Dual Olympic Gold Medallist Malcolm Page OAM to close Marinas26

Malcolm Page OAM © Marinas26

The Marina Industries Association (MIA) today announced that Malcolm Page OAM, one of Australia's most celebrated Olympic sailors and current Chief Executive Officer of Australian Sailing, will deliver the closing keynote address at the Marinas26 International Conference & Trade Exhibition (Marinas26), to be held at the RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast, Queensland, from 24-27 May 2026.

Page replaces acclaimed ocean racing skipper and marine industry leader Mark Richards, CEO and chief designer of Grand Banks Yachts and Palm Beach Motor Yachts, who was originally scheduled to deliver the conference's headline closing address. Richards has been required to withdraw due to pressing business commitments in the United States that prevent him from travelling to Australia for the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) or Marinas26.

The MIA acknowledges Mark Richards's significant contribution to the industry and thanks him for his original commitment to Marinas26. The organisation looks forward to welcoming him to a future event. MIA CEO Suzanne Davies, commented, "While we were very disappointed that Mark Richards was unable to join us, Malcolm Page OAM will deliver a close that explains how sporting achievements elevate interest in boating and what marina facilities can do to inspire Australians to engage and participate to ensure it remains as an iconic Australian pastime.

We extend our sincere thanks to Mark Richards for his original commitment to Marinas26. His dedication to the marine industry and to this event was greatly appreciated, and we wish him well with his US business endeavours."

Malcolm Page OAM brings an extraordinary record of achievement to the Marinas26 stage. A dual Olympic gold medallist and eight-time world champion, Page dominated the men's 470 class for nearly a decade, winning gold at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games - the first Australian sailor to successfully defend an Olympic gold medal, doing so alongside two different skippers. He was honoured as Australia's flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the London Games and was inducted into both the Australian Sailing Hall of Fame and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Beyond his on-water achievements, Page has built an impressive career as a sporting administrator and industry leader. He has served as Chair of the World Sailing Athletes Commission, Head of Media at World Sailing, Chief of Olympic Sailing for US Sailing, and Head Coach of the Victorian Institute of Sport Sailing Program. He was appointed CEO of Australian Sailing in 2025.

Page's closing keynote will explore boating as an iconic Australian pastime - and the vital role that marinas, clubs and the wider marine industry play in keeping it that way. Drawing on his unique vantage point as both an elite athlete and the leader of the nation's peak sailing body, his address promises to be a fitting and inspiring conclusion to two days of world-class conference content.

"I am honoured to be invited to speak at Marinas26 and to be part of such an important gathering for Australia's marina and marine industry. The connections between elite performance, participation and promotion of boating are something I feel passionately about, and I look forward to sharing some of what I have learned on and off the water with delegates on the Gold Coast." - Malcolm Page OAM

Keynote Theme: Boating - An Iconic Australian Pastime

Page will propose that boating is woven into the fabric of Australian life - and that sailing is the thread that elevates it onto the world stage. From Olympic gold medals to the America's Cup, SailGP and marquee events such as the Rolex Sydney to Hobart, Hamilton Island Race Week and beyond, Australia's sailors consistently represent the nation at the highest levels of international competition, noting that sailing is one of Australia's most consistently successful Olympic sports, a record that spans generations and continues to shape national pride.

Page will draw a clear line between on-water excellence and the facilities that make it possible. Every boat that participates in these great events - from Olympic campaigns to offshore classics - leaves from and returns to a marina. Marinas are not simply commercial infrastructure; they are the gateway to the water for hundreds of thousands of Australians, whether as boat owners, crew, members of boat share clubs or students at sailing schools.

Page will also address the indispensable community role of sailing clubs and marinas alike. Clubs are frequently where Australians first discover boating - and for many, that first experience shapes a lifelong passion. This community dimension connects directly to the important relationship between clubs, marinas and the government agencies that are their landlords as well as other stakeholders.

With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, Page will address what Australia's next home Olympic Games means for industry and the opportunity to inspire the next generation of boaters and sailors across the country.

Marinas26 will bring together marina owners, operators, designers, government representatives and suppliers from across Australia and around the world, reinforcing its position as the leading conference for the marina and boatyard industry in the Asia-Pacific region. The full conference program is available at www.marinas26.com.