Boating Industry Association Ltd.

As the countdown begins for the 2025 Hansa Class World and International Championships, set to take place at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club from 23 to 30 March, the event provides an opportunity to highlight what makes this international class so unique. Hansa Sailing was founded on the principle of inclusion, with a mission to make sailing accessible to all. The class operates with the philosophy of being "open to everybody," breaking down barriers and enabling sailors of all abilities to experience the joy of being on the water. The Hansa journey began with boat builder Chris Mitchell, who designed the forerunner of today’s Hansa 2.3 while living and working in Southeast Asia. His vision has since evolved into a globally recognised class, fostering participation, competition, and camaraderie. As anticipation builds for the 2025 Championships, the event promises to showcase not only world-class sailing but also the enduring spirit of accessibility and inclusivity in the sport. Read more https://lnkd.in/gMMnddRc

Alongside industry partners TAFE Queensland and Riviera Australia, BIA recently hosted teachers and Industry Liaison Officers from all over SEQ to the Coomera Marine Precinct. Commencing at the TAFE Coomera Marine Campus, the group saw firsthand the dedicated marine set up of workshops and classrooms which deliver specialised training for marine. At the Riviera Centre of Excellence the group explored the journey from apprenticeship to creation and production of Riviera luxury yachts. The session ended with a BIA facilitated a tour of the Coomera Marine Precinct and a Q&A session on career pathways and opportunities for young people. These sessions, allow schools to understand the breadth of careers on offer in our industry. The event was positively received with several schools booking Marine Precinct tours for students later this year and inviting BIA to attend in school careers expo’s where we can speak directly with students and parents.  

BIA is leading a working group of representatives from maritime regulators around Australia to develop the creative materials to support the new Responsible Boat Owner education campaign. BIA is working with representatives of the Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group to develop the campaign which aims to help people make informed decisions when buying boats. The intention is to address issues such as ‘mooring minders’, unsafe vessels, responsible storage including on moorings, anchoring and marina berths. The Responsible Boat Owner campaign is being funding by the national group of maritime regulators and is expected to be launched mid-year, and to be in place ahead of the 2025-26 boating season.

Miriam Griffen, BIA Director and Chair of BIA’s South Australia State Council, was joined yesterday by a group of leading marine industry professionals in South Australia for the annual Committee for Adelaide International Women’s Day breakfast. The BIA table was one of 50 hearing from keynote speaker Olympian Anna Meares OAM alongside an esteemed panel, addressing pathways to greater inclusion for women in all areas of the community, business and professions. Also speaking was Commissioner of SA Police Grant Stevens, among others, to recognise the achievements of women in society. The event was a meaningful opportunity to engage in an important conversation while networking with industry leaders.

Yesterday morning, BIA members gathered at Marina Bayside for an exclusive site tour of the newly redeveloped marine precinct at Taren Point, NSW. Hosted by BIA CEO Andrew Fielding, CFO Andrew Scott and GM Membership Services Nik Parker, the event provided insights into BIA’s 2025 activities before a guided tour by Marina Bayside GM Mike Schlesinger. Following eight years of planning and three years of redevelopment, Marina Bayside has transformed into a state-of-the-art boat storage, marine maintenance and repair facility. Members explored key upgrades, including a 65-tonne straddle carrier, undercover hardstands, re-fit sheds, a high-tech paint spraying facility, and 160-vessel dry boat storage, providing a hassle-free, step-on, step-off experience for boat owners. With 30 members in attendance, the event was a valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and see firsthand the latest innovations in marine servicing and storage.

The BIA has launched the 2025 National Jobs & Skills Survey to gather essential data on workforce demand across the marine industry. The survey plays a critical role in advocating for industry needs, securing critical government support for marine trades, and expanding initiatives like the Marine Jobs program and Marine Industry Academy. With over 35,000 people employed in the sector, skills shortages remain a key challenge. This survey is vital in driving industry-wide solutions. All marine businesses in the recreational and light commercial sectors are encouraged to participate - it only takes a few minutes. Complete the survey today and help shape the future of marine careers! Take the Survey here - https://lnkd.in/gMg9myAc

Good value session today at the AMSA Alternative Fuels and Decarbonisation Roundtable in Sydney. More than 40 maritime industry leaders and professionals either in the room or online to listen, share and discuss issues central to the topic. Well done Australian Maritime Safety Authority for hosting what was at times a passionate conversation that can help shape maritime policy making in this country for the better. #decarbonisation #marineindustry #sustainability #PropellingOurFuture Boating Industry Association Ltd. Joe Lynch F CIM Frank Hugelmeyer Darren Vaux

The MiniCat Worldwide team has just completed extreme testing on their new 520 Explorer, designed for adventurous sailors who want to push the limits. Testing took place in the Arctic Circle, with a team led by renowned explorer and extreme sailors, including MiniCat’s creator, Martin Horak. The boats performed exceptionally well in harsh conditions, from horizontal rain to strong winds. A standout feature is the ‘MiniCat Pod’- a waterproof protection pod that shelters sailors from the elements and doubles as a portable tent. Production begins in February, with first deliveries expected in Australia in April. Order now through MiniCat Australia.

The BIA is pleased to welcome 313 Marine, an experienced marine service provider based in Sydney’s Inner West. Expanding from its well-established automotive business, 313 Marine brings a dedicated team of marine mechanics and boating professionals, led by industry veteran Mike Carnemolla, who has over 30 years of hands-on experience. The company offers expert servicing for outboard and inboard motors, trailer repairs and registration inspections, ensuring high-quality support for marine businesses. We look forward to seeing 313 Marine contribute to the industry’s growth and success! #boatingindustry #marineindustry

Makocraft Boats is marking 20 years of Australian-made innovation with the launch of the new 386 Topper Tracker, the first of many exciting models set for release in 2025. Designed for stability and versatility, the 386 Topper Tracker features a 1.75m beam, weighs just 105kg, and comfortably accommodates four adults. Whether used as a car topper or trailer boat, it’s perfect for fishing, prawning, and crabbing. CEO Tim Stessl says this release is just the beginning of a big year ahead for Makocraft, with more new models coming soon.