Trade-A-Boat Issue 546

STORM WATCH There’s a storm coming — and it’s likely to be a doozy! The Bureau of Meteorology’s Severe Weather Outlook, released in early October every year, looks ahead to the end of April, when the severe weather season in Australia officially ends. Bureau Senior Climatologist, Greg Browning, said Australians could not afford to be complacent this severe weather season, adding that, “Many climate drivers are indicating that it could be an active season across parts of Australia.” Current indicators show that we’re likely to experience a La Niña as we move into 2022, with warm waters to the north of the continent and the sea-surface temperature pattern across the Indian Ocean pointing to more rainfall, an earlier wet season, and a 65 per cent chance of more cyclones than average. Australia’s climate has…

From the 13th century to the 16th century, the wakō, or Japanese dwarf pirates, raided the coastlines of China and Korea. Often paid by various Japanese feudal lords, they were frequently involved in Japanese civil wars. The first era of wakō piracy saw them based on the islands of the Japanese archipelago in the Sea of Japan, born from the Mongol invasion of Japan where poverty was rife and coastal defences were reduced. Often sent on trading expeditions to the coasts, the wakō were known to turn to violence when denied trading privileges. The second era was during the 16th century where for over a century, they were based out of Taiwan and, according to the History of Ming, 30 per cent were Japanese and 70 per cent were ethnic…

The Boat Works will now have bigger sheds with a 20-metre clearance in its superyacht refit sheds on the Gold Coast. Boat owners and captains will be able to have their charter and private superyachts undergo refinishing works, major refit projects, and maintenance once the new sheds open in the first quarter of 2022. The Boat Works’ Stage 4 expansion is still in construction, which will see it with a 300-tonne capacity marine travel lift, highlighting the need for additional marine infrastructure. The new sheds will ensure plenty of space for the installation of scaffold and scissor lifts, and will provide an immense working and storage area. Shane Subichin, General Manager of Boat Works, said to maintain the business’s green reputation and responsibility, it will again be investing in solar and will be harvesting…

Amid a string of new partnerships recently including that between Game and Leisure Boats, Short Marine has partnered with Capelli. Short Marine was named as the official Australian Distributor of Capelli, Europe’s biggest selling brand of rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) 12 months ago, with Short Marine delivering 32 Capellis in that period. Capelli, an Italian shipyard, offers 47 models ranging from 3.6m to 15m, which have large beams and offer a stable and smooth ride, and many models are able to reach the 50kt bracket effortlessly and safely. Sam Short, who owns Short Marine with his brother, Ryan, said they are thrilled to replicate Capelli’s European success in Australia. “The Luxury Line is used a lot as tenders for superyachts, and we are thrilled that there is already one Tempest 44 here on the…

The 2021 METSRADE Show announced the DAME Design Awards on 16 November, with Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking System a joint winner. As well as receiving the award in the ‘machinery, propulsion, mechanical and electrical systems, and fittings’ category, the Assisted Docking system won the overall DAME award. The system is the marine industry’s first fully integrated Assisted Docking System from helm to prop, giving owners precision in the manoeuvring and docking process using the Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) in a new way. Anders Thorin, Product Manager Electronics for Volvo Penta, said they are constantly looking for ways to support straightforward boating experiences for their customers. “Docking is probably the task that boaters fear the mostm but with Volvo Penta Assisted Docking we can enable everyone — no matter the skill level —…

Sanctuary Cove Marina has unveiled 48 covered marina berths — a first for this industry in the southern hemisphere. The marina has just completed a final stage of multi-million-dollar upgrades, which will provide local and international luxury boat owners unparalleled service as they dock on Australian shores. The design of the expansion has been integrated into Sanctuary Cove’s aesthetic, with the shaded structures resembling ribbons in the wind. Steve Sammes, Sanctuary Cove Marina General Manager, said there has been an overwhelming response as many have been searching for a premium boating and storage experience. “These new additions to the marina are truly putting the Gold Coast on the map as a must-visit location, attracting a high calibre of tourists and vessel owners that seek out premium facilities and will invest in the Gold Coast…