A timely message for this time of the year - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 15 Jan 14:00 PST
Marine Rescue NSW vessel Sussex Inlet 20 © Marine Rescue NSW
The Lake Macquarie region has been identified as the waterway where boaters are most likely to need assistance in NSW as almost a third of Marine Rescue NSW units across the state experienced record demand last year.
Their Lake Macquarie unit performed more than 594 search and rescue missions, coming in ahead of the Marine Rescue Sydney, State Communications Centre on 493 during a busy year for the rescue organisation. Volunteer crews performed 4,512 search and rescue missions across the state and safely returned almost 10,000 people to shore during 2025.
Also in NSW, a once in 117-year showcase will moor at The Australian National Maritime Museum, 16-20 January. The museum at Darling Harbour has invited Norman R. Wright & Sons to showcase prime examples of their boat building prowess with an impressive display of classic boats. The exhibition will run on the Heritage Wharf, open to museum visitors over the five days.
Further west, learn how to navigate the waters in and around Rottnest Island with a guided trip by the Department of Transport, tour of the bays, safety presentation and flare demonstrations. If you want to use your boat to visit Rottnest Island with your family and friends safely and really enjoy the benefits of the boating lifestyle that Perth so greatly offers, join the Safety Convoy. Spots are strictly limited so get in quick.
New products this week includes Simrad Marine Electronics, a leader in marine electronics and navigation, announcing that its Simrad AutoCaptain Autonomous Boating System has been honoured with a 2026 CES Picks Award in the TWICE Picks category. This prestigious recognition celebrates AutoCaptain as a groundbreaking innovation in marine technology, delivering full auto-docking capabilities - including docking, undocking, and short-distance manoeuvring.
From Europe, Remigo d.o.o. announces that the RemigoOne Neo electric outboard has been named Design of the Year at the 2025 European Product Design Awards (EPDA), one of Europe's most prestigious honours recognising excellence in industrial design. "This recognition reflects our commitment to designing products that are not only technically excellent, but a joy to use," said Ajda Bertok, Lead Designer.
Also from Europe, VETUS, a global leader in marine propulsion and onboard systems, is proud to unveil the all-new E-LINE 22 kW, extending its established E-LINE electric propulsion range. E-LINE motors are designed to deliver the same intuitive control and performance as a traditional combustion engine - but with the additional benefits of zero emissions or noise. With the highest output power in the VETUS electric range - 22 kW, and a maximum torque of 130 Nm, the E-LINE 22 kW provides powerful, responsive acceleration, and immediate deceleration when needed.
Australia's greatest sailing celebration is set for a spectacular beginning, with the iconic STS Young Endeavour confirmed as the official start boat for the Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race presented by Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, firing the ceremonial cannon to launch the 2026 Festival of Sails. Returning for the second consecutive year, the historic tall ship will once again lead the fleet from Melbourne before becoming a centrepiece of the Geelong waterfront, open for public exploration on the second day of the festival.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media