It's the time of the year for marine industry gatherings - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 30 May 15:00 PDT
2024 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show © Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Huge crowds and great weather for the 35th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show added up to an event exhibitors have praised as "exceptional".
Setting records was the number of boats on the water - 356 in total, up 41 on last year - delivering an unparalleled display of marine power and beauty for everyone who attended. Johan Hasser, General Manager of Mulpha Events, said his team was overwhelmed with the public response to the 35th show and delighted with the results reported by exhibitors in terms of leads and sales.
The inaugural World Boating Day, celebrated this past weekend (nearly 50 events hosted across the globe), served as a testament to the universal love for boating and the collective commitment to make boating and super yachting more accessible. World Boating Day has opened the doors of the boating, yachting and superyacht sectors to introduce and engage with the wider public and showcase what boating is, how accessible it can be, the positive impacts the industry can have, and the career opportunities it offers.
After a relaxed and casual Welcome Reception on the forecourt of the Royal International Convention Centre on Sunday, surrounded by impressive displays from key industry suppliers, Marinas24 International Conference and Trade Exhibition was opened on Tuesday by the Hon. Michael Healy MP, Queensland Minister for Tourism Industry Development, to a record 397 delegates. Reaffirming its place as a key global marina industry event, the conference was enhanced by over 60 exhibiting industry businesses.
Tony Longhurst was recognised with the 2024 Marine Industry Champion of the Year Award at this year's Australian Marine Industry Awards Gala Dinner, 22 May. Held at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, the event attracted marine and yachting industry professionals from around Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the US and Europe. The award, presented by Steve Fisher from Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, recognised Tony as the CEO and owner of The Boat Works, the 55-acre shipyard and marina within the Coomera Marine Precinct.
But we move on. Exhibitor applications are now open for the 62nd Melbourne Boat Show, 17-20 October in Docklands. The previous Show was a resounding success, attracting more than 43,000 visitors. Visitors travelled from all over Melbourne, Victoria and beyond to discover the latest innovations and engage with experts. For exhibitors, it was a valuable platform to build their brand, generate leads, establish new connections, create sales and network.
The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) yesterday meet with the NSW Government to directly raise concerns over planned increases to boating fees. BIA spokesperson Neil Patchett said the opportunity to meet with key representatives was appreciated and timely. "BIA has had a positive and productive relationship with Transport for NSW and we want it to stay that way," Patchett said.
Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) is gearing up to deliver the next stages on its plans for the Noosa waterways. BIA has worked closely with MSQ over the past two years on this project which is designed to deliver a test-case boating management plan for the waterway. The aim is to use Noosa as a proof of concept for a template for a boating management plan to be rolled out across other waterways in the Sunshine State. The key elements of which will include improved anchoring and mooring management, improved amenity, improved infrastructure and improved compliance to support safe, responsible and enjoyable boating for all.
Marine electric propulsion continues to develop. d'Albora, Australia's largest premium marina and hospitality network, and Seavolt, Australia's first and only company dedicated to marine charging, have partnered to deliver Australia's first DC fast charging network for recreational and commercial electric boats. From jet skis to superyachts, the new generation of recreational and commercial vessels will be powered by electricity requiring a sustainable and convenient network of charging stations. Seavolt CEO Chris Cudlipp says, "It's vital that there's a charging network in place that can deliver 100% renewable electricity to power our blue highways. d'Albora immediately understood the opportunity, both environmentally and commercially."
Finally, a message from the Making Waves Foundation. "The Wright of Passage" program builds the career foundation for young adults seeking a better path in their lives and finding that path by creating their own wooden boat and learning to master sailing that same boat on the open water. Help expand the program across the East Coast of Australia and building this amazing initiative to reach the more vulnerable young adults in our community. With your help, they can create a better world for young adults entering the workforce.
Stay enthusiastic,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media