Yachting Aust CEO - Gold to grassroots, Brisbane on show, NZ$70m boost

by Jeni Bone, editor on 21 Aug 2012 As I write this, the 2012 Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is in full swing. Sadly, I am not toasting the recent success of the Aussie Sailing team with the sailing fraternity in that sublime tropical setting (still wearing uggies where I am!) but news emanating from Hammo is that along with some excellent entertainment, socialising and racing, the Olympic sailors are a hit!

This week, on that theme, we have an exclusive interview with Phil Jones, CEO of Yachting Australia, about the road ahead - how YA plans to maximise the media attention and public interest in the medal winning sailors and their sport.
It bodes well for the entire yachting/boating realm and it's now up to Clubs and state-based organisations to leverage that post-Games fervour.

Next week, will have some news on industry research that aims to help reinforce the value of the marine sector to the local economy - vital for lobbying government - and the importance of boating to our national psyche and our communities.

On Thursday, Brisbane Boat Show will get underway at the Convention & Exhibition Centre, Southbank, and by all accounts, the bump in is going smoothly. This important Queensland event will showcase innovations, launches and promises lots for families, and the industry, to get involved in.

Then from NZ, there are reports of massive commitments from government and private enterprise for investment in infrastructure for the marine and superyacht sectors to the tune of NZ$70m. What a boon to the NZ industry and a positive endorsement of its value to the country's economy!

Plus, we have the usual hearty dose of new products, events, upcoming seminars and industry announcements from all over the globe.

Keep your news flooding in. We are committed to covering it.