World Boating Day - introducing boating globally - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 7 May 14:00 PDT
Riviera - World Boating Day © World Boating Day
World Boating Day (WBD) returns this May with an expanded global programme designed to open up boating to everyone, from curious newcomers to seasoned enthusiasts.
Across 19 countries, a wide mix of companies, organisations and communities will host a selection of events designed to bring boating to life. Get ready for an action-packed lineup, from behind-the-scenes shipyard tours and exhilarating sailing experiences to exhibitions, lively networking events, and hands-on activities the whole family can dive into.
Metstrade, the most influential event in the leisure marine sector, is calling on the global leisure marine industry to take collective action for cleaner seas and waterways ahead of this year's World Boating Day (23 May), with activities running throughout the week of 18-24 May. Metstrade has already undertaken a clean-up of the canals of Amsterdam, the host city of the event and an essential location for the leisure marine industry. This action involved 11 Metstrade team members and was in partnership with Plastic Whale.
The Australian Superyacht, Marine Export and Commercial Marine Conference (ASMEX) will return to the Gold Coast on 19 - 20 May 2026, delivering two days of industry connection, business insight and celebration for the Australian marine sector. Held at The Langham Gold Coast, ASMEX 2026 features a refined format including an afternoon speaker program, the Australian Marine Industry Awards Gala Dinner and a full-day South-East Queensland industry tour to the Volvo Penta Headquarters and Training Facility.
Across Australia's marine sector - from boat builders and chandlers to marinas, brokers, retailers, service yards and training providers - there is a recurring question that surfaces every few years: What is the real value of a peak industry body? With the BIA representing almost 700 organisations that employ 35,000 people and generate over $10.2 billion in annual turnover, it is a question worth answering. In a commercial environment where 75% of our members are small family businesses, every dollar spent must show a return.
The Australian Sailing Team (AST) is pleased to announce the renewal of our partnership with Australian-owned water bottle brand Cheeki, who will continue to serve as the Team's Official Hydration Partner. The announcement builds on a successful relationship that began in 2021, with Cheeki playing a key role in keeping athletes hydrated in daily training environments and at major regattas both in Australia and around the world. The three-year partnership will see Cheeki bottles aboard AST boats until at least the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Twin Disc Pacific, a renowned leader in marine transmission technology and systems integration, is proud to announce its appointment as the official distributor for Spot Zero® watermaker and purification systems across the Pacific region. This partnership represents a significant step in Twin Disc Pacific's ongoing commitment to delivering innovative, high-performance solutions to the marine industry.
PRESTIGE announces the appointment of MW Marine as its exclusive dealer in Australia. This strategic evolution in the PRESTIGE dealer network in Australia reflects our enduring commitment to delivering a seamless, refined customer experience, and to ensuring that PRESTIGE owners, wherever they may cruise, sav or the very best of service and savoir-faire.
The Yacht Sales Company and SailTime Australia are pleased to announce a new partnership that will see selected Dufour Yachts progressively introduced into SailTime Australia's professionally managed fleet. The highly acclaimed French-built Dufour range, renowned for its blend of performance, comfort and cruising capability, will now be available to both SailTime Owner Investors and SailTime Members through SailTime's innovative membership-based sailing programme.
The partnership creates a practical new pathway for people who want to enjoy premium yacht ownership or regular yacht access, without taking on the full cost, complexity and time commitment of traditional ownership.
Eyachts is proud to announce its appointment as the exclusive dealer for VanDutch Yachts in Australia and New Zealand, marking the arrival of one of the most recognisable names in modern boating to local waters. The partnership will be brought to life through the launch of VanDutch Centre Sydney, a dedicated space for clients to experience the brand.
More marine industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania from the largest boating news network.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media