Importers assisted to enter US boating market - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 3 Jun 08:00 PDT
IBEX International Pavilion Entrance - Rendering © IBEX
IBEX and Metstrade have partnered with the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) and the Marine Marketers of America (MMA) to launch a new export-focused program designed to help international companies enter the U.S. leisure marine market.
The joint initiative begins at the 36th IBEX (October 6-8 in Tampa, Florida), North America's technical trade event for the marine sector. In addition to a prime exhibition location, participants will gain direct access to the U.S. market through a structured programme of pre-arranged meetings, including high-impact speed dating sessions with independent distributors and sales representatives.
In Europe at a session of the Blue Design Summit in La Spezia, Italy, Clair Rozemeijer and designer Luca Boldrini introduced a new entity: the Superyacht Design and Naval Architecture Association (SYDNA). Fundamental to the group is a growing cadre of design professionals whose job it is to translate the dreams of clients and balance them with the rules and regulations laid down by Class, Flag, and international governing bodies. It's a sector that has seen exponential growth over the past 40 years, but which has lacked a degree of cohesive representation until now.
In 2022, NOAA proposed a sweeping expansion of the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule that would have forced many small recreational boats along the East Coast to travel at just 10 knots for up to seven months out of the year. The proposal did not provide improvements for whales. NOAA withdrew the expanded version of the rule in 2024 and is now assessing the underlying 2008 rule for larger vessels through a formal public comment process. The agency is seeking public input.
Performance has always been central to the DNA of Palm Beach Motor Yachts. Now, the company is taking that philosophy to a new level with the launch of the first Palm Beach GT50 RS, a yacht that combines exhilarating outboard-powered performance with all the refinement, sophistication, and craftsmanship expected.
FLIR Marine, a Teledyne Technologies (NYSE: TDY) company, has announced the launch of Ocean Scout Pro II, a next-generation handheld thermal imaging monocular engineered for professional mariners, marine law enforcement professionals and first responders who need reliable long-range detection and clear target identification in low-visibility conditions.
The American Magic-owned ROCKWOOL Racing Denmark SailGP Team has appointed Dan Ritchie as Chief Commercial Officer, strengthening the team's commercial leadership as SailGP continues its rapid international growth. Ritchie has more than a decade of experience across Formula 1 and the English Premier League, having held senior commercial, partnerships and marketing roles at BWT Alpine F1 Team, Oracle Red Bull Racing, Racing Point / Aston Martin and Nottingham Forest.
Manari Yachts has appointed Powerboats USA as its official dealer in the United States. Based in Miami, Powerboats has built a strong reputation in the superyacht industry for supplying premium chase boats and tenders to world-renowned mega yachts, including Breakthrough, AHPO, and various Benetti owners. The company has extensive experience in the South Florida market and offers sales, brokerage and ownership support tailored to both first-time buyers and experienced yacht owners.
More marine business news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media