12 NZ Marine companies at Ft Lauderdale International Boatshow

by NZ Trade and Industry on 26 Oct 2006 New Zealand's $1.5 billion marine industry has been breaking waves on the 2006 international boating circuit.

With a newly launched vessel deemed to rival the world's best superyacht, a plethora of international accolades, and numerous global contracts with some of the world's finest shipyards, New Zealand exhibitors are expected to lead their peers at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) October 26-30. Industry favorites from the New Zealand pavilion will unveil the latest in marine innovation, and will offer visitors of the world's largest boat show a sneak peak at ground-breaking ventures on their horizon.

Alloy Yachts, the top prize winner at this year's ShowBoats International Monaco Rendezvous, is an industry favorite expected to receive top recognition. Company director Tony Hambrook will showcase Kokomo, a one-of-a-kind 170ft superyacht expected to become one of the best and most luxurious yachts in the world.

As the New Zealand marine industry extends its reach around the globe, it is gaining recognition as one of the world's top trend-setters for luxury watercrafts, marine innovation, superyacht engineering, and installations. Exhibiting company Specialist Marine Interiors will be showcasing a joint project with the world's largest yacht company, Trinity Yachts.

'We are thrilled to have Trinity Yachts' Lady Linda on show, sporting a fabulously sumptuous and luxurious interior crafted in New Zealand by Specialist Marine Interiors,' says Grant Willis, Managing Director of Specialist Marine Interiors.

'We are also well into the manufacturing stage of a 191ft all aluminum, full displacement Motor Yacht for Trinity, which is Trinity's biggest offering so far.' This vessel is expected to be launched on the international boating scene in early 2007.

New Zealand's outstanding success on the international market is attributed to the 'New Zealand New Thinking' business model, its world-class specialist training systems, and a great passion for the sea. 'We do our jobs with more care, more passion, and more 'can do' attitude than any one else in the world,' says Willis.

In a country where there is one boat for every eight people, commercial activities are developed around leisure time pursuits, thus providing industry leaders with a personal understanding of the market.

Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show is the world's largest boat show, featuring more than $1.6 billion worth of boats, yachts, superyachts, electronics, engines and thousands of accessories from every major marine manufacturer and builder worldwide. The show encompasses more than 3 million square feet of space, both on land and in water.

The New Zealand pavilion will be hosting 12 internationally acclaimed exhibitors.

Represented companies at FLIBS include:

Alloy Yachts
Maxwell Marine
Specialist Marine Interiors
Kelly Archer
High Modulus
Manson Anchors
McMullen and Wing
Southern Spars
Vectek Marine
Robinson Marine Interiors
Yachting Development Ltd
Marten Spars