Powerboat interest continues globally - Australian MarineBusinessWorld.com newsletter
by Peter Rendle 29 Apr 2021 22:00 UTC
Mezzanine deck flows sooooooooo brilliantly onto the huge adventure deck - New Maritimo M55 © Maritimo
News of a surge in boating globally during the past twelve months is well-documented in the boating media and press. However, the demand, in some cases, has created a shortage of available product, particularly in the USA where buyers are experiencing delays in receiving their purchases.
While we are known universally for our incredible reach of active sailors across the globe via our Sail-World websites, we are now making inroads into the powerboat market coverage. One example of this reader following is reflected in the latest response to a posting of an article by editor John Curnow. His onboard review of the Maritimo M55 that appeared on the 28th April had been opened and read by 304 readers within the first 1.5 hours, and 877 readers within 24 hours. Powerboat.world reports exclusively on new powerboats more than 10m in length, so it's pretty exclusive. We will continue to pursue the interests of the powerboat scene with the objective on ensuring readers receive the very latest news across a wide range of new launchings and all the associated new products that go with them.
While the title of this newsletter is MarineBusinessWorld Australia, it would be remiss of us not to include international news that is of interest to Australian readers. This includes UK company Ocean Signal. Ocean Signal has tripled the size of its business footprint to support accelerated growth plans, meet increasing production demands and strengthen the company's capabilities to launch the next generation of communication and survival products to the market. The safety at sea specialist has completed the move into a new 19,200 square foot factory at its Margate, UK, headquarters, significantly boosting production capacity as it steps up operations to escalate distribution volumes to a global network of dealers and partners. In addition to investing in the expansion in factory space, Ocean Signal has almost doubled the number of company personnel in the past four years. A strong research and development team has been established to build on the department's reputation for creating the most compact, user-friendly and technologically advanced devices available and launching further industry-leading innovations.
Also, from overseas and with its brand statement of "A Sustainable Future", Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd. is undertaking a range of activities in pursuit of a decarbonized society, from development of new energy sources to realizing zero-emissions from its headquarters, the Yanmar Flying-Y Building. Yanmar's long-standing efforts towards realizing a sustainable society include the development of bio-gas cogeneration systems that convert sewage and waste food into clean energy, generation systems that utilize waste cooking oil and a demonstration plant that realizes sustainable energy from rice husks for a resource recycling agriculture.
And from across the ditch, Port Nikau is a planned urban waterfront community located 160km north of Auckland, New Zealand, on picturesque Whangarei Harbor. The dockage is being completely transformed by Heron Marinas, an official SF Marina agent in New Zealand and the Pacific. The multifaceted project includes installing a wide range of SF Marina concrete floating docks with superyacht capacities. The first phase of the Port Nikau project included the installation of two SF Marina SF1840 floating concrete docks, each measuring 4m x 25m and connected via an 8m sister dock with a golf cart-accessible gangway ramp landing. Yachts up to 60m tie up aft-first in a Mediterranean style. With a 1m freeboard, it's easy for passengers to walk off the vessel using a passerelle. Bow and forward lines are held by a high-performance anchor system.
Back in Australia two marinas on the north-western shores of Port Phillip have received elevated Gold Anchor ratings from the Marina Industries Association (MIA) in recognition of recent facility and service investments. The Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC), situated on the shores of Corio Bay in central Geelong, plays an integral role in the community, providing facilities to members and boaters, including sporting activities and water access for locals. In late 2020, RGYC was named Australian Sailing's Club of the Year, providing further indication of the Club's commitment to provide a world class marine facility and sporting club. RGYC has a clear vision for its future, having developed a Masterplan to guide its investment over the next decade. This year, a $10M wave attenuator was completed which provides protection to the RGYC marina and allows the public to 'walk on water'. A joint initiative between the Federal, State and Local Governments as well as RGYC, Wangim Walk, the 440m wave attenuator is among the longest public on water walkways in the country and is now one of Geelong's most treasured community assets.
Wyndham Harbour Marina also increased its rating, being awarded 5 Gold Anchors. First opened in 2016, Wyndham Harbour Marina has been increasing the services and facilities on offer at the marina. A fuel dock opened in 2017 offering quality ULP and diesel fuels 24/7 through self-serve, pay at the dock bowers. Earlier this year the marina took delivery of a hydraulic Roodberg trailer. Catering for vessels up to 35 feet and 10 tonnes, it is the perfect tool to pull vessels out of the water for maintenance or upland storage. Marina General Manager Allan Cayzer explained the future plans to create a vibrant boating hub at Wyndham Harbour, "Construction of our dry stack will commence later this year and will be suited to boats up to 30 feet and 10 tonnes. We have very strong demand and expect it will be very popular with the fishing community. We have recently renovated our wood fire pizza restaurant and added a Mexican food restaurant and Fish and Chip outlet. These restaurants offer expansive views out to Port Phillip Bay and beyond to the city of Melbourne skyline."
The SailGP circuit is currently under way and the organisers conveyed that SailGP and ePropulsion, a global leader and market challenger in marine electric propulsion systems and services, have announced a partnership to deliver innovation on-water that provides electric outboard solutions for the global sail racing league that champions a world powered by nature. ePropulsion has been appointed as an official partner to SailGP and, with a shared sustainability and environmental purpose and vision, will join SailGP's Race for the Future and help deliver actions and innovations that advance the global adoption of clean energy. ePropulsion will be the Electric Outboard Supplier for Small Craft for Season 2 and Season 3. Season 2, which spans 2021-22 commenced on Friday 23rd April with the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess and comprised of eight national teams racing identical F50 wing-sailed catamarans. The sport's top athletes will go head-to-head over eight events in Bermuda, Italy, Great Britain, Denmark, France, Spain, New Zealand and United States.
At the same time B&G®, the world's leading sailing navigation and instrument specialist, has worked closely with SailGP, as it heads into Season Two of competition this year. A truly world-first innovation, the B&G Zeus3S Glass Helm tactical multifunctional display has been built directly into the wing sail of the F50 catamaran. "Our 24-inch B&G Zeus3S Glass Helm display will provide SailGP's teams and athletes key data to make crucial tactical decisions during the race in the blink of an eye with all the customized information available right in front of them," said Simon Conder, Global Head of Brand for B&G. "We are delighted to be working with SailGP to lead the way with innovations like these. To our knowledge the F50 is the first and only boat in the world to feature a multifunction display in its wing sails, and we have no doubt it will make it much easier for the athletes to make the fast and critical decisions this level of competition demands."
New boats this week features the Lagoon 55. Without imposing on Lagoon's recognisable features Patrick le Quément has softened the exterior profile. A slimline, floating impression is achieved through the new levitating coach roof and the integrated handrails, the over emphasise of the sculptural elements of the bows adds to the lines and silhouette of the vessel. In line with VPLPs next generation rig design the mast is set back to provide a higher aspect ratio mainsail with a total sail area of 186m2 with the jib and 266m2 with the Code Zero resulting in a faster and more enjoyable passage. Experience the on-water terrace, a fresh concept whereby Lagoon has moved the stairs inward to allow for an outdoor galley and folding seat on the transoms, extending into the hydraulic platform, creating a new space to enjoy the outdoors. This area seamlessly opens into the cockpit which is now a stunning 25m2, featuring an integrated bar, seating for up to 12 guests and large storage compartments under the deck and lounges. The Multihull Group are the Australian Distributors.
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com