Boat Show News from both sides of the ditch - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 22 Mar 2024 12:00 NZDT
Sydney International Boat Show exhibitor applications on course © Boating Industry Association
With only four months to go until the 55th Sydney International Boat Show and consumer demand across the boating industry buoyant, there has never been a better opportunity to participate and connect with highly engaged, qualified visitors. Key brands and marine businesses locked in to display in the ICC Halls include Blakes Marine, Club Marine, Evoke Yachts, Furuno, Garmin, Hunts Marine, Insinc Marine, Malibu Boats, Mercury, Navico, Savwinch, Volvo Penta, Webbe Marine, and Yamaha.
The event marina on Cockle Bay will play host to some big names including Collins Marine, Ensign Yachts, Eyachts, Fleming Yachts, Horizon Yachts, Multihull Central, Pacific Boating, Raymarine, Sacs Marine, Short Marine, Sundance Marine, TMG Yachts and Yacht Domain.
From the other side of the Tasman Sea, the Auckland Boat Show has wrapped up for 2024 and, in an industry facing challenges, New Zealand companies have risen to the challenge and kept selling boats while Mayor Wayne Brown added his support. "This is what it means to be in Auckland," said Brown to the marine industry companies gathered at the Show, which ran from 14th to 17th March.
Sailing has many levels and at the top the technology is very sophisticated. There are many hidden parts to an America's Cup campaign where innovation, performance and design talent often remain unseen. Hydraulics is one such area, so much so that when Emirates Team New Zealand's new race boat is launched next month, there will be very little of the department's work on display to the public or reconnaissance cameras.
However, without an optimal hydraulics team running the complex system, winning the America's Cup would be much more complicated than it already is for the teams. "The whole system on the boat, like the lifeline or the blood of the boat, is hydraulics and hydraulic oil," explained Peter 'Brush' Thomas, who heads up the Hydraulics department of Emirates Team New Zealand. The boats, either AC40 or AC75, will not operate without hydraulics, so the hydro team 'wakes up' the boat in preparation for sailing each day.
Something to please North Queensland sailors: The Whitsunday Sailing Club is pleased to announce the addition of naming rights sponsors Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay to Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 and also announces that entries have already broached 60 for the 36th running of the event, held in the stunning Whitsunday Islands every year. Terry Archer, President of the club said, "We welcome Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay to our event. They are the perfect fit for Airlie Beach Race Week and I urge competitors, their family and friends to support these two great companies."
People in the news: The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has engaged marine media commentator Nic Douglass (aka Sailor Girl) to provide media support services at Marinas24. Nic will attend the entire event to deliver live commentary, media updates, share the insightful conference content and promote the products and services of exhibitors. Suzanne Davies, MIA CEO commented, "Nic will bring great vitality to the event, share it with the entire industry and will provide additional exposure for our speakers, exhibitors and sponsors."
The Boating Industry Association (BIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniella Howard, Business Support Officer. Based in BIA's Rozelle office and reporting to the CEO the position will act in a supporting role across the Association. Daniella has a wealth of experience to bring to the table, particularly in CRM systems and project management of initiatives.
New boats this week: Whittley Marine Group, Australia's leading trailerable sports cruiser boat manufacturer, announced a sale event on the new Limited-Edition Heritage CR 2800 SD model. This model will be allocated to the next ten builds to be produced at the Whittley Factory in Melbourne of the popular CR 2800. The new release CR 2800 SD model edition will feature a signed timber plaque by designer Steven Whittley and is your chance to secure a piece of Australian boat building history and a true collector's item in years to come.
Boat building techniques vary considerably. An expertly custom-crafted Schionning catamaran will sail the world with ease, thanks to the strong, durable DuFLEX Build System. A highly-customised Schionning Solitaire 1520 cruising catamaran is taking shape on the Gold Coast, in the talented hands of the team at Mahi Boats, specialists in custom boat building, particularly multihulls and game fishing boats to commercial standards.
More Marine Industry news covering our area at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania
Stay upright!
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media