Job done, new world record established - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 16 Dec 2022 12:00 NZDT
Emirates Team New Zealand's wind powered land speed world record attempt at South Australia's Lake Gairdner - December 11, 2022 © Emirates Team New Zealand/James Somerset
We have been covering the attempt on the world land speed record for a number of weeks now and it was pleasing to note that a new record has been established. Emirates Team New Zealand and pilot Glenn Ashby have sailed 'Horonuku', their wind powered craft, faster than any previous records. The record is subject to ratification.
'Horonuku' - named by Ngati Whatua Orakei, meaning 'gliding swiftly across the land' - did exactly that and was clocked at 222.4km/h in 22 knots of windspeed on Lake Gairdner in South Australia. Pilot Glenn Ashby was clearly happy with the run, but also tempered with the knowledge that Horonuku can go much faster. "The team and I are obviously buzzing to have sailed Horonuku at a speed faster than anyone have ever before - powered only by the wind. But in saying that we know Horonuku has a lot more speed in it when we get more wind and better conditions," said Ashby.
Overseas, METSTRADE 2022, held last month in Amsterdam, has been heralded as a 'vibrant' success. Three packed days saw over 17,000 visitors clocking up over 26,000 registered visits to see 1,400 exhibitors from 49 countries. METSTRADE 2022 also welcomed back a full return of associated programmes from partners including 'The Superyacht Forum'.
The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) members were back and there in force. They included City of Gold Coast, GME, Greencorp Marine, Hydrive Engineering / Coursemaster Autopilots, Origin Net, Quality Marine Clothing, Rainman Desalination, Ronstan, Superior Jetties, and VEEM.
In Australia the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) 2023 has had an exceptional response to the opening of exhibitor applications, with 80% of show space already booked and organisers anticipating the event to be sold-out well in advance. In just the first week of exhibitor applications, SCIBS doubled the applications received for the previous year, setting the stage for a blockbuster year when the Show returns from 25-28 May 2023.
Presented by Mulpha Events, SCIBS 2023 will again feature a showstopping line-up of exhibitors across everything from superyachts and trailer boats to the latest marine gadgets and must-have technology, as well as a raft of exciting new launches. Among the premium brands taking prime position on the water for the 34th annual event are Axopar, Grand Banks, Horizon, Maritimo, Multihull Solutions, Ocean Alexander, Palm Beach, Princess, Riviera, Short Marine and Sundance Marine.
An interesting program has been released in New South Wales. As part of the NSW government Skilled Fee-Free Training initiative, Superyacht Crew Academy offers courses running through the Superyacht Crew Academy that are FREE to eligible students. If you know anyone interested in getting into the maritime industry or upgrading their qualifications, now is the time to apply. This is a great opportunity for those who are interested in starting or progressing their careers in the maritime industry. Due to the growing number of marine jobs, qualified marine crews are in high demand.
The Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) are also promoting marine industry work opportunities. They continues to work alongside HEADStart to develop apprenticeship opportunities within the industry. Together they are engaging with secondary school students who are looking for an alternative stay connected to their school and peers, and join the workforce early.
HEADStart is a school-based apprenticeships and internships program that supports secondary students while they study and work towards a career. Students can get started early in their careers across many avenues including in the marine industry. Steve Walker, BIAV CEO presented career options in the marine industry that many hadn't considered when deciding on their vocational education.
Meanwhile more good news from the industry. Leading Australian luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo, has had an incredibly dynamic 2022. Significant milestones were achieved with the successful release of six brand new models into the market around the world, as well as the ongoing development and final stages of pre-production for what will be the 'Jewels in the Maritimo Crown' - the M75 and S75 models, due for unveiling in the first half of 2023.
"It has been another great sales year across the globe. Maritimo is benefitting from a compounding effect, partly due to our intensive product development strategy. The Australian market is accounting for about 40% of our sales with New Zealand 20%. Following that, the next biggest market outside Australia would be the USA, which currently accounts for about 35% of our sales," says Tom Barry Cotter, Managing Director of Maritimo.
And looking toward 2023, Superyacht Australia, the peak body for the Australian superyacht industry, is excited to announce that the fourth annual iconic event, the Superyacht Australia Soirée, will be held on Saturday March 11 at Jones Bay Marina, Pyrmont from 2pm - 8pm. Major Partner, Benetti Yachts, continues its much-valued support for this exciting event that showcases the superyacht industry in Sydney and across Australia, currently contributing an estimated $3.01 billion to Australia's economy annually.
The event celebrates the superyacht luxury lifestyle and promotes superyacht chartering via access to an impressive display of vessels along Jones Bay Marina on Sydney Harbour - one of the most popular superyacht destinations in the world.
Keeping up with the growing superyacht industry, the Marina Industries Association (MIA) announces the launch of its much-anticipated Superyacht Ready accreditation, which is designed to help skippers and owners identify marinas that have the capacity and capabilities required to provide safe and adequate berthing for superyachts. Superyacht Ready is available to Global Gold Anchor accredited marinas that satisfy the program's assessment standards.
The Superyacht Ready criteria is based around the suitability of the marina's infrastructure to accommodate superyachts, accessibility for superyachts, security measures and service availability. Suzanne Davies, MIA CEO explains that the two accreditations are designed to work together: "Superyachts berth at marinas for varying reasons and duration. The style, location and facilities required at the marina will vary depending on the reason for berthing and who is on board, owners, charterers or simply the crew."
There's a lot more industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com - Oceania-wide news from the largest boating news network
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com