Yachting Associations Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

Mapfre Palma Vela Regatta: Day 1 – Consistent Results for Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg´s Swan 60 yacht Bronenosec

April 20, 2012

The first day of the Mapfre Palma Vela Regatta brought consistent results for the Mini Maxi Class Swan 60 sailing yacht Bronenosec, belonging to the Russia´s Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg. It is the first official race for the new Bronenosec yacht and her team.

Bronenosec yacht competing in the Mapfre Palma Vela Regatta

Bronenosec yacht competing in the Mapfre Palma Vela Regatta Credit: MartinezStudio.es

With 1,000 sailors taking part in this year’s regatta, some of the world’s leading sailing talent can be found on the race track and coupled with strong winds of 24 to 25 knots provided a good challenge for the Swan 60 by Nautor Swan to launch into her first campaign.

The cosmopolitan team worked consistently together in order to generate a 5th place in Race One and then followed on consistently with a 6th place in Race Two.

Swan 60 sailing yacht Bronenosec

Swan 60 sailing yacht Bronenosec Credit: MartinezStudio.es

Skipper, Tomasso Chieffi, is positive commenting on the Swan 60 yacht Bronenosec’s performance today: “The team worked in a very efficient manner today. We are still tweaking the Swan 60 due to it being a new race boat this season and are working to maintain our consistent standard across all wind conditions.  Our overall boat speed is similar to that of Swan 60 yacht Emma who are currently in 3rd place overall so we have some good competition over the next couple of days to look forward to and will be aiming to improve upon our results.”

The team returned to Palma all smiling and helm, Vladimir Liubomirov also Commodore at the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg was congratulated on return to shore for his performance at the wheel in strong winds. With only one ripped spinnaker, there was limited boat repair activity post racing. The Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg’s entry now sits 5th overall in the Mini Maxi Class with racing scheduled daily until April 21st.

The 1st inaugural ANWB Boot Batavia, September 13-17, 2012

April 19, 2012

Royal Dutch Touring Club ANWB will play host to the 1st inaugural ANWB Boot Batavia, running from 13 to 17 September in the Netherlands. The exhibition is expected to be the largest on-water boat show in Northwest Europe, with more than 500 yachts from Dutch as well as international builders on display.

Batavia Harbour

Batavia Harbour

The show will take place in the Batavia harbour, expecting to attract over 30,000 visitors, with focus on the new as well as experienced boaters interested in the purchase of a new or used yacht.

The Batavia harbour was specially created for this purpose, perfectly situated in Lelystad on the shores of one of the most beautiful marine sites found in the Netherlands – the IJsselmeer – which is also the largest yachting area in the country.

The 1st inaugural ANWB Boot Batavia, September 13-17, 2012

The 1st inaugural ANWB Boot Batavia, September 13-17, 2012

The exhibition brings together an old-fashioned club atmosphere where thousands of boaters will enjoy a wonderful day.

Australian Compliant Product at the 52nd Annual BIA Melbourne Boat Show

April 18, 2012

Relaxation, adventure, adrenaline sports and competition are all provided by boating for pleasure of families and friends. Australia boasts both unique climate as well as waterways that make boating accessible to all, with waters offering some of the best fishing in the world.

Melbourne Boat Show

In fact, it is estimated that over 3 million people per year are involved with recreational fishing alone, a considerably higher proportion of the national population than in many comparable countries.

One of the more important topics being addressed by the industry at the moment is that of ‘grey imports and the relationship to boater safety and compliance´. Anyone wanting to find out more about this issue, as well as the future of the fishing industry will want to attend Australia’s next big public expo on the calendar for the year, the 2012 Melbourne Boat Show being held July 5-9, 2012 at the Melbourne Exhibition centre.

All of the marine dealers and brokers in attendance at the Show are authorised to sell specific product brands in Australia, all of which must comply with Australian standards. Product which is sold through non-authorised channels is known as a ‘grey or parallel import’.

According to Boating Industry Association of Victoria‘s Clyde Batty, grey (or parallel) imports may seem very cheap on the surface, however, it is a risky investment in the longer term both financially and in terms of safety.

“By importing a boat, PWC or engine into Australia, the buyer is taking on a number of additional liabilities. They become personally responsible for all the compliance issues associated with the product and in the event of a failure – be it safety or related to build standards or emissions – they will be the one bearing sole liability for compliance,” he said.

“The best way to avoid this situation is to buy from a reputable dealer such as those who will be at the 2012 Melbourne Boat Show” or any BIA dealer /outlet.”

A number of dealers will, as always, be showcasing new product all of which feature the latest in technological advancements and are fully compliant with Australian standards.

Sea-Doo will have their new GTR 215 on hand, featuring the manufacturer’s exclusive Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR) system and a supercharged engine offer playful yet predictable handling now with more power from the supercharged Rotax 4-TEC marine engine. The new GTR 215 is so fully equipped with the Sea-Doo iControl technologies including iTC and award winning iBR system allowing the rider to stop 100 feet sooner than any other watercraft.

Sea-Doo will also be introducing the all-new 2012 RXP-X 260 RS offering a new look, new hull and new ergonomic design that allows riders to aggressively lean into corners and penetrate chop better than any of its musclecraft predecessors.

With their new range of small boat AIS solutions, Australia’s GME has certainly raised the bar when it comes to performance, ease of installation and affordability with their recently released Automatic Identification Systems.

GME will be launching the GME AIS range at this year’s boat shows including the AISR120- Dual Channel AIS Receiver, AIST120- Class B AIS Transceiver and AISS120- AIS antenna splitter.

Cranbourne Boating Centre will be showcasing the newest Tournament Pleasure Boat – a new entry level model, a 5.45 meter cuddy cabin designed to get young families out on the water in style yet at a respectable price. Priced at just $36,750 this vessel comes with safety gear and registration, with Cranbourne Boating Centre offering custom options for the buyer.

Bar Crusher’s innovative Bar Tab™ trim tab system has been specifically designed for its award winning range of Australian-made, plate aluminium boats. Performing the same function as other trim tabs, the significance of the Bar Tab system is in its registered-design hinge mechanism which uses an electric actuator, doing away with the old-fashioned hydraulic system and alleviating problems caused by leaking hydraulic pumps and hoses.

The trim tabs themselves are constructed from super-strong 6mm anodised plate aluminium. A concept that came out of Bar Crusher’s R&D department, the anodised aluminium construction eliminates the problem of stainless steel trim tabs causing corrosion and paint disturbance – a common occurrence when stainless steel plates are fitted to aluminium boats.

52nd Annual BIA Melbourne Boat Show, 5-9 July, 2012
Melbourne Conference & Exhibition Centre, 2 Clarendon Street, South Warf, 3006
(Melway Map 1C Ref G5)
Thursday & Saturday
5 & 7 July
10.00 am – 8.00 pm
Friday
6 July
10.00 am – 9.00 pm
Sunday & Monday
8 July
10.00 am – 7.00 pm
Door Admission: Adults – $18;
Children aged between 5 and 16 – $2;
Children under 5 accompanied by an adult – FREE;
Students & Pensioner Concession Card Holders $15 (with ID)
Online (early bird) Prices: Adults $16;
Concession $13;
Children $1;
Online-only two-day Adult Pass $30.

Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg begins the 2012 campaign for the Swan 60 sailing yacht Bronenosec

April 17, 2012

The Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg in Russia, has initiated a new and extensive global campaign for their recently launched Swan 60 sailing yacht Bronenosec.

Vladimir Liubomirov Chairman of the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg with Skipper Tomasso Chieffi © Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg 2012

Vladimir Liubomirov Chairman of the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg with Skipper Tomasso Chieffi © Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg 2012

Due to its continued worldwide fleet growth the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg selected the Swan 60 yacht model for its racing dimension.  This Nautor’s Swan model uses the latest technology, design and construction methods to provide easy handling for consistent racing performance.

The Swan 60 team is a cosmopolitan mix of some of yacht racing’s most esteemed names, dominated by Russian and Italian sailors.  Tomasso Chieffi, previously tactician aboard the Italian America’s Cup entry Azzurra, with Francesco Bruni, will play a vital role on board Bronenosec yacht for the entire season.  Chieffi will be backed up by Lorenzo Mazza also a seasoned pro on the America’s Cup circuit having raced with Alinghi and being part of the 1997 EF Language team for the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race.

Tomasso Chieffi, Skipper, Swan 60 Bronenosec, commented on his new collaboration with the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg:

“2012 will be a fulfilling year for the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg.  The sponsorship by Gazprom has enabled us to build a clear path into elite international yacht racing with a committed and pro-active crew who will all work together with the aim of securing podium placing around the world”.

Final preparations are finishing for the first event on the regatta rostra, with April dominated by Palma Vela in Mallorca from the 18th through to the 22nd, which will also be the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg’s official entry into the competitive world of Swan yacht racing.

Vladimir Liubomirov, Commodore, Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg, is keen for the presentation event during April to commence:

“We have chosen Palma Vela as the staging event to present our new Swan 60 for 2012.  With the support of our sponsor Gazprom, the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg team will be racing against some of the world’s most elite big  boat racers and we are delighted to have such an international team for our inaugural year on the Swan 60”.

The campaign will run from April to September culminating in the 2012 Rolex Swan Cup held biannually by Nautor’s Swan in Porto Cervo, Italy.

Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg, Swan 60, 2012 Event Agenda:

Palma Vela 18-22 April

Rolex Volcano Race      24-28 May

Giraglia Rolex Cup 9-16 June

Copa del Rey                16-21 July

Mini Maxi Worlds 3-8 September

Rolex Swan Cup 10-16 September

UK Government launches its first marine industries showcase

April 17, 2012

In order to bring attention to the industry’s multi-billion pound contribution to the UK economy, the Government launched yesterday, on April 16, its first marine industries showcase at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), on display until Friday, 27 April.

The first UK Government marine industries showcase

The first UK Government marine industries showcase

Held in association with the UK Marine Industries Alliance, ‘Marine Manufacturing – Global excellence and innovation’ celebrates the role of the industry to UK manufacturing across five key themes including leisure, naval, marine energy, commercial and marine science.

Business Minister Mark Prisk toured the showcase, met with business leaders and saw for himself some of the latest examples of modern marine technology, innovation and design.

The Minister, who is also co-Chair of the Marine Industries Leadership Council, which provides a focal point for discussions between Government and the broad marine manufacturing industries, said: “Worth approximately £10 billion a year to the UK economy and employing over 90,000 people, the marine industries sector makes an important contribution to UK PLC. Taking the maritime sector into account too, which includes shipping, ports and business services, that figure grows to £17bn.

“Last year the Government launched a strategy for growth for the UK marine industries, which working with the maritime and marine services sectors, will help bolster that contribution from £17 billion to £25 billion a year by 2020. That offers fantastic growth prospects for businesses and people.

The prestigious UK shipyard Pendennis attending the showcase

The prestigious UK shipyard Pendennis attending the showcase

“What we want to demonstrate with this showcase is that there are real and exciting opportunities in this sector to build careers, and be a part of something that helps place Britain as one of the world’s leading manufacturing nations.

“It complements our Make it in Great Britain campaign, which is working to change the perceptions of modern manufacturing and challenge views that we don’t make anything in this country anymore.”

Richard Sadler, Industry co-Chair of the Marine Industries Leadership Council and Chief Executive of Lloyds Register, said: “Our strategy unifies the marine industries behind a common cause for the first time. Achieving our goal of growth across the marine industries will be much easier if we coordinate our actions. This will lead to more effective training and skills development, cooperation on new technology, and an improved regulatory environment, amongst other things.

“Ultimately, we want our customers and the public to see that we are contributing to the economy and society with worthwhile products and services. We really appreciate the opportunity that the Minister and his Department have given us to show what we can do. I call on all UK marine companies and stakeholders to join us in our endeavour.”

The ‘Marine Manufacturing – Global excellence and innovation’ showcase features exhibits from leading maritime names Pendennis, Fairline, Williams Performance Tenders, C-Fury, Marine Current Turbines (Seagen), Houlder, A&P Group, Sonardyne and the Aircraft Carrier Alliance.

Exhibits include a full scale Williams jet tender, models of a Marine Current Turbines tidal turbine and Houlder offshore access system, Fairline powerboat and Pendennis superyacht models and a full scale Sonardyne seabed sensor.

Relaunched and relocated Marina Equipment Pavilion at METS 2012

April 17, 2012

Relaunched as well as relocated for METS 2012, running from November 13 to 15, the main aim of the Marina Equipment Pavilion (MEP), one of the three specialist product-based pavilions at METS, is to strenghten its identity and offer space for future growth.

METS2012Logo


“We have been analysing ways of increasing the profile of marina equipment suppliers at METS and for enhancing educational and social networking opportunities for marina specific exhibitors and visitors for several years since first introducing a Marina Showcase at METS in 2001,” explains METS Senior Product Manager, Irene Dros.

“The formula we are now putting together will greatly sharpen our focus on this all-important sector and is spurred on by Amsterdam RAI’s recently confirmed partnership with the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) to co-organise its World Marina Conference (WMC) series of events.”

Central location
The MEP 2012 will not only move to a more central location in the Europe Foyer but will also have its own adjacent seminar theatre, the Marina Stage with bar and free catering for pavilion exhibitors and their guests. A marina reception will be hosted by METS or an industry sponsor on Wednesday 14 November and a seminar programme comprising exhibitor presentations and specialist keynote speakers is being planned.

“The Marina Equipment Pavilion deserves and needs its own identity and associated knowledge exchange programme and relocation from its current position in hall 11 to the Europe Foyer will give it the perfect space and facilities. It’s a great mix and it’s wonderful to be able to time this for 2012, the 25th anniversary of METS,” says Irene Dros. “The Europe Foyer was the original location for the SuperYacht Pavilion (SYP) in 2006 – and the SYP has grown into a real show within a show with over 175 exhibitors in a unique hall. We have high hopes for the MEP.”

The B2B bi-monthly magazine, Marina World, which has worked with METS since 2001 to establish the Marina Pavilion and ran three successful high-content annual seminars at METS, will act as the official magazine for the MEP.

Focus on education
Strengthening the focus on the marina sector at METS via annual seminars will enable Amsterdam RAI to build on the educational programme, it is helping to host as official conference partner for ICOMIA. Amsterdam RAI will be co-organising the ICOMIA World Marina Conference 2014 in Istanbul, Turkey. WMC 2014 will be hosted by NTSR (Amsterdam RAI’s official representative in Turkey) and Dentur (the official marine industry association member of ICOMIA). The event programme will be drawn up by the ICOMIA Marina Group.

Fast Track Sailing to establish Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg in Russia as a world renowned yachting hub

April 17, 2012

The international sports agency Fast Track Sailing has been chosen by the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg, based in Hercules Yacht Harbour in Russia, to lead global public relations as well as providing consultation on yacht racing event activation.

Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg in Russia

Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg in Russia

Based at the heart of Russian sailing, the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg aims to develop sailing as a sport across the nation as well as keeping traditional maritime history alive through a sustainable legacy programme with worldwide reach.

Fast Track Sailing will be utilising current properties of this unique yachting organisation such as high profile honorary members including His Majesty Constantine II, King of Greece and Goran Petersson, President of the International Sailing Federation, in addition to sourcing new opportunities for the Yacht Club to explore.

A central aim will be to firmly establish the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg as a world renowned yachting hub in alignment with some of the most integral clubs that form the foundations of the holy yachting fraternity.

Profiling will not be limited to 5 star facilities on-shore; it will also extend to the Yacht Club’s roster of serious yacht racing events within the Baltic that incorporates classic yachts right through to new racing builds.  2012 is set to be a special year in the Yacht Club’s development both through expansion of facilities and introduction of ground breaking race events that will definitely put this Russian Yacht Club firmly on the world map.

Vladimir Liubomirov, Commodore, Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg, voiced his hopes for one of the world’s most unique yacht clubs: “Having established the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg as recently as 2010, we have enabled a meeting place for likeminded individuals who all have a love and respect of the sea.  Both our members and Board are now intent to launch the Yacht Club directly onto the world stage and let a larger sector of the boating population have the chance to experience the merits of such a unique facility in a truly wonderful setting.  Our doors will always be open to the global yachting fraternity and we as a team will be travelling across seas to forge new relationships offering new benefits to sailors alike.”

Over 150 yachting professionals to attend the 4th Asia-Pacific Superyacht Conference

April 17, 2012

More than 150 yachting professionals from all over the world are expected to attend the 4th Asia-Pacific Superyacht Conference, which is held two days before the Singapore Yacht Show – Asia’s first superyacht-focused boat show. Running at ONE 15 Marina Club from the 25th – 26th April, this year’s conference hosts an international line-up of speakers as well as panellists who will discuss a range of topics and offer key market insight to delegates looking to grow their businesses in Asia-Pacific.

APSC

Fabrizio Scerch from Benetti Yachts will headline day one of the conference by delivering a keynote speech on market entry strategies. Panel discussions will take place throughout the day with representatives from Azimut Grande, Benetti, Feadship Royal Van Lent, Northrop & Johnson, Super Yacht Logistics and HALCYON Group among others. Experts will interact with the audience using a number of presentations and discussions designed to encourage interactive audience participation.

Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of the Singapore Yacht Show, explains: “The Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference is the only forum in this region for superyacht professionals to get together; it’s an essential platform to help further expand the top end of the leisure marine business in Asia. The conference is now in its fourth year and is increasingly important as the superyacht industry turns its eye to the opportunities for their businesses in this buoyant region.”

By co-locating the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Conference alongside the Singapore Yacht Show, Treadwell’s proposition is that industry experts have additional opportunities to network, not just with other marine and yacht experts but the opportunity to meet high net worth visitors attending the Singapore Yacht Show, and get a real feel for the requirements of Asian superyacht buyers and owners in this emerging region.

The industry is in agreement: “The Conference provides a strong platform for some of the biggest names in yachting. It offers a great opportunity for the industry to delve deeper into the Asian market. The region is just beginning to realize its potential as a yachting hub and some of the most influential yachting brands are now focusing their attention on Asia,” said Giordano Pellacani, Asia General Manager of Megayacht Division – Azimut Benetti Group, adding, “This will inevitably spur growth in the region, across all elements of the industry. The outlook for Asia is extremely positive.”

Asia has the potential to become one of the most impressive yachting playgrounds in the world, and interest from the West is made manifest by the increasing numbers of superyachts visiting the region and participating in the Singapore Yacht Show.

Tork Buckley, AssocRINA Senior Consultant and founder of Big Blue Consulting, said, “The growth in the region is promising as more yachts are starting start to find permanent berths in Asia. Visiting yachts too are vital, and as a founder and committee member of APSA (Asia Pacific Superyacht Association), I am delighted by the success of events like this which will help us grow those numbers. Asia is a completely different market from the more established Western ones with their long yachting legacy and developed superyacht industry.”

He added, “However, this region is developing quickly by adapting the regional luxury goods culture and aspirations, so superyacht ownership becomes an integral part of that culture. This Conference provides an ideal forum for regional industry experts to share their wealth of knowledge with global brands looking to make headway in Asia.”

Delegates attending the conference include representatives from all areas of the yachting industry such as superyacht owners, captains, designers and builders, through to marina owners, refit and repair yards, as well as government and regulatory bodies and the tourism industry.

Visitors to the conference will also be invited to attend a host of networking and social events organised by the Singapore Yacht Show including the Singapore Yacht Show Gala Dinner, held at the exclusive Capella Singapore hotel.

APSC2012 will feature a range of key benefits including:
• Key market insight through plenary address presentations
• Inside information via panel discussions with interactive audience participation
• Collaboration opportunities through an exhibition display area
• Networking lunches and refreshment breaks and a range of peer to peer networking opportunities
• Held alongside the Singapore Yacht Show providing additional networking and business opportunities
• Fun and enjoyment through evening social functions at the end of each day

Programme Topics
Critical issues and challenges will be discussed through presentations, interactive panels, debates and case studies. Topics to be discussed will include:
• Superyacht construction and design in the Asia-Pacific region
• Marina design and management in Asia
• The needs of the Asian superyacht buyer/owner
• Superyacht opportunities in China
• Transforming the Asia-Pacific region into the world’s leading superyacht cruising destination
• Country by country focus for charter brokers and yacht captains
• Update on regulation and permits in key countries including China and Indonesia
• Yacht service and support in Asia
• Refit and overhaul
• Finance, risk management and insurance

Who should attend?
• Superyacht owners
• Superyacht captains
• Superyacht builders
• Yacht brokers
• Charter brokers
• Marinas owners, operators and managers
• Superyacht service companies
• Superyacht designers
• Refit & repair yards
• Consultants, financiers and lawyers
• Government and regulatory bodies
• Tourism industry

Programme & Timeline

DAY 1
09.00 Opening Address

09.15 Welcome From One°15 Marina

09.20 Conference Chairman’s Opening Comments
Simon Turner

09.30 Keynote Speech: An analysis of who is buying superyachts in the Asia Pacific region
* Where are the buyers coming from
* What type of yachts do they buy
* What are their key decision making processes?
Jean-Jacques Lavigne SSA

10.10 Keynote Speech: Assessing market entry strategies for world leading superyacht manufacturers
* Understanding why there are relatively few world leading brand superyachts in Asia
* Creating sales and marketing strategies to enter this huge region
* Critical considerations for manufacturers
Giordano Pellacani, General Manager of the Mega Yacht Division (Far East Area), Benetti Yachts

10.50 Coffee Break

11.30 Analysis of current opportunities, regulation and developments in China
* The import ban on yachts over 1 year old * 43% bond payable by visiting yachts
* Is China holding back industry development?
* Will the Ferretti purchase make a difference? What impact will this have on Ferretti`s manufacturing and marketing
strategies?
Panel with participants including: Carmen Lau, Asia Marketing Manager Azimut Grande & Benetti Division; Jan-Bart Verkuyl, Feadship Royal Van Lent, Bart Kimman, Northrop & Johnson

12.10 Interactive Panel Discussion: Understanding the needs of the Asian superyacht owner: The Designers Panel
* Essential requirements for superyachts owned in Asia
* Understanding the cultural differences in superyacht usage and the implications for design
* Assessing the impact of branding in conjunction with design
* Does the new generation wealth from Asia have different requirements/perception & brand awareness?
* How best to invest in and promote Asian yacht design / design education?
* How far off is a Chinese specific designed/built/branded superyacht?
* Does Asian tradition have a place in the aesthetic and functional design of yachts?
Panel chaired by: Jody Chapman, 77 Design
Panelists to include: Misha Merzliakov, Filippo Bertoni, John Henson

12.50 Lunch

AIMEX presents Australia Unlimited to international audience

April 13, 2012

AIMEX along with Australia Unlimited today announced the development of an internationally recognisable co-brand to promote the Australian Marine Export industry’s capability as well as innovation. The co-brand will serve to promote Australian marine technology, products and services to an international audience.

Australian Pavilion at Monaco Yacht Show 2011 using Australia Unlimited

Australian Pavilion at Monaco Yacht Show 2011 using Australia Unlimited

Australia Unlimited is the brand mark developed for Building Brand Australia, the Australian Government’s nation branding program established to enrich Australia’s international reputation Australia Unlimited is available to organisations across industry, including business councils, industry peak bodies and corporate organisations that align with the program objectives.

AIMEX supports the need to build a consistent international identity that is a short cut expression which promotes Australian capability. Through this relationship, Building Brand Australia looks to promote the success stories of
Australia’s marine industry to the world via the Australia Unlimited website and ipad app.

Australia Unlimited branding has been used by AIMEX at a number of major international exhibitions and boat shows including the 2011 Monaco Yacht Show, 2012 Dubai International Boat Show, and 2012 Asia Pacific Maritime
Exhibition in Singapore.

Exhibiting members have welcomed the positive change and vibrancy which Australia Unlimited can provide to feature their products and services.

“We had such great feedback…the new branding and the stand looked so much better than last year… “, said Maryanne Edwards, Chief Executive Officer Superyacht Australia Limited.

The Australia Unlimited brand mark is a shortcut expression that visually and thematically reflects the way contemporary Australia sees itself, and the way we want to be seen by others. It is designed to reflect the positivity of
the nation and its people – a creative, confident, ambitious and globally engaged country.

AIMEX members strengthen their position in China

April 13, 2012

The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) has prepared the Australian Pavilion at the Shanghai Boat Show 19-22 April 2012. A plenty of Australian companies are now present at this show to strengthen their position and continue to build relationships which is critical in this market.

AIMEX Australian Pavilion at the Shanghai Boat Show

AIMEX Australian Pavilion at the Shanghai Boat Show

Australian companies attending and exhibiting include; Aqualuma Marine Lighting, ASEA Yacht Design, Austral & VEEM Propellers, Bellingham Marine, Coursemaster Autopilots, Hydrive Engineering, Marine Tech Industries Australia, Muir Winches, Pyrotek Noise Control, Sailfish, SCY Design, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and Superior Jetties.

All are now established players in this market and continue to see the opportunities a market as large as China offers although it is still in its infancy. Australian companies however who are prepared to put the time into profiling their brand and technology will reap the rewards in the future.

“In 2011 initial expectations were low given the economic situation, however at the conclusion of the show all exhibitors were surprised and pleased to record either direct sales or potential sales coming from the first few days alone.  The stream of visitors to this show in the past has been overwhelming but consisted of very few real buyers yet 2011 was the first time the numbers were down but real buyers had increased,” said AIMEX CEO MaryAnne Edwards.

One of the critical issues in this market is ensuring leads are well qualified to prevent time wasting and ensure targeted follow up. It can be difficult doing business in this market due to language and cultural barriers but having a presence from Austrade and with strong State representation on the ground in China has been valuable for Australian companies.

Edwards further stated that “There is no doubt that this market can only grow for marine industry manufacturers. Those that are in the market now building relationships will be the ones that reap the benefits of the huge opportunities that will flow in the future. The Chinese government is placing more emphasis on developing a leisure marine industry and with a population the size of China and the developing affluence of the people it will become a strong market for Australian exporters.”

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