Industry adapts to shortage of boat show exposure - Australian MarineBusinessWorld.com newsletter
by Peter Rendle 2 Oct 2020 08:00 AEST
Recreational Boating © Boating Industry Association
Under current circumstances boat shows around the world have been cancelled or postponed. Nevertheless 'the show must go on' and the Boating Industry of Australia launched National Boating Week which ran across the country this week. The main message was clear, "Get more people into boating," and the Association issued a number of press releases in support of the campaign. An example follows...
Recreational Boating is a favourite pastime for millions of Australians. With more than 85 per cent of the population living within 50km of the coast, it is estimated that more than 20 per cent of all Australians engage in some form of boating annually and that almost 1 in 5 households have a boat or watercraft. With the span of magnificent coastline, harbours, bays, and rivers, Aussies are spoilt with options for enjoying time in, on or around our waterways. The popularity of recreational boating can be witnessed on our waterways all year round, and the longevity and history of this favourite pastime is best demonstrated at the fabulous maritime museums Australia-wide.
In Queensland marine enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice at the upcoming Sanctuary Cove Boating Festival, with a big line-up of day, sport, fishing and leisure boats, as well as sail and power catamarans, signing up for the event. More than 100 exhibitors have now secured space at the free, family-friendly event, which is set to take place in the vibrant Marine Village from November 13 to 15 as a precursor to the 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Popular brands and manufacturers confirmed in the 20 to 40-foot category on water include Axopar, Whitehaven Motor Yachts, Nautique, Newport Island Gypsy Boats, Game and Leisure Boats, Grady White, Regal, Caribbean, Integrity, BRIG, Cobalt Boats of Australia, Clipper Motor Yachts and Magbay Yachts Australia.
In Sydney and to celebrate the arrival of new models, Flagstaff Marine, in collaboration with the Beneteau outboard dealer, Chapman Marine and Lagoon Importer, TMG, is staging Boating Rendez-vous at Darling Harbour from Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October 2020, at 10 am - 4 pm each day.
Digital exposure continues. For many marinas the importance of dredging cannot be overstated. In some instances, routine dredging is vital to maintain water depth. Marina navigation channels can require periodic dredging due to severe weather events. Accommodating larger vessels within your marina footprint may also entail dredging. In this webinar, you will learn the different types of dredging, typical Australian approval pathways for dredging, threats and opportunities of dredging. The webinar will also discuss Dredging Case Studies - contamination, beach nourishment, reclamation and value-adding.
And positive announcements regarding future plans are beginning to surface. Riviera is embarking on a recruitment drive to meet demand and fill key specialist trades ahead of the company's 2021 intake of new apprentices. The company is targeting apprentices in the composite and boatbuilding trades, all of which require a quality skill set in an area of the industry that is being transformed by emerging new technologies. "The composites manufacturing process is where the whole boatbuilding process begins," said Riviera's safety and training manager Adam Houlahan. "The work our composites manufacturing team undertakes is the foundation of everything we do."
New products this week includes an aid to safety aboard. Safety specialist Ocean Signal is highlighting its extended range of EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) for leisure boat owners and commercial operators looking to enhance safety and meet Australian standards this season. EPIRBs ensure maximum chance of survival in an emergency when installed on the vessel, communicating the location of a survivor to search and rescue services via the 406MHz Cospas-Sarsat satellite system when activated.
And Mercury have released a device that makes charging your phone easier. The days of messing with phone charger cables (and trying to keep them dry) are over, with the release of the ROKK wireless system - the world's first range of certified waterproof, wireless phone chargers. Compatible with both 12 and 24 volt power systems, this unique charging technology is housed in a fully encapsulated and sealed unit, so there are no messy cables. You just put your phone in the adjustable dock and charging begins.
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com