SIBS 2023: Zodiac and BRIG Boats return to Aussie shores
SIBS 2023 saw the return of BRIG Boats and Zodiac, presented by Sirocco Marine.
The 2023 Sydney International Boat Show (SIBS) marked an exciting debut for the latest lineup of rigid inflatable boats (RIBS) from Zodiac
A remarkable comeback
At the official opening of the boat show, attendees were privileged to witness the return of the RIB brand. Jaroslav Duma, Honorary Consul of Ukraine, took the stage to emphasise the significance of BRIG’s Kharkiv facility’s resurgence in production and export.
“Just 30km from the border with Russia, Kharkiv was bombed solidly for weeks on end, from February until May 2022. BRIG management made the decision to cease production for the safety of its workforce. Many months later, after Ukraine forces took back the city of Kharkiv, BRIG rebuilt the factory and returned to production, restoring commerce, the livelihoods of families and some normalcy to daily life.”
Jaroslav extended his heartfelt gratitude to Neil Webster, Managing Director of Sirocco Marine, for his unwavering faith in BRIG and his commitment to importing the exceptional boats produced during wartime.
Neil Patchett and Adam Smith BIA, Neil Webster Sirocco Marine and Honorary Consul of Ukraine Jaroslav Duma
A testimony to resilience
In his address to the media, Boating Industry Association (BIA) officials and VIPS, Mr Webster praised the indomitable spirit of Ukraine. “Perseverance, tenacity and defiance are characteristic of the Ukrainian spirit,” he affirmed. “We have been importing BRIG to Australia since 2006 and have been recognised as the Global Dealer of the Year for several consecutive years. The founders of BRIG are our friends, and we are very, very pleased they are safe, well and continue to manufacture the world’s leading RIBs with even more determination and innovation.”
BRIG had held an impressive 70 per cent market share in Australia prior to the Russian invasion. “Not only does BRIG production support families in Ukraine, their boats create many jobs in Australia for our network of mechanics, engine partners, dealers, suppliers and service specialists,” Neil explained.
Unveiling the future
At SIBS, Sirocco Marine proudly presented the all-new BRIG Eagle 8 and Eagle 670, which garnered enthusiastic responses from boat enthusiasts. Neil Webster said: “They were extremely positive and expressed enormous sympathy for Ukraine. And because we had two of our BRIG colleagues here from Ukraine with us during the show, it brought the reality of the situation to everybody.”
He added, “BRIG owners came by and told us they were sincerely happy BRIG’s factory is back in production. They are already looking at upgrading. It’s a great brand and quality product.”
Jeremy Wiggs, Ryan Slater and Neil Webster from Sirocco Marine
A plethora of choices
In addition to the BRIG models, the show featured the full range of Zodiac Boats, several Williams Jet Tenders and the Sirocco brand of RIBs.
The showcased Zodiac lineup included Medline range, from the 5.8 to the flagship Medline 9m, perfect for family-friendly activities, and the Pro range, ideal for heavy-duty work or as a yacht tender. The Zodiac Open line was also on display, offering multi-activity RIBs suitable for various water sports and leisurely picnics.
A bright future ahead
Looking to the future, Neil Webster said Sirocco Marine would soon receive several more containers of BRIG boats in time for the summer season. These remarkable vessels will be available through Sirocco Marine dealers across the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
For more information about these RIBS, please visit Sirocco Marine.
THE NEXT STEP
Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary on the boat of your dreams. Don't wait - Explore now!
Related Articles:
Sirocco going big with RIBS at SIBS 2023