Time to start thinking Boat Shows - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 2 Feb 2023 15:00 PST
ICC Marina - Sydney International Boat Show © Sydney Boat Show
As we reach the second month of 2023, the boat show calendar presents the industry with thoughts about booking exhibition space. The International Sanctuary Cove Show will again take place in May and the Boating Industry Association (BIA) has announced the Sydney details.
The 54th edition of the Sydney International Boat Show is to be staged from 3 to 6 August, set against the backdrop of the iconic Darling Harbour in the heart of the city. The show returned in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic with over 45,000 visitors coming together in celebration of the boating lifestyle.
The show saw hundreds of boats on display, world and Australian premieres, sneak peeks, and entertainment. BIA CEO Andrew Scott today said the boat show would once again deliver standout marina exhibits at a purpose-built event marina in Cockle Bay along with an array of exhibitors showcasing the latest in boats, equipment, and accessories within the halls of the International Convention Centre.
"Sydney has been described as the finest harbour in the world and we are excited to deliver one of the largest boat shows in the Southern Hemisphere right beside the central business district of this global city," Andrew Scott said.
Boot Düsseldorf, from the other side of the globe, reported over 1,500 exhibitors met with nearly 237,000 visitors from over 100 countries in 16 exhibition halls. Business deals, good conversations and high spirits abounded. Registering 68 nations exhibiting across 220,000 square metres, boot Düsseldorf reports back with impressive figures.
The pandemic-related, forced 3-year break could not do the Düsseldorf water sports event any harm. Instead, the entire international industry was once again drawn to the Rhenish metropolis from 21 to 29 January.
"Despite the difficult general conditions, boot 2023 has written a success story. We would not have dreamt of this outcome. boot has finally reached calm waters and is once again firmly anchored in its Düsseldorf home port. The successful comeback has demonstrated that trade fairs 'made in Düsseldorf' have an international appeal," reports President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf Wolfram Diener. Both for powerboats, luxury yachts, sailing boats and for diving equipment, trend sports and holiday regions the global players and dream destinations were "on the starting line".
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Back in Australia I was delighted to hear that Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) Director, Richard Chapman, has been awarded the OAM. Richard received this highly distinguished award for his important contribution to the Australian marine industry. Chapman has dedicated over 45 years to the Australian marine industry at Coursemaster Autopilots and HyDrive Engineering. He is a member of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron where he sails regularly. He served on the Squadron's General Committee for 22 years and was Commodore 2014 to 2018.
David Good, AIMEX CEO said, "This award is a well-deserved recognition of Richard's outstanding contributions to the Australian marine industry. He has spent his own time and money to assist others within our industry and helped create an Australian reputation within the international market of reliability, honesty and can-do attitude that will benefit all Australian marine manufacturers in decades to come. Congratulations Richard on this outstanding achievement."
Kudos also goes the Boating Industry Association of Australia for their ongoing program of promoting industry apprentices. The BIA prioritises the importance of creating, supporting and retaining the skilled workforce all BIA members need for ongoing success. That is why one of the BIA's four strategic key priorities is to promote education, skills and jobs.
There are many programs and projects under way in this priority area, including advocacy work to ensure our need for apprentices can be part of Australian Government efforts to strengthen support for apprenticeships via the Apprenticeships Priority list, which identifies priority occupations for the Apprenticeships Incentive System. BIA welcomes news the Australian Government has prioritised Marine Mechanic Cert III and Marine Trimming Cert III qualifications, giving a significant boost to the financial incentives and support available for employers seeking to recruit into these trade apprenticeships.
This is good news for many marine businesses who will be looking to expand their workforce in these specialist sectors.
New boats launched this week include the Jeanneau 55. Winch Design were delighted to announce the premiere of this sailing yacht at the Düsseldorf show. In the history of sailing yachts, few collaborations have been as successful or as longstanding as the ongoing partnership with Jeanneau and Philippe Briand. Over the past 30 years Jeanneau Winch produced and help sell over 200 yachts worldwide, and with the current sailing resurgence, this number is set to grow.
With a Winch-designed interior and Philippe Briand architecture, the Jeanneau Yacht 55 (replacing both the JY 51 and JY 54) is elegant, high performing and comfortable. Practical for cruising in all seasons and locations; there is no limit to exploration.
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com