New Sydney Boat show details to be released next week - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 11 Apr 07:00 AEST

Sydney Boat Show © Boating Industry Association
The BIA is set to announce details next week on the new Sydney Boat Show to be held over 14-17 August this year at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. The event will be staged in The Dome and adjacent Exhibition Halls which is an expansive undercover venue - bigger than the ICC Halls in 2024 - on one level.
This venue provides significant opportunities to present the show with great atmosphere on a single level and has significant areas for expansion into exterior spaces, and is more cost effective in comparison to the ICC Sydney.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state experienced their quietest March since 2022, completing 348 search and rescue missions, including 108 emergency responses last month. "Whilst missions were down this March and we would like to see that trend continue, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state still returned 799 people to shore," said Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell.
Marinas 101 was held on 22 March at the Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay (RMYC BB), bringing together eight participants from diverse backgrounds. The group included individuals at the beginning of their career journeys, all eager to gain insights into the marina industry and better understand the opportunities ahead. A big thank you to Matt Hundleby CMM for leading the course. With over 30 years of industry experience, Matt delivered a detailed, dynamic, and insightful session that covered a wide range of key marina topics and sparked thoughtful discussion among attendees.
The Straddle Carrier Maintenance and Operation Course (SCOM) will take place on May 3-4 in Victoria. This course is essential for anyone involved in operating Straddle Carriers in the marine industry. Course Content: Health & Safety: Safe operation of straddle carriers in a boatyard environment. Maintenance & Pre-Start Checks: Regular machine maintenance, service, and safety checks. Slings & Vessel Standing: Correct use of slings, stands, and blocking techniques. Machine Operation & Communication: Efficient operation and communication during vessel handling. Lifting & Returning Vessels: Best practices for lifting, standing, and returning vessels to the water. Vessel Structure & Lifting Techniques: Understanding basic vessel structure and how to lift and stabilise vessels safely.
Maritimo Motor Yachts have announced the acquisition of the iconic Australian boat brand, Caribbean, further strengthening Maritimo's position as a leader in the luxury and offshore boating industry. The acquisition represents a powerful synergy between two historic Australian boat builders, both renowned for their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and the seafaring lifestyle. Commencing manufacturing in Melbourne in 1958, Caribbean has long been celebrated for its robust, blue water-capable vessels, making it a natural complement to Maritimo's high-performance luxury motor yachts.
Mercury Marine has announced the opening of its cutting-edge Mercury Marine Training Centre, the first of its kind for the company in the Asia-Pacific region. Located in Dandenong South, Victoria, this new facility is designed to equip marine technicians with the expertise, skills and confidence to provide world-class service and support while embracing the latest advancements in marine technology.
BIA is saddened to learn of the recent passing of Robert (Bob) Basham. Bob passed away peacefully earlier this week following a short illness. Bob was 96 years old. Bob will be forever known for the eponymous RW Basham, one of Australia's leading marine wholesale businesses, founded in 1968 with his wife, Shirley, and remaining as a family business for over 50 years. His passion for sailing was equally well-known. Bob's enthusiasm for introducing people, particularly young would-be-sailors, to share this passion, along with his determination to bring his marine industry peers together to help grow sailing saw the creation of the Try Sailing Days program, delivered by the BIA in the 1990s. I knew Bob from my early dealings with R.W.Basham Pty Ltd in the eighties. The consummate gentleman, Bob was always happy to have a chat about the industry and how it could improve. He will be sadly missed and our condolences go out to his family and friends.
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Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media