Power, Sail & Paddle approaches, YA sailing strategy, Superyacht Map

by Jeni Bone, editor on 18 Sep 2012 It's an exciting week in boat shows around the world - PSP Southampton underway, where a lot of UK and European marques launch new models; Monaco starts tomorrow, which is essential for the superyacht market and a barometer for the rest of the industry; Auckland next week and thiis weekend, in Brisband Queensland, the inaugural Power, Sail & Paddle will make a splash on Moreton Bay with a genuine hands-on boating event that aims to attract the school holiday family crowd with free entry and a host of exciting exhibitors.

Marine Queensland has managed to bring on some big names in power and sail (and paddle) with Riviera showing their new release 445 SUV for the first time in Queensland, Maritimo , Hobie, Catalina Yachts, Kawasaki jet skis, Sea Doo, and Dock Pro, as well as tackle, sunnies, safety gear and much more.

The venue is exquisite, ideal for hosting on-water events and with plenty of room to grow. Here's wishing MQ all the best with the weather for the first of many!

Yachting Australia has released details of its long-term plan to convert recent Olympic Gold Medal success and the media spotlight that went along with it into participation at Club level. It's a multi-faceted approach and one that will hopefully appeal to all walks of life and all levels of experience.

Also this week, along with an international assortment of stories, there's a swag of new products and news from our friends at Deckhardware of their new website, which is the culmination of years of planning, creative thought and hard work. Congratulations!

Congratulations too must go to Superyacht Australia for their publication of an innovative ‘Pocket Map’ for global markets, showing refit facilities and events as well as the idyllic destinations Australia has to offer.

Superyacht Australia will be waving the flag at Monaco Yacht Show (19-22 September) distributing copies of their Pocket Map and through AIMEX, promoting Australian brands, among them Muir Winches, VEEM Propellers, ImaginOcean Yacht Design, Hydrive Engineering, Waterline Yacht Design, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef, Superyacht Australia and Ocean Media.

Wish we were there!

For my part, I can't complain. I was on the glorious Gold Coast Broadwater yesterday, courtesy of Horizon Motor Yachts Australia, experiencing the immaculate P110 for myself and intending to be very, very good between now and Christmas in the hopes that it turns up in my stocking. In fact, any model from the Horizon range would do nicely . . . Thanks to Russell and co for the demo. (You can see the P110 at The Gold Coast Marine Expo, November 2-4).

Until next week, best of boating!