Sienna 19-Ex fab family sailing, Export Awards open, Marine13 ramps up
by Jeni Bone, editor on 5 Feb 2013
Welcome to a relatively drama-free week of stories. No floods, fires or famines to report, just loads of boating and industry news, including straight up, the change of venue and occasion for the announcement of the 2013 Club Marine Australian Marine Industry Export and Superyacht Awards.
Organisers, AIMEX/Superyacht Australia have announced that entries are now open, and winners will be celebrated at a Gala Dinner to be held at Sanctuary Cove’s InterContinental Resort (formerly Hyatt Regency), Queensland, Tuesday 21 May, 2013 on the first night of the ASMEX conference.
The awards are a testament of the organisation's support for the Australian marine export and superyacht industries with a strong focus on ensuring these businesses are recognised for their innovation, excellence, skills and service to the industry.
With the earlier awards celebration, potential entrants are urged to get their nominations in over the next few weeks for judging, which will be carried out by an esteemed panel which includes Barry Jenkins, Ian Murray, Ken Evans, Dugald Anthony from Austrade, and John Savage.
Also new and unconditionally fresh, our feature on the little boat that hopes it can, the Sienna 19-Ex, a little gem from Gold Coast trailer-sailor specialist, Scruffie Marine which aims to counter all barriers to families getting out on the water with a fast, convenient, light and responsive 19fter that takes up to six people of all skill levels, in all conditions.
Derek Ellard the creator of the Scruffie range of boats is now looking for like-minded boaties to get in on the hire-boat concept which is bound to tap in to this coveted, yet largely under-served market, so read on.
The first entry is in for this year's Audi Hamilton Island Race Week - with Victorian yachtsman, Jim Watson, wasting no time in registering his 41ft cruising division yacht, Windsong of Mornington for 2013.
The 30th Anniversary Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, August 17 to 24, promises to be one of the most spectacular regattas ever staged in Australia. One of the many highlights will be a special division – the ‘First Fleeters’ – which has been established for any of the 93 yachts that competed in the inaugural regatta in 1984.
Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2013 will also represent a decade of ownership of the award-winning island destination by yachtsman, Bob Oatley, and his family. Bob is already planning to have his record breaking 30-metre supermaxi, Wild Oats XI, at the regatta following its amazing trifecta in the recent Rolex Sydney Hobart race – line and handicap honours plus a race record time.
You have just three weeks to get the Early Bird Discounts for registration at the inaugural industry event, the Marine13 International Conference and Trade Exhibition, 28-30 April at Sydney's Darling Harbour. Organisers have scoured the globe for a line-up of international experts to shed light on the issues facing our industry.
There will be many more stories on the program in coming weeks, but you can see the latest and register at www.marine13.com
Have a great week, one and all, and keep sending your leads and opinions.
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