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Life slowly returning to normal as summer approaches - Australian MarineBusinessWorld.com newsletter

by Peter Rendle 16 Oct 2020 09:00 AEDT
Service and refit MY Missy B © The Boat Works

As we look toward summer in Australia, our way of life is slowly returning, step by step, unless of course you live in Victoria. During the pandemic, sailing participation has been radically reduced, whereas the powerboat market has seen an upturn in sales in some areas.

It is with the future in mind that the Boating Industry Association of Australia President, Daren Vaux, welcomes the NSW Government announcement of $205 million in maritime infrastructure works over the next three years. Minister for Transport Andrew Constance made the announcement yesterday saying the funding would be a significant economic stimulus which would create nearly 1300 jobs in NSW. Darren Vaux said new and improved infrastructure was essential to ensure safe and convenient access for people of all ages and abilities to experience the waterways. "It is good to see the NSW Government recognising the value of investment in maritime as part of its COVID-19 economic recovery plan," Vaux said.

Meanwhile in Queensland a Gold Coast company is in expansion mode. Since establishing the business in 2017, Yachtsmen International (YI) has diversified and expanded from two experienced boat brokers to a multi-disciplinary team of twelve. From their headquarters at The Boat Works Marina & Shipyard, Directors Sean Madgwick and Scott Wellington-Stones lead a dedicated team of specialists. The unique, full-service superyacht agency caters to owners, visiting superyachts, captains and crew - and those wanting to charter in Australia and internationally. "Over the past three years we have focused on appointing the right staff for each of our divisions," says Scott. "We cover Sales/Purchase with four brokers, including representation in Sydney and Cairns; Service/Maintenance overseen by our in-house Captain, Shipwright and Engineer; Yacht Management; Crewing; Charter and Agency Services for superyachts."

In Victoria deck hardware manufacturer Ronstan has entered the marine electronics industry. Ronstan has announced their partnership with Sailmon of The Netherlands, for the distribution of their new innovative MAX unit for the Australian and New Zealand markets. MAX is a compact, portable wireless smart device for dinghy and sportsboats. Go faster, sail higher and improve your sailing skills with the number one training and racing instrument on the market.

And from Europe, Volvo Penta have announced a milestone around the production of their Inboard Performance System units. These units deliver a unique user experience with up to 30% reduced fuel consumption and 30% less CO2 emissions compared to traditional inboard shafts. The company has now supplied 30,000 Volvo Penta IPS solutions across the marine sectors. Environmental care has been a core value at Volvo Penta since 1972 and part of the company's work continues to be achieving high energy efficiency and reduced emissions across its product range. Volvo Penta's vision is to be the world leader in sustainable power solutions. Across its marine offerings, it aims to deliver sustainable solutions that provide a unique and integrated experience.

From Asia, Beneteau's first "First Yacht 53" hits the waters in the Asia Pacific region, and to celebrate the yachts arrival a specially-planned three-day launch event was hosted with the presence of the owners, friends, clients and partners in Keelung, Taiwan, China in mid-September. The yacht was publicly displayed with the other three Beneteau models, the spacious Oceanis 51.1, the foils-equipped Figaro 3 and the robust Barracuda 8 during the event featuring sea trials, handover ceremony, onboard visits, barbecue party and a friendly sailing race.

We have a dedicated Powerboat-World website that cover the news exclusive to new power boats over 10m. This is a unique media platform distinguished by its niche coverage and the speed in which the news is delivered. You can view the Oceania website at www.powerboat-world.com/Oceania

Stay safe,
Peter Rendle peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com

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