Queensland

Australia Charges Two Over Yacht Cocaine Bust

Two men in Australia have been charged with importing a commercial quantity of cocaine as part of an investigation into 247 kilograms of cocaine seized from a yacht moored in Townsville. The men, both from Griffith in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and aged 55 and 44, were arrested at their apartment on July 20, 2023, and brought up on charges by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The maximum penalty for theier offences is life imprisonment.Police allege one of the men threw a backpack containing $290…

Riviera Reveals New Era Motor Yacht

Australia's largest luxury motor yacht builder is creating a new dimension in boating opportunities with the announcement of an exceptional new design.The Riviera 78 Motor Yacht is a new class of motor yacht from the award-winning team of designers, engineers and craftspeople at the company's headquarters and 16.8-hectare facility on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Following more than 40 years of evolution and with over 5,700 yachts in multiple styles built and now located in all corners of the world…

Larson Boats Expands Global Dealer Network

The Larson Boat Group dealer network continues to grow, globally.

Intrepid Trawlers Re-Imagined at SCIBS 2018

A gamut of new generation trawler-style vessels will be in full force at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), with premier brands already on board for the fast-approaching 30th anniversary event. Trawler boats are charting a significant course at SCIBS 2018, held from May 24 to 27, with organizers confirming the largest display in recent years. Leading exhibitors to secure on-water space include Clipper Motor Yachts, Grand Banks, Flagstaff Marine displaying the Beneteau Swift Trawler…

MAN Engines for the Latest Riviera Luxury Yacht

Riviera 68 Sports Motor Yacht to be powered by MAN V12 engines. Australian yacht builder Riviera Yachts is equipping its new 68 and 72 Sports Motor Yacht models with V12 diesel engines from MAN Engines. Customers have the choice of the V12-1550 or V12-1800 models, as well as MAN Engines' most powerful marine engine available on the market at the moment: the V12-1900. The twin-engine systems provide 1,140 kW (1,550 hp), 1,324 kW (1,800 hp) or 1,397 kW (1,900 hp) twice-over. Riviera…

SCIBS Showcases Luxury Boating Brands

With just days to go, the upcoming 28th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) has announced its second wave of major brands set to wow crowds from May 19 to 22. Kicking off on Thursday, the premier annual marine industry event is set to showcase more than $150 million in luxury boats and accessories and will see major global, Australian and Queensland debuts by some of the world’s most renowned names in the boating industry. A mix of major brands have been confirmed in an additional wave of exhibitor announcements…

Opportunities In Euro Market Lure Aussie Boaties

Local boaties are turning to the European market for pre-owned multi-million dollar luxury vessels because of a shortfall in quality high-end stock in Australia, according to a leading marine broker. Ray White Marine CEO Rick Rodwell said Australia’s shortage of late model luxury motor yachts with low hours had come about because of the GFC. “People weren’t buying new boats during and post the GFC, so several years down the track we are feeling the effect of that protracted lull in sales,” he said.

Strong Demand at SCIBS

Sancutary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) has reported strong exhibition space take-up from Sydney and Melbourne based exhibitors for the 2016 Show, showing a vote of industry confidence in the event strategically positioned at the launch of the Australasian boat show season. An array of interstate exhibitors will grace the marina and pavilion space at SCIBS in May, including Victorian based Sundance, who will be bringing the coveted Monte Carlo to SCIBS, along with Yanmar, Energy Power Systems (Cat Marine) and the City of Melbourne Marina among others.

Great Barrier Reef Dive Cruise Vessel Delivered

Incat Crowther  announced the delivery of the 33m Catamaran Dive Cruise Vessel, Evolution. Built by Marine Engineering Consultants on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Evolution was recently delivered to Down Under Dive. Designed from the ground up to provide a sleek and modern feature-packed vessel, Evolution blends motor yacht style with commercial vessel efficiency and ruggedness. Featuring a high level of glazing and modern fit out. While Evolution promises to be the most comfortable vessel transiting to and from the reef, it truly comes into its own when stationed on the reef.

Elandra Yachts Launches New Model

Press release - Elandra Yachts has released the latest edition of its stunning 53 model to universal industry acclaim, signalling the evolution of one of Australia’s most exciting brand of luxury marine craft. Now available for viewing at Leigh-Smith Yachts at Sanctuary Cove on Queensland’s Gold Coast, the highly anticipated new offering from the premier motor yacht manufacturer has created a stir among boating enthusiasts since its launch this week. Boasting a range of features geared at delivering an enhanced inshore and offshore experience…

International Yachts Under Biosecurity Spotlight in NZ

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in New Zealand plans to turn the biosecurity spotlight on international yachts visiting Northland this season, says a government press release published in the Scoop. Last season MPI introduced a range of new biosecurity checks following two Queensland fruit fly finds in Whangarei. “On the whole, the yachting community is very good at following New Zealand’s biosecurity requirements, but last season showed there is value in providing more education and more layers of protection,” says Sharon Tohovaka, MPI’s North Ports Manager.

NewSwimming Pontoon at Lord Howe

Recently, the team at the island of Lord Howe, 600km off Port Macquarie NSW, sought to replace its swimming pontoon. Annual inspection during winter revealed the wear and tear had reached unsafe levels and the old pontoon was condemned. “The pontoon provides loads of fun for residents and visitors alike and is a great asset for the community,” said Kate Dignam, Assistant Manager, Technical Services at Lord Howe Island. “When sourcing a new pontoon, the Island Board wanted to capture the essence of fun and expand on it.

Rivergate Now Offers Berthing up to 234 metres

Until recently Rivergate Marina & Shipyard has accommodated vessels from all over the world up to 80 metres in length. As Rivergate continues to increase its international dominance, its services are also expanding. This week Rivergate announced that they are now able to offer berthing up to 234 metres LOA. This new berthing is available via a commission of Queensland Bulk Terminal’s well-known ‘sugar wharf’. “We accommodate vessels of all sizes here at Rivergate, but of course – a major focus will always be on those bigger projects. More vessels are choosing Rivergate for their refit works.

Many U.S. Boat Brands on Display at SCIBS

Australia’s exclusive Grady-White, Hatteras and Queensland Regal Dealer, Game & Leisure Boats, will present an exciting array of the latest releases from leading American brands Cabo, Grady-White and Regal at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS). Leading their on-water display will be the new Grady-White 376 Canyon which will make its Australian debut at SCIBS. After an exceptional run of sales across the entire Grady-White range, Game & Leisure Boats are pleased to welcome the flagship of the fleet…

Marinas, Moorings and More at SCIBS

At the 2014 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), docking systems of all kinds will be on show – from massive marina systems to personal pens for PWCs, all displaying high-tech and ingenious solutions. The big names and the emerging players will have displays, demonstrations and launches at SCIBS. One of the  largest pontoon manufacturers in Australia, Jetty Specialists, will be at SCIBS in Pavilion A, not showing their products so much as their credentials. For 28 years…

New Generation Trawler Boats

The timeless appeal of the classic trawler-style motor yacht evokes dreams of passage-making, long-range, bluewater cruising and an era of elegance with underlying endurance. Open-water cruising requires yachts that are built tough, equipped with the technology to operate safely in all conditions and the comforts of home for satisfying the family and friends onboard. There are some exciting launches in the trawler-style segment at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS)…

The Rise of Sailing

The 2014 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), from May 22-25, 2014, will be the place to see the newest sailing vessels, both performance and cruising yachts, mono and multihulls, for those who dream of feeling the wind in their hair and exploring boundless blue horizons. Sailing is enjoying a boost in popularity, thanks in part to ‘the Jessica Watson effect’, the success of Australia’s sailors at the London Olympic Games in 2012 and the protracted, thrilling America’s Cup series which brought the multihulled wonders to the world’s attention.

Grande Yachts: New Facility and Dealer

Grande Yachts International announced the opening of their new full service boating facility in Wilmington with a full line of products. Located at the Riverwalk on the Cape Fear River, Grande Yachts brings more than a decade of experience of boat service and sales to the Carolinas. “Our new Carolina’s office is the perfect blend to our existing coverage up and down the East Coast,” said Bryan Braley. “Our roots are deep in North Carolina and we have had plans to be here for several years.” Dennis Smith, General Manager of the Wilmington office…

International Council of Yacht Clubs Commodores’ Forum

Last hosted by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club in 2006, the forthcoming 8th ICOYC Commodores’ Forum will features a week of activities packed with six business sessions and socials events as well as a partner program. As John McNeill, President of the ICOYC describes, “These forums are an opportunity to engage in discussions with peer clubs on issues and opportunities of mutual interest and discover how others may deal with the same challenges from time to time. “The importance of this event cannot be underestimated and the Club is very proud to again be playing host.” adds RHKYC Commodore, Joachim Isler.