Industry stalwart's latest on-water ambitions - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 18 Dec 22:00 GMT
Maritimo Katwinchar © Andrea Francolini
I first met Bill Barry-Cotter when he owned the Mariner factory in Mona Vale, Sydney. In those days he paid his advertising bill with an AMEX card. How times have changed.
For an industry icon like Bill, time spent on the water is often inseparable from the hours spent in the engine room of enterprise. Whilst the magnificent vessel that is Maritimo 100 epitomises his latest on-water ambitions, and a return to his sailing roots with his family, Barry-Cotter is a study in relentless forward momentum. Barry-Cotter's journey from timber boat building to pioneering fibreglass and, ultimately, establishing the Maritimo dynasty, is a fascinating case study in Australian manufacturing persistence against the headwinds of bureaucracy and global competition.
At this time of the year a safety warning is not unwarranted. From the Northern Rivers to the far South Coast, New South Wales' coastal bars are among the most picturesque — and most dangerous — waterways in the country. As the summer holiday season approaches, Marine Rescue NSW is urging skippers to plan carefully, prepare thoroughly and attempt bar crossings only when conditions are safe. Always wear a lifejacket. The consequences of misjudging a bar crossing can be severe, with capsized vessels quickly turning a day on the water into a life-threatening emergency. In the event of a capsize, boaters should stay with their vessel and grab hold of anything floating.
The BIA attended a national roundtable on alternative fuels last month in Adelaide. Building on insights of earlier sessions, this roundtable of some 70 representatives of maritime related organisations focused on different elements of alternative fuels and emerging technologies including: progress and readiness across a range of alternative fuels, safety considerations and response capability needs, skills and workforce implications, opportunities for collaboration, including domestic advocacy to support the transition and opportunities for green shipping corridors, how the sector can work together to prepare for the transition while international policy continues to evolve.
The Boat Works has cemented its reputation as Australia's Boat Sales Epicentre, home to the nation's leading boat brokers and the most extensive range of new and pre-owned vessels. Recognised as The Destination for boat maintenance, repair, refit and sales, the world-class precinct showcases dozens of international brands in power, sail, multihull and monohull categories. Adding to GLI's impressive line-up is the proud return of Fairway Motor Yachts, a brand with deep Gold Coast roots.
A much-anticipated fixture on the calendar, the Sydney Superyacht Captains' Long Lunch was held 12 November, winding up 2025 on a festive note and providing a relaxed ambience for captains to mingle and discuss local and international topics. The 16th annual gathering assembled more than 38 captains, suppliers and industry heads, grateful for the opportunity to unwind, socialise and share experiences from another year on the water.
Planning for the 2026 Gippsland Lakes Boat Show (GLBS) is progressing strongly, with the event website and free public ticketing now live. Early interest has been encouraging, and the team are continuing to build a dynamic program designed to maximise visitation and showcase the strength of Victoria's marine sector.
Overseas, the Thailand International Boat Show : A Luxury Lifestyle Event, takes place 15-18 January at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, returning at a time when the Asia-Pacific region is recording some of the fastest growth in boating and water-based leisure globally. Forecasts point to an annual expansion of around 5% through 2030 in the global yacht charter market and more than 11% annual growth in the Asia-Pacific luxury yacht segment, with Thailand increasingly positioned to benefit from rising demand for marine recreation and coastal experiences.
Also from Asia, the Hong Kong International Boat Show unveiled a spectacular lineup of famous boat brands and regional premieres on 4-7 December. About 50 boats from around the world were on display in Club Marina Cove for the 26th edition. The boats came from Italy, France, the UK, USA, Finland, Poland and China. Making their debuts were the Sanlorenzo SL86A, the Galeon 560 Fly, the Nimbus W11 and the Lamborghini Tecnomar speedy sail boat.
Keep up to date with more marine industry news from our region at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media