May 1 - Endeavour Boat Sales is releasing on the world market MOBi-lert 720i at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on May 18 – 21. The Man-Over-Board technology offers an inexpensive and reliable safety solution for vessels up to 45ft and includes all necessary antenna and alert technology, two Personal Transmitters (PTX) and PTX re-charger (Charger POD). http://www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

April 26 - North Sails announces the start of production of its 3Dr line of sails made from its new rotary mould manufacturing facility located in Oakville, Ontario. Sail production from the facility will add another 30% to the volume of that already produced from the 3DL plant in Minden, Nevada, but, more importantly, will be optimized for production of 3D moulded mainsails, jibs, and genoas for boats under 35 feet. Media release with link to 3D tour at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0426.htm

April 24 - Ronstan will exhibit A-Cleats at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on May 18 – 21. The new cleat range features marine-grade aluminium alloy cams and bases to ensure toughness. Computer optimized cam profiles, a unique two-stage bearing system and stainless steel multi-coil springs allow for low entry effort and optimum light weather sensitivity. The A-cleats allow for superior holding power on a range of rope sizes from 3mm to 12mm in diameter. http://www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

April 24 - Pelagic Offshore Gear, based in South Australia, debuts at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on May 18 – 21 with a range of high-performance offshore apparel. Designed for the fashion conscious boater, Pelagic manufactures a range of clothing constructed from lightweight, quick-dry or waterproof materials. The range includes shorts, shirts, jackets, caps and visors suited to the marine environment. http://www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

April 15 - Powertec is showcasing the PC18 Wireless Landline at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on May 18 – 21. The Australian company uses American technology in the product, which enables boaties to connect to fax, landline and computer through the CDMA mobile network. http://www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

April 7 - Australia’s Global Yachting Systems makes the Furlboom range of furling booms. Furlbooms are constructed of lightweight extruded aluminium with patented cavity sections. Once cut to size, they piece together to make a rigid lightweight furling boom which compares favourably in weight to carbon fibre at a reduced cost. Sailing features include a ‘progressive flattening’ feature and the ability to have a full cut, fully battened racing sail. See at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on May 18 – 21. http://www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

April 5 - Gori Propeller released a new four blade folding propeller in 2005 for large sailboats to harness the full-speed advantages under sail of a folding propeller whilst reaping the thrust capability of a four blade when motoring. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0405f.htm

April 3 - Navman is launching two products in Australia at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on May 18 – 21. The Navman 8120 is a multifunction navigational system which eliminates the complexities associated with the operation of multiple devices. Northstar’s 8000i, a modular, expandable and flexible networked system, is an integrated navigation and entertainment unit capable of supporting up to 20 screens simultaneously. http://www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Mar 27 - Innovative hand-held wireless remote control, Yacht Controller, will be launched in Australia at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show on May 18 - 21. The Italian designed and patented product allows a boat owner to stand on a pontoon, swim platform or at the bow of the boat and electronically control the engines within a 50 – 80m range. http://www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Feb 17 - Kannad Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) complete with integrated GPS - The new model PLB fitted with 406MHz and a 121.5MHz homing signal allows positional accuracy of position within 100 metres anywhere in the world. Ideal for personal use for boating. The new price is a 45% saving on previously published prices. Cost NZ$999 plus GST (while stocks last). Safety at Sea will undertake registration at time of sale. Toll free from New Zealand 0800.809911 or Australia 1800.141499 www.safetyatsea.com.au or www.safetyatsea.co.nz

Jan 16 - Dynamic Propulsion are manufacturers, importers and suppliers of world class aluminium, SS and bronze marine propellers to suit all makes and models of outboard, sterndrive and inboard engines from 5hp and over. Dynamic Propulsion are the Australasian, South Pacific and Asian distributors of US made PowerTech! SS propellers, exclusive distributors of Dynacast MnBr and Nibral propellers and supply zinc anodes, marine transmissions, steering systems and spare parts for Cummins engines. Website http://www.dynacast.ph Click on Marine Industries. Email: dynaprop@bigpond.net.au Tel: +61 9580 8026 Mobile: + 61 (0)424 444 401

Dec 21 - The crucial role a Globalstar satellite telephone played in the rescue of the crew of the supermaxi yacht Skandia in the last Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has led to a dramatic increase in the role the service will play in this year’s event. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/1221d.htm

Dec 21 - Mr Funnel is a heavy-duty fast flow filter in a funnel that separates damaging free water and crud from petrol, diesel, kerosene and mixed 2-cycle fuels. It was originally developed for the US military in the Gulf War because sandy conditions were polluting their fuel tanks. Mr Funnel comes in a variety of sizes and retails for around $29.95. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/1221b.htm

Dec 8 - Learn to Sail DVD – a Perfect Christmas present
Rowland Short takes the beginner through all phases of learning to sail. Safety, knots, theory, rules of the road, are all covered in this professionally produced DVD. Author of a range of maritime training CDs, Rowland Short is a qualified Yachtmaster instructor with more than 30,000 ocean miles “under his belt”. Available from Boat Books – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or from the Academy of Maritime Training $49.00. Phone: 618 8338 4222, Fax: 618 8338 5566 Email: sales@maritimecd.com

Nov 30 - Ronstan’s new A-Cleat is 30% lighter than its nearest rival, with no compromises on strength, functionality and durability. The new cleats feature marine-grade aluminium alloy cams and bases for unbeatable toughness. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/1130f.htm

Nov 28 - For Christmas gift ideas visit the Boating OZ shop at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/shopframes.htm for flags, books, CDs, DVDs, clothing and safety gear.

Nov 7 - Editor’s recommendation - Seamaster Sailing’s monthly DVDs and Fox Sports programs have the latest news from the sailing world plus features on the characters that have achieved fame in the sailing arena. http://www.seamastersailing.com/

Oct 24 - SeaChange Technology based in Adelaide has experienced a five fold increase in sales, particularly in the recreational boating market, following shark incidents in Qld, SA and WA. Media release by Paul Lunn at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/1024d.htm

Sep 30 - Mercury and Quicksilver's new watersports range for the recreational boat market includes tubes, skis, kneeboards and wakeboards. Media release by Mia Costanzo at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0930.htm 

Sep 21 - KeelShield - Trailer or shoreline damage to the centerline area of the hull of your boat, may reduce its value. Gelcoat damage increases the friction between the boat and water, slowing a boats performance, and cracks can let water into the fiberglass, adding weight and potentially causing delamination. KeelShield is a 127mm (5”) wide strip made from Dow Urethane Polymers. Media release by Tony Poole at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0921.htm

Sep 6 - A new glow in the dark range including cutting board, knife-holder and uni board ensure night fishing is made easier by shedding light over preparation areas without any need for power. Media release by Mia Costanzo at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0906.htm

Aug 17 - Geronimo proves the value of satellite/CDMA phones during round Australia record run. Media release by Rob Mundle at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0817a.htm

Aug 10 - Halco Tackle, the Australian lure manufacturer releases a new range of Jigs and the fourth lure in their Crazy Deep range. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0810f.htm

Aug 8 - RFD (Australia) Pty Ltd released their new product, the AquaFix 406 (Personal Location Beacon) at the Sydney International Boat Show. Orders have been delivered to NSW Water Police and NSW Maritime for all their on water officers. Media release by Mark Baker at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0808c.htm

Aug 1 - Pains Wessex Australia releases the RB6 a new 406 EPIRB with an in-built strobe light to help rescuers find people in distress. http://www.painswessex.com.au

Aug 1 - During the Sydney International Boat Show, Ocean Australia launched the second edition of their glossy magazine aimed at the luxury and big boat market. It includes industry news, boat reviews, interviews and a look at cruising the Kimberley coast. Ph: 612 9566 1777

July 22 - Cromwell's nautical memorabilia auction on Sunday July 31 includes a ‘Boy’ Messenger autographed newspaper clipping, an Australia II Limited Edition Print by John Gable and a vintage Fishing rod and reel. http://www.cromwells.com.au/

July 21 - New Zealand company Fastmount Ltd won the innovation award at the Superyacht Equipment and Services Event (SEAS) held in Nice. Their clip system has been developed to meet the demands of marine panel installation in such a way that they can quickly and easily be removed then refitted to exactly the same location time after time. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0721a.htm

July 20 - Training software now Mac and PC and at the Sydney Boat Show - Adelaide based Academy of Maritime Training has launched dual platform CDs for their award winning Coastal Navigation and Collision Regulations modules, with other modules to follow. You can talk to the author and have a ‘hands-on’ opportunity to see the training CDs working at the Boat Books display at Stand 151 during the Sydney Boat Show. Academy of Maritime Training, Rowland Short, http://www.maritimecd.com Ph: 08 83384222

July 16 - Award winning training software at the Sydney Boat Show - Visitors to Boat Books display at Stand 151 can see these training CDs working. The Academy of Maritime Training CDs were accorded top marks following an extensive survey undertaken in the United Kingdom. In fact, one of the CDs, Coastal Navigation, was the only one in the survey to be granted a perfect five star rating and was awarded “Best Value Product”. Academy of Maritime Training, Rowland Short, http://www.maritimecd.com Ph: 08 83384222

July 6 - Mercury Marine announces the availability of new 75 and 90 hp FourStrokes with electronic fuel injection (EFI). The new EFI system features a single throttle body, multi-point fuel injection system. The system utilizes a single mechanical fuel pump that lifts fuel to the engine vapour separator. The system then provides a steady supply of pressurized fuel for the fuel rail. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0707b.htm

July 6 - Mercury MerCruiser announces the expansion of SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) as an option for the “small-block” family of Bravo sterndrive and inboard engines. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0707c.htm

June 30 - Honda's BF50 and BF40 hp (horsepower) outboard engines have been designed to pack maximum power and easy handling into a light weight, compact and ergonomic design. Media release at www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0630e.htm

June 21 - Mercury Marine releases new 25 and 30hp EFI Mercury and Mariner FourStroke engines. Both the manual and electric start models are electronically fuel injected. Media release at www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0621c.htm

June 19 - Max Power's award-winning 'green' power alternative for boating, the MFC 100 Marine Fuel Cell, works by converting a combination of methanol and oxygen into electricity. More info on Boatpoint at http://tinyurl.com/9b6ec

June 13 - A Photo Sail is worth a thousand billboards - Photosails™ were developed over seven years in an attempt to advertise a charter business, after  experimenting with alternative fabrics and imaging methods. Story and links at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0613d.htm

June 1 - Anchor Concepts, a Melbourne based company, is about to release the BreakAway Easy Stow anchor, an emergency/stern anchor that can be stowed easily but be ready within seconds in event of a mishap. Also, if caught in rocks or reef, the anchors’ BreakAway feature releases and you can then retrieve the anchor without cutting your line. Anchor Concepts also manufactures and distributes the HydroBubble Anchor for boats ranging in size from 12’ to 100’+. www.anchorconcepts.com.au/

April 1 - Lockclip - A secure one-handed clip featured on the ABC New Inventors. The Lockclip releases under tension, while being able to lock closed, preventing accidental opening. A positive push button release embedded in a tactile launch-slider gives easy, ambidextrous operation for gloved fingers, even if they are cold and clumsy. http://www.lockclip.com/

Mar 31 - Propeller Dynamics, the developers of Prop Scan, have released their new Prop Tracker range of products. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0331e.htm

Mar 23 - Safety At Sea (Australasia) Ltd are the first New Zealand company to obtain NZS5823 and AS2227 certification for their range of harness tethers. With an average breaking load of 2000Kg, independent test have shown that these tethers are the strongest available. The tethers comply with ISAF special regulations in that an overload coloured flag is embedded as required by rule 5.02.3. For information see www.safetyatsea.co.nz

Mar 17 - Ronstan – Australian manufacturer of sailboat hardware and equipment for over 50 years – will this week launch their latest range of wet weather and sailing gear designed to take sailors from the boat park to Bass Strait and beyond.