The industry gears up with pre-season events - MarineBusinessWorld newsletter
by Peter Rendle 28 Sep 2023 23:00 BST

Melbourne Boat Show © Boating Industry Association of Victoria
The Melbourne Boat Show is back and better than ever, berthing at Docklands Waterfront, 26 to 29 October. Whether you're in the market for a new watercraft, keen to test your sea legs on a Tall Ship, get expert tips on how to lure big fish, or just eager to admire multi-million-dollar yachts, the Show has something for everyone, young and old.
From the epitome of cruising luxury to the simplicity of fishing tinnies, this year's expanded Boat Show features a huge array of adrenaline-pumping watercraft. This free annual event celebrates everything related to boating and the nautical lifestyle. With a rich history and a commitment to showcasing the latest trends and innovations, the Melbourne Boat Show is the largest event for the local marine industry, with more than 100 exhibitors set to showcase their latest products, technology and craft.
The Gold Coast Marine Precinct is Australia's marine manufacturing engine room and they are offering a chance to see what career opportunities can be had crafting some for the world's most beautiful and sought after vessels and equipment. Marine Jobs presents the Gold Coast Marine Careers Open Day. Set to make waves on Saturday, 21st October 2023, from 9am to 2pm in Coomera, this event will allow attendees to tour some of Australia's most famous manufacturers and shipyards including Riviera, Maritimo, Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard and The Boat Works.
The second annual Women on Water networking event will be hosted by the City of Melbourne Waterways team and the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV), and this event will celebrate women who champion all boating-related activities. Following a successful event in 2022, we are bringing you a host of exceptional speakers and the opportunity to connect with other maritime women around the Melbourne Boat Show. Morning tea provided. Starts 8:45am, 26 October at Melbourne City Marina - Lounge.
Speakers: Eleni Savva (MC, Savwinch director, former BIAV President), Meghan Densley (Victorian Manager of Australian Sailing), Michelle Brittain (Leader of WIRF and host on the AFN Fishing Show).
The annual Gold Coast Open Day, hosted by The Yacht Sales Co and Multihull Solutions, will return on 4 November to delight boating enthusiasts looking to buy, sell or just get the most out of their yacht. Featuring a jam-packed schedule of quality new and brokerage yacht displays, information sessions, giveaways, and more, the Open Day is set to be the biggest yet.
The 2023 event will be held across the companies' two Sales Centres in the dynamic marine precinct of The Boat Works in Coomera on Queensland's Gold Coast from 9am-3pm. An extensive selection of new and quality pre-owned sail and power yachts will be on display in the water as well as on the hardstand in the 'Out-of-Water Boat Show'.
The Cannes Yachting Festival ended on 17 September after six exceptional days. In the idyllic setting of the French Riviera, 705 5- to 50-metre boats (motor, sailing, monohull or multihull), including 130 world premieres, were presented by the largest French and international boat builders. Alongside them, the latest equipment and accessories, and service companies (architects/designers, interior fittings, institutions, marinas, etc.) exhibited on the outdoor quays and in the Palais des Festivals.
The 55,000 visitors to the quays of the Vieux Port and Port Canto discovered numerous innovations, whether in water or on land, which serve developing the sea economy and protecting the maritime space.
The Lagoon Escapade Whitsundays 2023, which took place on 29-30 August, ended with resounding success at the exquisite Cape Gloucester Resort. Thanks to the impeccable organization by TMG Yachts, the event boasted an impressive turnout of 12 Lagoon boats and over 30 enthusiastic participants. During the first day, attendees enjoyed a delightful feast and engaging trivia session.
On the second day, the Lagoon catamarans gracefully sailed around Middle Island, gliding through the mesmerizing turquoise waters, accompanied by playful dolphins and majestic whales. Back onshore, the crew took active part in the pirate-themed beach games. Prizes were also presented during the event to recognize exceptional accomplishments, further adding to the excitement and camaraderie of the event.
The Boating Industry Association has launched a new video educating marine businesses and contractors on the Marine Card program and Access Management System. It helps potential users understand the role Marine Card plays in managing Work Health and Safety in the marine industry, and supporting Safe Marine Business. The video explains how Marine Card integrates with the Access Management System and how it helps keep track of who is on site at any time in case of accidents or emergencies, ensuring contractors' insurance is adequate and up to date, and overall improvement to operating efficiencies.
New Yachts launched: X-Yachts have introduced a new X4.9 with a lot of improvements - a new look with an updated hull, new rudder, lower weight, more luxury in the cabin - and better performance too. When the X4.9 Mkl was introduced in 2018, the Pure X range really started to make its mark in the global yacht market. The X4.9 was the third model in the all-new Pure X range and today more than 50 have been sold globally.
Managing Director of X-Yachts Australia & New Zealand, Kevin Wallis explains: "What we are developing now can be described as a smaller version of the X56. The revamp of the X4.9 in this Mk/I edition is a natural evolution incorporating the lessons learned and the visual appearance of especially the X5.6 and the X4.3 Mk/I being the most updated members of the Pure X range. And we have taken the design even beyond these models in a continuous effort to evolve and improve. Among others the styling of the cabin side portlights."
From Asia we learn that Shakespeare Marine, the world leader in marine antenna design, announces the launch of its new distribution hub, located in Shanghai, China. Operational from 1 January 2024, the new Chinese distribution centre positions Shakespeare Marine as the world's first antenna manufacturer to secure warehouse space across Europe, America and Asia.
Also, in China and responding to increasing demands for innovative coating solutions, Hempel's new state-of-the-art production facilities in Zhangjiagang substantially enhance capacity to better serve Marine, Energy and Infrastructure customers. Three years after announcing plans to invest in two new production facilities in China, Hempel today brings the Zhangjiagang site online to begin servicing customers in the region. This week's inauguration ceremony included participation from Jiangsu province government officials, representatives from the Danish General Consulate in Shanghai, as well as customers, suppliers and members of Hempel's senior management.
If you would like your news to be considered for posting to www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania send your press releases or product bulletins to peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com
Stay positive!
Peter Rendle