The changing face of marine power supply - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 21 Jul 2022 23:00 BST
Prototype Sea Trials © Vision Marine Technologies
When one of the world's largest boatbuilders invests in electric propulsion you know that the future of marine propulsion is on the move, no pun intended. Groupe Beneteau have launched a partnership with Vision Marine Technologies to develop and market 100% electric outboard-equipped powerboats.
The partnership will integrate Vision Marine Technologies' revolutionary, high-power outboard motors onboard several models across Groupe Beneteau's brand portfolio. Innovation is a keystone of Groupe Beneteau's heritage, shaping trends in boating for over 130 years. The company was quick to recognize the growing market demand for electric boats and launched in March 2022 the DELPHIA 11 with electric propulsion for boating on inland waterways and lakes.
At the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2021 it had also presented the sailing catamaran EXCESS 15 Hybrid, whereas the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 sailboat will be presented this summer at the Hiswa te Water boat show in the Netherlands. This partnership with Vision Marine Technologies ensures truly game-changing electric propulsion will also be available on outboard powerboats.
As we approach the Sydney International Boat Show, industry members continue to report their attendance. Windcraft Yachts' exclusive and long-standing relationship with top European brands Hanse, Dehler and Solaris means boating enthusiasts coming to this year's show will be able to gauge first-hand why they are in the vanguard of yachting design and technology. Show visitors will have the opportunity to inspect one model from each of the Solaris, Hanse and Dehler ranges, while those interested in the extremely popular outboard-powered sports dayboat category will be able to appraise the impressive all new RYCK 280.
This year, Palm Beach will have two of their range on display. A PB50 and a PB55. Both are designed and built using their proprietary V-Warp technology that delivers a class-leading combination of performance, fuel efficiency, stability and comfort.
Fleming Yachts Australia will be part of the show from July 28 to August 1 and will be displaying the brand new Fleming 55. This boat is the first of its kind in Australia with a two-cabin design layout. The Fleming 55 was introduced in 1986 and, since that time, it has benefited from a rigorous program of constant evolution in design and functionality.
The much-anticipated Oyster 595 will be displayed for the first time at the Show. This thoroughbred, British luxury 60-foot bluewater sailing yacht has already proven herself to be extremely popular pre-launch with 16 sold off plan. Stephen Parkinson, Oyster Yachts sales director, Rest of World says, "We are delighted to be able to present the new Oyster 595 at Sydney, one of the most prestigious events in the Australian boating calendar. Pictures only go so far, so getting on board allows you to really appreciate the quality, luxurious finish, attention to detail and space that this amazing 60-foot yacht has to offer."
Horizon Yachts Australia (HYAUS) will be a key exhibitor at the show, with a prominent position situated at the Cockle Bay entrance/exit of the SIBS Marina. HYAUS will have a brand new FD80 and an E75 on full display. Launched in May 2022, the new Horizon FD80 features a semi-enclosed skylounge configuration and is the very first FD80 to feature an open galley on the main deck. Specified for the Australian market, this ground-breaking FD80 features a four-stateroom layout and many notable features designed to appeal to the Sydney yachting market.
Beneteau, Lagoon Catamarans and Excess Catamarans will present a fleet of eleven models at the show. Their recent display at Sanctuary Cove was a huge success with the joint efforts from dealers in Australia, Flagstaff Marine, Spirit Marine and The Multihull Group, and with the generous support from Beneteau, Excess and Lagoon Asia Pacific.
Performance Cruising Yachts is excited to present three new models making their Sydney debut this year. The Dufour 48 Catamaran built in Italy by JJL Catamarans, the GT6 and Impression 40.1 from Slovenian bespoke builder Elan Yachts. The standout characteristic amongst them all is the high quality fit, finish and components used making them standout models in their class.
Several companies are organising events outside of the show. Leading Australian luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo, is set to host more than 100 owners, friends and families for a week of activities on Hamilton Island. Nestled in the heart of the world-renowned Whitsunday Island archipelago off Queensland's coast inside the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, the island will serve as a base for the flotilla of Maritimo vessels arriving after their passage up from the Gold Coast further south.
The Maritimo Migration encompasses an adventure-filled 500+ nautical mile trip up the Queensland coast, with multiple stops along the way, and then an action-packed program once participants are at Hamilton Island. Maritimo Managing Director, Tom Barry Cotter, said the Maritimo Migration encompassed everything that Maritimo stood for.
Ensign Yachts will be conducting one-on-one inspections over the next month. Simply register your interest and their team will be in touch to organise a private viewing.
New yachts announced this week include the Neel 52. Multihull Solutions is the exclusive Asia Pacific dealer for NEEL Trimarans and is expected to have the first model on display at 2024 Australian boat shows.
New products involve JL Audio, manufacturer of high-performance marine audio systems, who are pleased to announce that the all-new MediaMaster® 105 will arrive in Australia and New Zealand from August. The MM105 benefits from Bluetooth® 5.0 with Qualcomm's aptX™ technology, to reproduce music streamed from smartphones with the highest possible quality.
"The MM105 IS purpose-engineered to complement our premium amplifiers and loudspeakers to achieve the best marine audio experience. With the new MM105, we now have source units with global radio capabilities and the best audio performance designed to integrate with modern boat systems," said Chris Radford, Vice President, Sales at Navico.
People appointments involve World Sailing who have appointed experienced sports management executive Koray Ezer as its new Head of International Development. As World Sailing strengthens its commitment to developing the sport globally, Ezer's appointment bolsters the support available to Member National Authorities and the international sailing community.
In his role as Head of International Development, Ezer will be responsible for the strategic development, implementation and delivery of World Sailing's mission to grow the sport and make sailing more accessible, supporting and delivering training and development for sailors, coaches, race officials and regional development coordinators around the world.
Stay dry,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com