Despite it all New Zealand provides an optimistic outlook - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 14 Mar 12:00 NZDT
Auckland Boat Show - March 7, 2025 © Marcus Brummel Photography
The Auckland Boat Show has come to a close for 2025, and exhibitors report a positive show with strong enquiries.
"It's been a fun show with great, high energy and we're feeling a lot of positivity in the industry for the future," said Nicky Malcon, of JP CRAFTS, which had its brand-new production RIB on display. The show, in its 24th edition, is the annual launching point for new releases, and this year had 1.3 kilometres of boats on the water, 222 boats in the show overall, and four days of exceptional sunshine as New Zealanders came out to enjoy the waterfront event.
In Sydney, the Superyacht Australia Soirée delivered an unforgettable day, welcoming 266 participants to experience the elegance of luxury yacht chartering while fostering meaningful interactions with genuine prospective clients. Presented in partnership with Benetti Yachts, the sixth annual event was hosted on 8 March at the newly upgraded Jones Bay Superyacht Marina, which has already experienced its first summer season following its reconfiguration.
Also in Sydney, Everything Electric Sydney 2025, the world's largest event dedicated to electric vehicles, home energy, and sustainable innovation, created a powerful platform for marine electrification, bringing electric boats and marine technology into the spotlight like never before. Among tens of thousands of visitors along with politicians and industry leaders, Carbon Yachts made a resounding impact, proving that the electrification of waterborne transport is not only possible but already redefining the way people think about life on the water.
With the original event postponed due to cyclone Alfred, there is still time to secure the last remaining spots for BIA's International Women's Day event on the Gold Coast, now scheduled for 28 March. Grab your ticket as BIA brings together professionals from across the marine industry for an empowering occasion. You will hear from inspiring speakers Jo Porter from The Positivity Institute. Plus, the event is proudly supporting Dress for Success, raising funds to help women re-enter the workforce.
Highfield Boats Australia will host the Asia-Pacific launch of the much-anticipated Highfield ADV7 - which made its global debut at boot Düsseldorf in January. The Highfield ADV 7 is the result of a successful collaboration with renowned design and engineering studios, VOM Creations and Alpha Studio in Ljubljana. Naval architecture work was expertly undertaken by Andrej Justin.
Avikus, HD Hyundai's specialized Autonomous Navigation Technology subsidiary, announced today its innovative smart navigation and docking solution, NEUBOAT has been selected 2025 Product of the Year at this year's Korea International Boat Show (KIBS), held 28 February - 2 March in Seoul, South Korea.
I've known Andrea Francolini from the days he carried his cameras around in a polystyrene case during the late 90's as he plied his trade at all the major regattas! Now Andrea has proved again he is one of the best water sports photographers in the world, winning not one, but two awards at the International Watersports Photography Awards in Spain overnight. Born in Italy, Francolini has called Australia home for over 20 years now and has worked hard to capture, in his unique way, the best of major sailing events and branching out to cover powerboats, canoeing, ironman, surf lifesaving, other water sports and to take portraits.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media