It never rains but it pours - Australian MarineBusinessWorld.com newsletter
by Peter Rendle 25 Mar 2021 15:00 PDT
New NSW Maritime patrol vessel on Sydney Harbour © NSW Maritime
Such was the past six days on the east coast of Australia, particularly northern NSW. In Sydney we had more rain in four days than London receives in six months! And so, we post a timely reminder from NSW Maritime warning boaties to be aware of debris.
Fast moving and potentially deadly debris is flowing through large areas of the NSW river systems, prompting a call for all non-essential boating to cease until the current severe weather event passes. NSW Maritime Executive Director Andrew Mogg said while it should be obvious that boaters should not consider launching in flooded rivers, it was crucial people understand the hidden dangers associated with boating in other parts of the river system. "What we are seeing on the NSW North Coast is a 1 in 100 year flood event, while we are also seeing issues all through the NSW waterway system, even waterways hundreds of kilometres from flood zones," Mr Mogg said.
"People need to understand that, just because it may not be raining at your location, the flow of flood waters across the State is severe and has impacts downstream some hundreds of kilometres away. "The impacts to and associated risks with flooded waterways such as Hawkesbury or Macleay rivers may seem obvious, as the surrounding towns are literally under water and in some cases entire houses are floating past. Everyone is strongly advised to monitor weather and flood warnings and adhere to any guidance provided by SES and emergency services. Now is not the time to go boating."
However, the rain did not stop awards being made, and Twin Disc Pacific has been awarded the prestigious 2020 Seakeeper Distributor of The Year Award. Twin Disc Pacific continue to lead the local boating market with gyro sales, installations and service thanks to Seakeeper's leading gyro stabiliser range now available for boats from 23ft due to the launch in 2020 of the popular new DC powered Seakeeper 1.
And while this marina is not in Australia, it's interesting to note that the marina accreditation process extends globally. The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has announced that, following an agreement last year with the Marine Recreation Association (MRA) based on the West Coast USA, to deliver the Global Gold Anchor program in North America, the Village West Marina & Resort located on the Bay Delta in Stockton, California has been awarded 5 Gold Anchors. Nestled in a well-protected, man-made basin in the heart of Northern California's Delta, Village West Marina has a charming, boutique feel yet has over 700, mostly covered, berths and a vast range of fantastic on-shore facilities including a fuel dock, a dockside convenience store, two of the Delta's finest restaurants, a service and detail facility, and a yacht sales office, as well as necessities such as clean showers, heated and cooled restrooms, and laundry facilities. The marina and facilities are well maintained, and the service is excellent. Village West Marina is more than a marina, it is an exceptional destination for fishing and boating enthusiasts.
On the technology and environmental front, Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd. have conducted a field demonstration test for the maritime fuel cell system on March 24, in Oita, Japan. The International Maritime Organization has announced a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by the end of this century. With marine environmental regulations tightening worldwide, in December last year, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry formulated its 'Green Growth Strategy towards 2050 Carbon Neutrality'. The strategy highlights the development of energy and power sources that reduce the impact on the environment, including those for vessels powered by carbon free fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia.
And technology continues to make boating easier. On March 18th, Volvo Penta hosted a live webcast as a digital showcase of its new Assisted Docking technology for the marine industry. The virtual event gave the industry a chance to learn more about the new boat docking system and engage with Volvo Penta experts and partners. In January - as part of a continuous effort to make life on the water easier - Volvo Penta launched the Assisted Docking system, a new technology that allows captains to compensate for wind and current, as well as manoeuvre in tight spaces - taking much of the stress out of the docking process. This innovation is an exciting next step in the evolution of the unique Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) experience - making docking a boat by yourself easier and safer than ever before.
Industry people this week looks at Australian Stephanie Lyons, who is making her mark on the global sailing scene with her election to World Sailing's Audit Committee. A native of Ireland, Lyons moved to Australia eleven years ago and brought her love of sailing with her. She is a member of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Balmain Sailing Club and Kinsale Yacht Club (Ireland), with two Rolex Sydney Hobart races to her name. Off the water Lyons is the Chief Risk Officer of the major super fund EISS Super, with strong experience in strategy, project management, financial management, risk management and compliance. "I am incredibly excited and honoured to have been appointed to this role at World Sailing," said Lyons today. "I am looking forward to combining my professional experience in finance, compliance and risk with my passion for the sport I love - sailing."
Finally, for all the yachties reading this newsletter, some tips from the experts: a great video and interesting article courtesy of our friends at Rolly Tasker Sails, Australia. The asymmetrical spinnaker is one of the favourite sails in the cruising sailor's wardrobe. A young couple cruising the world have produced a great video full of excellent tips on how to get the best out of your asymmetrical spinnaker in a relaxed and easy manner, and without any of the hassle or stress that many fear.
Stay safe and dry!
Peter Rendle peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com