain recognition as one of the industry's finest. Applications are closing soon! Coral Sea Marina Resort is a prime example of excellence in the marina industry. In 2023, they won the Community Support award for their Coral Sea Academy initiative. The marina has also earned a place in the Hall of Fame for winning the Commercial Marina of the Year Award for 140+ boats in two consecutive years.
SailGP, the most exciting racing on water, is set to benefit from the fastest mobile connectivity possible as the global championship teams up with Ericsson at iconic venues across the globe in 2025. Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions will provide SailGP teams and personnel with seamless, high-quality 5G connectivity, improving fan experiences and race operations. Additionally, the solutions will support SailGP umpires to adjudicate on race protocol through the enhanced capabilities of 5G-enabled live camera streaming from competing boats and insights into team locations, tactics, and strategy.
Staying with sailing news, BIA Sustainability Ambassador Lisa Blair was recently awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to Sailing. The skipper of Climate Action Now received the award in the Australia Day honours saying: "I am so incredibly honoured to be recognised in such a way alongside the other incredible award recipients today." So far Lisa has set eight world records in ocean sailing, completed valuable science in the Southern Ocean, reached millions with her Climate Action Now campaign and presented her sustainability call to action to millions of people.
Mark Jardine, Managing Editor of Sail-World, visited boot Düsseldorf in Germany and one of the yachts he had to see was the Wauquiez 55. This performance cruising yacht, with Naval Architecture by the Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group, has clearly been influenced by the IMOCA designs being used in the Vendée Globe. The central pilothouse frees up space at the stern, the lines and curved decks all point to a racing heritage. The video reveals all.
Also at boot Düsseldorf, Beneteau presented a fleet of 18 models, including eight sailboats, four inboards and six outboards, showcasing innovative solutions and expert craftsmanship, catering for different needs of our customers. If you missed the show, have a look back at the highlights.
From France, Fountaine Pajot has just launched the latest model to its sailing catamaran fleet, the New 44, distinguished by extraordinary volume, comfort and impeccable design. The new model is an outstanding achievement by the Berret-Racoupeau Design team, creating a catamaran with the perfect balance of performance, style and liveability. Designed to optimise idyllic on-water lifestyles, the New 44 delivers exceptional safety and performance offshore and incomparable comfort at anchor.
With its growing success in South East Asia, Jeanneau announces the appointment of Salaya Yachts as its exclusive dealer in Indonesia. This strategic partnership underlines the brand's commitment and confidence in the Indonesian market and brings a wealth of local expertise to the brand. With headquarters in Jakarta and additional offices in Bali and Labuan Bajo, Salaya Yachts offers full-service yacht management, charter options, brokerage, and boat co-ownership, ensuring that Jeanneau's Pure Experience reaches every corner of Indonesia.
Back in Australia, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) has partnered with Surf Life Saving Australia for more than 15 years and, to mark the milestone, the powercraft giant has made another significant contribution to surf lifesaving around the country. Since the partnership commenced, more than $10 million worth of BRP equipment has been provided to clubs and branches as well as the state and territory bodies, much of it via the annual BRP Equipment Grants. The Sea-Doo provides Surf Life Saving with a versatile, responsive rescue water craft that has become a key tool in patrolling the vast coastline and responding quickly in times of need.
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Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media