Boxing Day and the Hobart bring mixed feelings - Australian MarineBusinessWorld.com newsletter
by Peter Rendle 26 Dec 2019 14:00 PST
Ambiance at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia - Rolex Sydney Hobart Race 2019 © Rolex / Kurt Arrigo
As many of us watched the Rolex Sydney Hobart start while out on Sydney Harbour or via the live television broadcast on Boxing Day, other more serious events were taking place on land. The bushfires that have wreaked havoc in all Australian states, have left thousands homeless and livelihoods destroyed.
A number of people have lost their lives including two of the fire-fighters, paying the ultimate sacrifice. Our condolences go out to everyone affected by the fires and from all accounts there may well be more to come as record temperatures and strong winds assisted with bone dry ground fuel caused by a prolonged drought, create the worst possible conditions for further outbreaks. We can only hope that no more lives will be lost and that those affected receive the best possible assistance to restore their shattered lives.
The BIA offered it support of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race acknowledging that the start is the premier aquatic event in Australia with its mix of venue, competition, technology, spectators, media and economic boost. BIA President Darren Vaux said the 75th running of the race is shaping to be a spectacular event. "There will be 157 yachts lining up to race, supported by the traditional spectator fleet that can measure into the thousands and of course the hundreds of thousands of people who take up positions around the harbour foreshores, and the millions more who tune into the action on tv and online. "On behalf of the boating industry, I would like to wish all the sailors a safe and fast event.
Boat builders supporting their buyers is all part of the Christmas spirit. The Christmas holiday period brought together more Riviera owners at Rottnest Island than any other time of year. Approximately 250 Riviera motor yachts are mooring at Rottnest over the festive season, enjoying the pristine surrounds and sharing in the unique camaraderie that is the Riviera family. Riviera's representative in Perth, R Marine Perth will again operate its industry-leading 'Riviera Assist' program for the twelfth consecutive year, supporting WA Riviera owners with a technician and a ready supply of spare parts and consumer-able items. This exclusive service is just one of the many benefits of being part of the Riviera and R Marine family. The 'mother-ship' for the program this year is a Riviera 53 Enclosed Flybridge and R Marine Perth will moor the yacht at Thompson's Bay in Rottnest Island.
Overseas the gatherings continued with the China Rendez-vous 2019, China's premium luxury lifestyle event - taking place from December 13th-16th, 2019 in Hainan, China. This annual occasion gathers a wide range of high-lifestyle goods and brands together, promoting the growth of China's leisure boating and luxury markets with an artistic touch. Beneteau Asia Pacific presented three models at the show, including the Oceanis 51.1 representing brand Beneteau, Lagoon 40 and Lagoon 560 representing the catamaran brand Lagoon. Great thanks to the generous support from our local dealers Simpson Marine, Visun and Cape-10.
And new powerboat models continue to reach Australia. Recently announced was the highly awarded Parker Monaco 110. At 11.2-metres (33-feet), the latest addition to the Parker range of sports cruisers in collaboration with the acclaimed designer, Tony Castro, is destined to make an impression in the family market for its features and value for money. Winner of the prestigious 2018 Best of Boats Awards in the category 'Best for Family', the Parker Monaco 110 is the first of a new series of sporty, high-performance outboard boats from the innovative Polish brand.
Just before Christmas I received my copy of the Mariners Diary. If you are setting sail or taking a trip offshore in the pride and joy, a copy of the diary is a great way to ensure you have a ready source of vital boating information at your fingertips, but also a way of creating a day by day, week by week or month by month log and account of your trip. My review is available to read here.
To all the readers and subscribers of the Marine Business World e-newsletter I trust you have a happy and prosperous New Year.
Aveagooden
Peter Rendle, Peter.Rendle@marinebusinessworld.com