METSTRADE reflects a resilient industry result - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 29 Nov 12:00 NZDT
2024 Metstrade visitor entrance © Daan Jeurens
The 36th edition of METSTRADE, the premier global event for marine equipment systems and materials, has achieved record-breaking success in 2024. Held at the RAI in Amsterdam from 19-21 November, the event featured close to 1600 exhibitors across 12 halls.
With attendance peaking on all three days of the trade-only event, welcoming 31,824 visits from 19,779 unique attendees representing 134 countries, METSTRADE 2024 achieved a remarkable 10% increase in overall visits, and a 6% rise in unique visitors compared to its previous record in 2023.
Boating Industry Association (BIA) CEO Andrew Scott was at METSTRADE and caught up Kim Hollamby to share insights on the association's strategy to foster accessibility and inclusion, attracting younger generations to the marine industry workforce in Australia. Last year's IBI METSTRADE Boat Builder Awards People and Skills Development category was won by the Marine Jobs initiative in Australia. BIA now leads on Marine Jobs online platforms as well as promotion of Marine Jobs at multiple events and engagement with key stakeholders including RTO and governments in all member States.
On the sailing scene, SailGP has announced a new era in its long-term partnership with Rolex - welcoming the Swiss watchmaker onboard as the first Title Partner for the global racing championship. The transformative agreement between the two brands - both synonymous with achievement, innovation, and performance - demonstrates a strategic shift to elevate the sport's premier global championship, with Rolex at its heart. The expanded agreement will usher in the beginning of the Rolex SailGP Championship.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has announced a new partnership with Lendlease's luxury harbourside residential development One Circular Quay as Naming Rights Sponsor of the 2024 One Circular Quay Australian Maxi Championship. The championship, now in its fourth year, is one of the highlights of the Australian sailing calendar. As the final hit-out before the Rolex Sydney Hobart, it is a celebrated event and a showcase for some of the world's greatest race yachts. It also serves as an important training opportunity for the elite teams & offers an opportunity for crews to test themselves against the best.
Carbon Yachts, the exclusive Australia and New Zealand dealer for Saffier Yachts has detailed their APAC premiere of the Saffier SE 24 Lite at the 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. This marks the first appearance of the award-winning daysailer on Australian shores. Crowned the 2024 European Yacht of the Year, the Saffier SE 24 Lite has captivated sailors worldwide with its nimble performance, elegant design, and eco-conscious engineering.
Following the acquisition of Simpson Marine, Sanlorenzo strengthens its presence in the Asia-Pacific market with the opening of the "Sanlorenzo Australia" office in Sydney. The event also marks an important milestone for Bluegame, which debuts in the country with the brand's bestselling BGX63. Sanlorenzo, on the other hand, brings two of its most iconic boats, SD126 and SX76.
Marine Rescue NSW has taken delivery of its eighth and final multi-purpose vessel to enhance flood response capability across the state. The multi-purpose vessel fleet forms part of Marine Rescue NSW's response to recommendations from the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry, with the service receiving $3.748 million in State Government funding to build capacity and capability to support NSW SES and other agencies during major emergencies.
Last but certainly not least we say farewell to a couple of industry stalwarts.
Ian Wall. What a guy. I am not sure anyone knows how many people 'Wallie' taught to sail, but judging by the number of people he kept in contact with, all over the world, it was thousands. Equally, Wallie was known as an industrious sought of a guy, but to be honest, in many ways he WAS the industry, especially in Victoria. When you'd speak with him on the phone he was forever picking up a boat here or dropping them off there. Always... Come to think of it, just how many kays had he driven? Wow.
I was also saddened to hear of the demise of an old mate, Kevin Barr. Kevin passed away last weekend after a long battle with cancer. He was 71 years old. Kevin was famous in the industry for his Barz Optics brand of sunglasses and the 'floating sunnies' that he distributed globally. As a past surfing champion, he lived in Northern New South Wales with an office in Tweed Heads. Every year we would meet up at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show where he would show me the latest 'sunnies' in the range and we would share stories about the ways of the world and all things in between. He was a great friend, always positive and always passionate about his products. He will be sadly missed by many members of the marine industry, a true legend. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
Stay involved,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media