2024-25 Discover Boating campaign - photo © Salty Dingo

The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has wrapped up its highly successful Discover Boating campaign, which ran from 15 November to 15 February in NSW, QLD, SA, VIC and TAS.

Designed to encourage new, existing and lapsed boaters to embrace the boating lifestyle, the campaign delivered impressive reach and reinforced the accessibility of boating across all budgets. BIA CEO Andrew Fielding said, "The campaign plays a crucial role in inspiring more people to get out on the water and experience the joy of boating. Our goal is to break down barriers and showcase boating as an inclusive, affordable activity that is accessible to all - regardless of age, gender, ability or budget."

Australian Sailing has released its second annual Participation Report, which details the results of work partnering with Sailing Clubs, Class Associations and Discover Sailing Centres to meet the participation targets outlined in the ten-year Strategy, "SAILING 2032". The Participation Report sits alongside the Strategic Plan Status Report as key documents in keeping stakeholders updated on the work being done to drive participation in our sport and ensure we get more people on the water, in more ways, more often.

Superyacht Life Foundation is running World Boating Day on 24 May for the leisure boating industry to join in and open their doors for a global celebration. The Foundation says the event last year spanned more than nine countries and was supported by more than 37 industry organisations. The Foundation is inviting businesses, foundations and yacht crew from within the boating and yachting industries to register for free and join in for an even better outcome this year. The aim is to see companies within the leisure boating sectors open their doors in a variety of formats to provide insights to the people behind the scenes and the lifestyle that boating, and yachting provides.

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show - photo © SCIBS

Coming up in Queensland, four days of excitement, glamour and world-class marine excellence describes the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) taking place from May 22-25. With exhibitor space almost sold out, and new partnerships with Gold Bullion Australia, Moët Hennessy Australia and General Motors Speciality Vehicles, this year's event is shaping up to be the most spectacular marine lifestyle experience yet. Expect the latest and greatest boating tech and equipment, exclusive waterside experiences and 330+ exhibitors, 760+ boats and 2,500+ marine products making it a massive celebration of the marine lifestyle.

Also in Queensland, the BIA is meeting with the Hon Brent Mickelberg MP and Minister for Transport in Queensland next week. Whilst the BIA has provided several written briefings to the Minister since his appointment post the State Election, this will be the first in-person opportunity. BIA will be to speaking to the Minister on key issues for boating in Queensland that include access, infrastructure, waterways management, support for marine businesses and marine jobs.

Further south, Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) continues to enhance boating infrastructure across Tasmania, with several key projects currently under way: Geilston Bay Boat Ramp Upgrade, Low Head boat ramp pontoon, Dunalley Jetty, Meredith Street Boat Ramp, Lake Mackintosh Boat Ramp.

From France, "Groupe Beneteau's teams once again showed their outstanding ability to adapt, faced with the significant changes on the boat markets in 2024. The efforts made by all their employees enabled the Group to achieve over one billion euros of sales for the year, as well as the upper range of its full-year profitability forecast. The sale of the Housing business will enable the Group to accelerate its development on the boat markets, while ensuring a fair return for shareholders", confirms Bruno Thivoyon, CEO.

More marine industry news from our region is at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania and is updated daily.

Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media