The industry continues to move forward - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 28 Feb 20:00 UTC
Miami Boat Show © National Marine Manufacturers Association
The Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show® concluded its five-day run, attracting buyers from around the world to shop the most comprehensive showcase of the newest boats, yachts, tech, gear and marine innovations. And while attendance was expected to dip due to storms on Sunday, which shut down water taxis, numbers are anticipated to near an estimated 100,000.
Dockmate, the leading manufacturer of advanced wireless remote controls for yachts, announced today that their Dockmate Positioning System was named a 2024 Miami Innovation Award Winner in the Propulsion Equipment and Parts category.
Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR), an innovator in the performance electric recreational boating industry, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Nautical Ventures Marine Group, a premier provider of maritime products and services. This collaboration marks a significant milestone with an initial purchase order for 50 units of the Phantom, Vision Marine's innovative rotomolded, recyclable boat, and the establishment of an exclusive distributorship agreement for South Florida.
Politics is never far from any industry these days and boating is no exception. Recently, Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced the MAPOceans Act. The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade association for the nation's recreational fishing industry, appreciates this bipartisan effort to improve public access and publicly available information on federally managed marine waters.
"Navigating the complex web of fishing regulations, anchoring limitations and restricted areas can be challenging for America's anglers and boaters," said Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs at the ASA. "The MAPOceans Act would help American's nearly 9 million saltwater anglers access marine waters with more confidence, ensuring that recreational information is easily accessible through marine electronics, mapping apps, and online platforms."
From down south, and earlier this month, the Arizona House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee voted to pass H.B. 2149: watercraft operation; minors; safety education, in a 9-2 vote. This marks the first step toward adopting boater education in the Grand Canyon State. As of today, Arizona is one of only five states without mandatory boater education.
In 2022, boating accidents killed 13 individuals, injured 60, and caused $1 million in damages across Arizona. Sponsored by State Representative David Cook (R-07) and State Senator Brian Fernandez (D-023), H.B. 2149 establishes a boater education program by requiring those born on or after January 1, 2007 operating a vessel over 50 HP to take a NASBLA-approved boater education course or presenting a boater safety card from another state.
For sailing followers, American Magic, the US Challenger for the 37th America's Cup, proudly unveils a landmark collaboration with the City of Pensacola. This partnership signifies a monumental stride in the team's pursuit of building a premier high-performance sailing franchise in the United States while igniting economic vitality and community enrichment in Pensacola, FL.
Through this partnership, American Magic has secured a lease agreement with the City to establish a high-performance sailing center at the Port of Pensacola. This cutting-edge facility will serve as its headquarters for designing, building, hosting regattas, and developing the current and next generation of America's Cup, Olympic, and international sailors.
Business for sale: After establishing Barz Optics 28 years ago, Kevin Barr has decided to sell the company. Health issues over the last two years have taken their toll so it's time to smell the flowers. Kevin has been in the action sport industry for just over 50 years.
In 1996 Barz Optics was established when Barr developed a sunglass/goggle for surfers and sailors to wear to inhibit the growth of Pterygium (a cataract type growth) where the eye is trying to protect itself from the elements such as UV, glare, spray and wind.
More Marine Industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com - we don't just cover the big end of town so as to give readers a wide perspective on industry that involves every state.
Keep afloat,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media