Marinas' eco awards, Empire Hall of Fame, Superior adds Andrew Scott

by Jeni Bone, editor on 2 Sep 2014 A great spring line-up of stories this week as our region comes out of hibernation and begins the official start of warmer weather. It only takes a few days of mid-20 temps for our thoughts to turn to outdoor pursuits, a surge which brokers and dealers are noticing.

This week, the people, places and products that are demonstrating innovation, achievement and momentum.
Recently, Sanctuary Cove Marina and Southport Yacht Club Marina were awarded Marina Industries Association (MIA) certification for their environmental credentials – congratulations to both.

Sanctuary Cove Marina has been accredited ‘Fish Friendly’ status under an accreditation system developed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in collaboration with the Marina Industries Association (MIA) and the NSW Boating Industry Association (BIA).

Southport Yacht Club has attained Level 3 Clean Marina status, recognised for its commitment and practices under a rigorous process that includes a site inspection assessed against a 103 point checklist.

We spent a great day at SYC on Sunday, celebrating our daughter's sixth Birthday at the freshly inaugurated Kids' Playground - which proved a hit with the partygoers in attendance. That and the great food, private party room, brilliant sunshine and safe, clean beachfront where they frolicked in the shallows! Childhood memories should be made of these special occasions. Thanks to SYC for a great day!

And sticking with the marina theme, a hearty handshake to Darren Vaux and the tenants and team at Empire Marina Bobbin Head for being the first Hall of Fame marina in Australia. The Hall of Fame was created to recognise marinas that have consecutively won Australian Marina of the Year.

Nestled in the National Park, just half an hour from the CBD, Empire Marina Bobbin Head won Australian Marina of the Year in 2009/10 and again in 2011/12. The marina is rated 5 Gold Anchors and is certified as a Level 3 International Clean Marina and Fish Friendly Marina.

We speak with Darren Vaux about the Hall of Fame recognition and the ethos and initiatives that have made it one of the country’s most highly awarded marinas.

Yet more in the marina industry – Superior has welcomed Andrew Scott as GM, marking a milestone in the company’s evolution. CEO, John Hogan will divest himself of day to day operations and move more into strategy, product development and international marketing of Superior’s products, such as the revolutionary Waterscape, while retaining engineering and overseeing the company’s presence at boat shows here and overseas.

For his part, Andrew Scott is a qualified and experienced accountant who spent 10 years as GM at Sunrunner Boats, and before that, worked with construction company Thiess Leighton.

Many more informative and inspiring stories this week, so spend a little time and catch up on what’s making news in the global marine industry.

Until next week – pleasant boating!