New Year, New Boat Show - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 5 Feb 14:00 PST
Gippsland Lakes Boat Show © Boating Industry Association of Victoria
The Gippsland Lakes region will welcome a major new boating event in 2026, with their inaugural Boat Show set for Paynesville. The show will position the historic boating town as a key destination on Victoria's marine industry calendar, capitalising on the region's reputation as one of Australia's premier inland waterway systems.
Set against a backdrop of sparkling rivers, sweeping lakes and wide-open waterways, the Gippsland Lakes Boat Show brings the boating lifestyle to life in an authentic lakeside setting. "This isn't just a boat show, as part of the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally, it's a celebration of everything that makes Gippsland Lakes one of Australia's premier boating destinations," said Steve Walker, BIAV CEO.
From 1 January 2026, changes to Australian apprenticeship incentives came into effect. While new programs are prioritising housing and net-zero sectors, the marine industry remains a national priority. Both the Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction and the Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology remain on the National Priority List, meaning employers and apprentices continue to receive targeted financial support: $2,500 Priority Hiring Incentive, up to $2,500 Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment, access to tool loans, Living Away from Home Allowance.
d'Albora Marinas, Australia's largest premium marina and hospitality network, has expanded its national footprint with the acquisition of Tin Can Bay Marina, strengthening its presence in Southeast Queensland. Located in the heart of the Great Sandy Strait, Tin Can Bay Marina is a well-established boating destination offering 172 wet berths, a full-service boatyard, fuel facilities, and waterfront accommodation. It is renowned for its access to K'gari (Fraser Island), sheltered cruising grounds, and strong local boating community.
The Australia Thailand Rendezvous was successfully hosted in Phuket on 22-23 January, strengthening connections between the Australian marine industry and superyacht captains and crew. Australian industry participants included representatives from Echo Yachts, Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef and The Lighthouse Consultancy, reinforcing Australia's collaborative approach to international engagement and business development within the superyacht sector.
Multihull Central is pleased to announce its appointment as the exclusive dealer for Outremer Catamarans across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. The newly reformed strategic alliance brings together two respected names in the multihull sailing community, revisiting a successful ten-year partnership. Outremer Catamarans, renowned for their performance-oriented blue water cruising vessels, will now have dedicated representation throughout the South Pacific region through Multihull Central's extensive network and expertise.
Fountaine Pajot has announced the launch of the FP51, representing the evolution of its proven 50-foot platform and building on the success of the Aura 51. Integrating select design refinements and updates now seen across Fountaine Pajot's new-generation sailing range, the FP51 retains the core DNA that made its predecessor a benchmark in its class, while introducing targeted improvements focused on comfort, usability and long-term cruising enjoyment.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state have begun the year in high demand, completing 668 search and rescue missions during January, including 162 emergency responses and the safe return of 1,644 people to shore. Acting Deputy Commissioner Dan Duemmer said the peak boating period saw volunteers respond to EPIRB activations, sinking vessels, medical emergencies and numerous missing person searches.
Finally, but certainly not least, Eight Bells, Mike Fletcher AM (9.10.33 - 30.1.26). Michael Francis Fletcher, known to us all simply as Fletch, Coach or Mike, quietly passed away recently aged 92, following a bout with illness. An engineer and sailmaker who in the past ran the Elvstrom loft in Sydney. Add to that author, lecturer, race director and sailor with over 20,000 ocean miles logged. Most, though, will remember Fletch as a professional coach, one of life's genuinely nice guys, a sociable, peace loving and inspiring man.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media