Under the backdrop of the opulent Crown Casino and in conjunction with the 2011 Melbourne Boat Show, this year’s Marine Awards were presented to a group of deserving winners in front of 160 industry guests.

In addition to attending this year’s Show, The Hon Dr Denis Napthine - Minister for Ports, Regional Cities, Major Projects and Racing - assisted with the award presentations, showing his genuine interest in the state of the marine industry in Australia.

Additional guest speakers for the IC Frith and Associates sponsored  event included Darren Vaux, Chairman Boating Industry Association Australia, David Heyes, President Boating Industry Association Victoria and Clyde Batty, General Manager BIAV.

Ronstan International’s Managing Director, Alistair Murray said they were thrilled to win the awards for manufacturer and exporter of the year for their line of fittings for sailing boats, from small off the beach dinghies through to around the world racing yachts.

‘It is always positive for our staff and customers to see us being recognised in this way.”

“Ronstan products are renowned for being light weight, high strength, efficient, corrosion resistant and visually appealing. The Ronstan “Orbit” range, for example, is a world leading design breakthrough, and has won numerous design awards,” he said.

Mr Murray, who is President for AIMEX, the peak body for Australian marine exporters, also noted the importance of receiving an award in the current difficult climate.

“With the depressed world markets and high Aussie dollar, it is definitely not going to be any easier in the future for Australian marine exporters.”

Retailer of the Year, Paul and Leon Savage of Streaker Boats, however said that they were pleasantly surprised at both the interest they received in their products on home soil at the Boat Show, as well as receiving the award for the second time.

“We do try very hard in this business,” Leon said. “We’ve been going for 38 years and are one of only a few BIA accredited dealers. We are also a Yamaha Platinum Dealer.”

“It hasn’t been easy over the past year or so for the industry, but on the positive side, the dams are full of water and interest rates are good.”

“We offered three new Streaker products during the course of the GFC and have continued to promote our business, as well as maintain a fantastic showroom with 30 new boats.”

Jarred Parsons of Parks Victoria said they were also very excited to receive the best stand award in the tourism category for this year’s Melbourne Boat Show. 

“The Melbourne Boat Show is always a great opportunity for Parks Victoria to promote many of the amazing boating destinations on Victoria’s bays and rivers,” he said.

“Our rangers were very busy answering the many questions about boating from recreational boat operators, particularly on Port Phillip, Western Port and the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers.”

“In particular, our waterproof boating guides were popular with the public and it was great to receive such positive feedback for the brand new Western Port Recreational Boat Guide which was released just in time for the show this year.”

2011 Marine Award Winners

•          Apprentices of the Year – Regional apprentice - Wayne Tomlinson

Metropolitan apprentice – Hudson Mitchell

•          Safety Initiative by an Organisation – VMR Mornington

•          Marine Manufacturer of Vessels – Haines Hunter

•          Marine Manufacturer of Marine Related Product – Ronstan International

•          International Exporter of the Year – Ronstan International

•          Retailer of the Year – Paul and Leon Savage Streaker Boats

Boat show Stand winners

•          Tourism – Parks Victoria

•           Fishing - Big Al’s Tackle

•           Open – Yamaha Motor Australia

•           Wake/Ski Stand – Rolco Boats

•           Shell Scheme – McQuarrie Fibreglass

•           Power Boat Display – Avante Marine

•           Best New Innovation – Hobie Cat Australasia

•           Best Stand Overall - Hobie Cat Australasia