Club Marine Magazine celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, marking four decades as one of Australia’s premier boating lifestyle magazines.
The title's 40th anniversary highlights its evolution from a simple newsletter to a leading marine lifestyle publication.
Its success reflects the growing boating industry in Australia and globally, which makes significant contributions to the economy and promotes boating as a positive lifestyle choice.
In 2024, Australia saw a record high in boat ownership, with over 905,000 registered boats and 15,000 updated registrations. The boating industry contributes significantly to the economy, generating a national turnover of $10.12 billion. Globally, the leisure boat market was valued at $42.3 billion, with North America holding the largest share. Despite economic challenges, the boating industry continues to grow, driven by investments in tourism and recreation.
Starting as a simple desktop-published newsletter in 1985, Club Marine Magazine evolved into a glossy quarterly journal, coinciding with Marine Hull Insurance's rebranding to Club Marine.
The magazine was born from a chance meeting between company founder Fred Wilson and journalist Andrew Woodley. Woodley envisioned a publication that extended beyond insurance news to explore the vibrant lifestyle of recreational boating and water sports.
Over the years, Club Marine Magazine has expanded its content to include gourmet food, exotic travel, fashion, luxury cars, and more. This makes it the highest-circulating boating title in Australia.
CEO and publisher Tim Wiles highlighted the magazine's commitment to covering major boating events, innovations, technologies, and techniques that enhance boating safety and enjoyment.
"Over the 40 years there hasn’t been a major boating event, significant moment or new product that Club Marine Magazine hasn’t endeavoured to cover with the finest photography and the most articulate, informative and authoritative articles,” says Wiles.
“We’ve kept readers abreast of new technologies and techniques that make boating safer, easier, more environmentally friendly and more enjoyable for families. Really, it’s about promoting boating in a positive light and maximising the on-water experience. Hopefully, this has helped the entire marine industry to grow and thrive along with us.”
“I sincerely thank all our contributors for their invaluable dedication and expertise, which have been instrumental in shaping Club Marine Magazine into a trusted and beloved publication for the boating community over the past 40 years.”