If you’re starting to feel like 2021 is like groundhog year, you not alone. The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to impact many states and territories as it did through 2020. The boating scene is not immune to the impacts but there are still opportunities to both buy and boat available.
We catch you up on the latest news around the boating scene on what’s on, what’s off, what’s still available to capture and enjoy and how you can have your say on fisheries policy.
Sydney Boating Festival Cancelled
The much-anticipated Sydney Festival of Boating 2021 is sadly another COVID casualty. Cancelled for the second consecutive year just weeks out from the 29 July start date. This will be a major blow to the organisers (BIA), the many exhibitors and of course the boating fraternity looking forward to visiting the show. In a statement on the event website, the BIA has said the decision to cancel the event was made to support the NSW Government’s efforts in controlling the current COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney. Read more here.
Tickets for the event went on sale on 1 July and those who had purchased should contact organisers re what happens next. For the BIA, their focus will be on the promotion of the lifestyle boating can offer through various channels as the spring summer boating season approaches.
Exhibitor space was sold-out for the event, showing the keen interest of boat builders, manufacturers and suppliers to display their products to buyers. One major builder that will be especially disappointed no doubt will be Horizon. Their new FD87 Skyline was unable to make its scheduled debut at Sanctuary Cove and Sydney was to be the first big chance for boating enthusiasts to see this new model.
Those interested in inspecting a Horizon or any of the other great boats that were supposed to be on display in Sydney including an impressive selection from Riviera will need to check the company websites and make alternative viewing arrangements.
For our boat loan customers that had or were in the process of organising pre-approved boat loans for their show visit, the show cancellation is not a problem in regards to the loan. Our pre-approved boat loans have no obligation and simply expire if not used within the timeframe.
Boating in a Lockdown
While the Sydney lockdown has caused many events such as the Festival of Boating and other activities to be cancelled, some boating activities may still be allowed. Being across how you can and can’t use your boat during stay at home orders is important for many reasons. Most significantly to your back pocket. Fines for defying Health orders can be costly. NSW Police issued multiple $1,000 fines to persons that defied the orders during the recent lockdown in Sydney. Click here for more information about boating rules and regulations during COVID-19 restrictions.
While Sydneysiders have been under stay at home orders, apparently boating may be considered a recreational activity and permitted. But health orders have been different during different lockdowns and will vary from state to state. So ensure you check your state health department website and are fully aware of what applies in your area before heading out. Especially take note of rulings around not mixing with people outside of your household.
While at the ramp, marina, refuelling and getting supplies such as bait, make sure you follow local rulings around mask wearing and sanitising your hands and ensure your guests also comply. Your boating day could be costly if you don’t comply.
Tasmanian Fishing Strategy Plans – Have Your Say
Fishers in Tasmania are being invited to have their say on the Government’s Tasmanian Recreational Sea Fishing Strategy with the draft now open for public comment. The strategy outlines the changes that the Government is planning for the recreational fishing sector over the coming decade. The aim of the new plan apparently recognises the importance of the sector with key initiatives focussing on a number of issues:- improving the stock of flathead; tightening abalone, scallop and rock lobster management to protect stock; and use of the recreational fishing zones.
Have your say on the draft by visiting the website and following the links at https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/sea-fishing-aquaculture/sustainable-fisheries-management/fisheries-management-strategies/recreational-sea-fishing-strategy
Victorian Boating Hazard
Victorian boaters in the fishing ground in the outer metro areas need to keep an eye out with Maritime Safety Australia issuing a direction re a hazard. A decommissioned submarine that had been at Crib Point since 2001 has started to list heavily after the mid-June weather event.
The emergency direction issues warn of the possibility that the vessel could sink or capsize and boat users should stay a minimum of 200 metres clear. Stay up to date with all alerts at the authorities website.
Boat Loans and Marine Purchase Continues
Despite stay at home orders and lockdowns across the country, boat buying and boat loan borrowing continue. Buyers have multiple channels for purchasing a new boat to explore and with stocks for some popular boats in short supply, now is the time to get your order in for delivery in time for the next boating season.
Our boat loan products continue to be available with applications online or over the phone. Interest rates also remain at current low levels. With Jade Boat Loans, your interest rate is fixed for the entire term of your loan, so even if and when the RBA does lift rates, your loan will remain the same.
Whether at home or out and about, you can check marine lending repayment estimates by using our marine lending loan calculator and give us a call for a confirmed boat loan quote at the cheapest marine lending interest rates.
Stay across what’s happening in boating by staying in touch with our news and articles each week.
Contact 1300 000 003 or online to discuss your marine finance requirements.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND SPECIFIC DETAILS CONTAINED IN THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND ARE PRESENTED PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BOAT BUYERS AND LOAN BORROWERS. FOR THOSE THAT CONSIDER THEY REQUIRE SPECIFIC ADVICE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED IN REGARD TO ERRORS AND MISPRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.
