Sailing updates make the industry news this week - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 5 Nov 14:00 PST
Matt Wearn OAM © David Hossack
The Boating Industry Association is attending the National Maritime Decarbonisation Transition Mapping Roundtable in Sydney this week.
BIA is proud to represent the recreational and light commercial boating sectors at this important event which is certain to influence policy makers. Hosted at Cliftons on Margaret Street, the roundtable brings together leaders from government, industry, research, and finance to shape a low emissions future for the maritime community. Participants are working together to map critical transition milestones, identify challenges, and build a national action plan.
Double Olympic champion Matt Wearn OAM OLY has claimed his fourth Australian Male Sailor of the Year title, leading a successful night for the Australian Sailing Team at the 2026 Australian Sailing Awards in Sydney. Wearn was joined among the award winners by Australian Sailing Squad iQFOiL sailor Rory Meehan, named Noakes Group Male Youth Sailor of the Year for the second time, while Wearn's coach, Rafa Trujillo OLY, secured his third consecutive Coach of the Year award.
Team Australia has welcomed SP Tools as an Official Supplier for its 2027 America's Cup campaign, with the proudly Australian-owned company supporting the team with professional hand tools and storage solutions across its onshore and on-water operations. From workshops and maintenance areas to on-water support, Team Australia's technical and shore crews will rely on professional hand tools throughout the campaign to carry out repairs, maintenance and the constant work required to keep a high-performance America's Cup operation running.
Five major championships, more ways to race and free January berthing for interstate boats are helping make Festival of Sails 2027 one of the most accessible editions of Australia's historic regatta. Returning to Geelong from 23-26 January, the Festival is encouraging first time and returning sailors to join the fleet alongside championship competitors, with opportunities for sailors of different experience levels to enjoy one of Australia's most celebrated regattas.
This week, 35+ delegates set off on the MIA's Southeast Queensland study tour, and for good reason. Nothing beats walking through other operators' marinas, yards and dry-stacks and seeing how they operate. Next stop: Thailand! Led by MIA's Chris Stone and local operator Scott Finsten CMM (Ocean Marina Jomtien, Gold Anchor Platinum), you'll visit 8 marinas, 7 boat-lifting yards and 5 dry-stacks across Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket, and see where Thailand is positioning itself in the market, and what it could mean for your business.
Visitors to the Hong Kong International Boat Show 2026 can expect viewing a star-studded showcase of top global brands and exhibits this year. Top of the list are big names from Italy, France, UK, Poland, Finland plus the latest from China and Hong Kong. They include: Azimut (Italy) Beneteau (France) Blue Game (Italy) Ferretti (Italy) Galeon (Poland) Pardo (Italy Princess (UK) Sanlorenzo (Italy) Sunseeker (UK) Swan (Finland) Wally (Italy).
The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has launched its sixth annual Discover Boating 'See You Out There' campaign, as it continues to inspire more Australians to experience the boating lifestyle. Launched on 1 November, the 2026/27 campaign will build on five years of promoting boating as an accessible and rewarding outdoor activity, encouraging Australians of all ages and experience levels to discover the freedom, adventure and connection that comes from spending time on the water.
Marine Rescue Kioloa has recognised 90 years of combined service and awarded its first two Life Memberships to dedicated volunteers whose commitment has helped protect the local community and visitors to the small South Coast hamlets of Kioloa and Bawley Point. The achievements were acknowledged during a ceremony at the Marine Rescue Kioloa base, where Member for South Coast Liza Butler presented the awards, joined by Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond and Inspector Stuart Massey.
More industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania updated daily.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media