Record breaking rainfall a boating impediment - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 7 Oct 2022 09:00 AEDT
Emirates Team New Zealand's wind powered land speed craft Horonuku is tested at RNZAF base Whenuapai © Hamish Hooper / Emirates Team New Zealand
As Sydney breaks its yearly rainfall record with three months to go, and the weather on Australia's eastern states is currently not conducive to comfortable boating conditions, sailing makes the news this week. While not exactly a normal sailing event it has been a week like no other so far in the wind-powered land speed world record campaign, with yacht 'Horonuku' finally reaching its destination at Lake Gairdner in South Australia.
When Glenn Ashby said last week, "Let's get ready to go," he meant it. The trigger was pulled, and the wheels were in motion literally. "We have shipped and trucked the land yacht and containers from New Zealand to Adelaide where they have sat waiting for the lake to dry out and everything has just arrived here at Lake Gairdner in South Australia," said Ashby.
"It has been no mean feat, in an ever-changing minefield of logistics and timelines, thanks to Oceanbridge who have been a huge help; there has been a bit of a quiet sigh of relief to open the container doors and see everything is in great shape and we are here safely."
As an Olympic sport, sailing is covered by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), who recently launched its new strategic vision, outlining the key focus areas for the next decade and beyond. Titled Our Green and Gold decade of opportunity, the strategic vision sets the target of establishing Australia as the world's best sporting nation.
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, the ASC's vision is that 'sport has a place for everyone and delivers results that make Australia proud'. The ASC will lead, support and provide opportunities for all communities to be involved in sport, while growing elite success and representation, inspiring future generations.
In New Zealand, Emirates Team New Zealand were welcomed onto the Ngati Whatua Orakei Marae today in a signing ceremony of the official Kotuitanga which represents an ongoing partnership between both organisations. The Kotuitanga builds on the long partnership first established by Taumata of Ngati Whatua Orakei and developed further with the support of Ngati Whatua Orakei kaumatua Te Aroha Alec Hawke and Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton and records the mutual aspirations for the development of their relationship now and into the future.
Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton said, "Over the years Ngati Whatua Orakei have become heavily engrained in the culture of Emirates Team New Zealand and have played an important part of our success and our identity as proven with our America's Cup winning boat named 'Te Rehutai'. Personally, this is a very proud day for the team to be welcomed back to the marae to sign the Kotuitanga and formalise what is already an extremely strong relationship."
Back in Australia, the Boating Industry Association (BIA) have appointed a new CEO. Andrew Fielding, BIA President said, "I'm pleased to announce that your Board of Directors has appointed Andrew Scott as Chief Executive Officer of the BIA Ltd; Andrew takes up the position as of today. Andrew has solid marine industry experience, is an accomplished Chief Financial Officer and has the skills to lead the team and focus on priorities to support our members.
"Andrew has impressed the BIA Board in his role as Financial Controller since January 2021 and we have now expanded his appointment as CEO. As President, I'd like to thank Nik Parker and Neil Patchett for their work as Co-General Managers as an interim arrangement to help us handle the major disruptions to the association caused by Covid."
New products this week include ZF's POD Propulsion 4600 System for larger vessels. After successfully establishing its inboard and outboard propulsion technology for all range boats and yachts in the market, marine driveline specialist ZF is now bringing unrivalled performance and efficiency to large recreational and professional vessels.
The new POD Propulsion 4600 system from ZF provides speed and unmatched manoeuvrability to vessels measuring from 80 up to 130 feet. It first "set sail" was in the Grande 26M yacht by Azimut and was presented to the public at September's Cannes Yachting Festival.
New boats entering the Australian market come from Sydney dealer, Performance Cruising Yachts. Performance Cruising Yachts has announced the release of three brand-new models for 2023. The Cervetti 44 by Dufour Catamarans and ICE Yachts 62 Targa are both made by Italian shipyards and Impression 43 by Elan Yachts of Slovenia.
And if you prefer the idea of bidding for your next boat, Marine Auctions have announced the time and date of their next online auction together with the line-up of products to go under the hammer.
Try to stay dry, but definitely safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com