Stefan enters boat building arena, ASMEX 2013, GC Expo this weekend
by Jeni Bone, editor on 30 Oct 2012
The launch this week of Steve Jobs' magnificent megayacht, called 'Venus' according to the Dutch press, is the perfect incarnation of the edict 'You can't take it with you'. There's something about a camel passing through the eye of the needle too, but I'll spare you the Sunday School session.
Jobs' reflected on his vision of his yacht to biographer, author Walter Isaacson, saying he suspected he would leave a half-finished boat for his wife and family to eventually enjoy, but to not continue with the project, which he designed in cooperation with design icon, Philippe Starck, was to accept death was imminent. So, his dream boat was a means of holding out hope, a beacon for life. It's jolly big as well. Experts estimate the cost of the 70m behemoth to be around the $70 million mark.
From the sublime to the sensible, our lead story today is the entry in to the boat building market of the larger than life, hairdressing pioneer and powerboat champ, Stefan Ackerie.
The six-time Australian Offshore Powerboat Racing Champion, Ackerie plans to make a bold entry into the marine industry in Australia with the release of the Smartliner range of aluminium and fibreglass fishing and leisure runabouts as well as the Stefan RIB Series of inflatable boats, powered by the innovative Powertec two-stroke outboards.
From his 40 years in boating and powerboat racing, Stefan says this is the culmination of his dream of being able to offer 'amazingly different – and very affordable – boats for pleasure and fun'.
I for one will be lining up to see the range on display at Stefan Boating World's new HQ at Coomera during the Gold Coast International Marine Expo this weekend.
There's a whole heap of reasons to visit the Coomera marine precinct 2-4 November for the 2nd annual Gold Coast International Marine Expo.
It will be massive, with loads of boats at great prices, accessories and new products on show, entertainment all day, behind the scenes factory tours, demonstrations, plenty for the kids, refreshments, free parking and the Club Marine Shipyard Party on Saturday night.
See you there!
Also this week, along with plenty of news and views plus insight on the relevance of the Australian Builders Plate, there's confirmation of the dates and format for next year's Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference.
2013 will be the third edition promising even bigger and better outcomes and opportunities for delegates. The informative conference, which spans over May 21-22 will again maintain significant international presence. The 2012 conference enjoyed a broad cross section of stakeholders, 20% of which were international. Sponsors, delegates and prospective speakers are invited to get in touch with host AIMEX/Superyacht Australia now as planning is well underway.
Enjoy Halloween tomorrow night, which I will be spending with my ghouls and the assorted goblins invited to an evening of scary family fun (and great roast) at Southport Yacht Club - the best water views bar none. Rock up if you dare!
Safe boating!
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