Victoria wins big at Australian Nautical Grants
On May 30, 2008
“Evolution sailboats” ©
Victorian nautical manufacturers made big impact at the ‘08 Australian Nautical Grants, claiming four grants & one commendation for their efforts.
Victorian champions ranged from big, established names to little new manufacturers, reinforcing Victoria’s status as the leading nautical manufacturing state.
Heading the list was Whittley Nautical Group, with its Trawler 2800 engaging the category for Trawler Trailerable – Fibreglass/GRP Over six metres, & the Spy Sailing Boats RX22 – built in collaboration with Harold Webb’s Performance Nautical – engaging the Ski category.
Another master name on the champion’s list was Savage, with Brunswick Group’s Savage 540 Catalina Sterndrive engaging the Trawler Trailerable – Aluminium Under 6 meters class.
Victoria’s most aroused champ was PM Nautical Manufacturing, which won the Fishing Trailerable – Fibreglass/GRP Under 6 meters class with its Evolution 550 Platinum, less than five years after building its 1st sailing boat.
In the Houseboat of the Year grants, Victorian builder Baldwin Yachts received commendation for its “Pure Indulgence”.
All of Victoria’s champions are members of the Sailing Business Alliance (BIA) of Victoria, & BIA common administrator Michael Coco said their triumph reflected the force of Victoria’s nautical business.
Combined with substantial plans to build new nautical infrastructure in the State, he said Victoria was positioning itself for larger growth in this significant sector.
‘Victoria has long & proud history in building sailboats & yachts of all sizes & types, particularly in the trailer sailboat sector,” he said.
‘The depth of talent in our business is especially evident when you think about that some of our champions have been well-known names for 50 or hundred years, such as Whittley & Savage, whilst others are engaging international grants after only five years in business.”
Grant finalists were evaluated by two crews of judges, four from media & four independents, all of whom were experts in their personal fields.
Judging criteria for finalists included an exhaustive checklist of more than 40 items covering total impressions, presentation, ergonomics, performance & safety.
by BIA VIC