From a friend’s boat to Australia’s Marine Exporter of the Year
Savwinch Pty Ltd has been named the 2026 AIMEX Exporter of the Year at the Australian Marine Industry Awards, one of the Australian marine industry’s most respected export honours.
@ Salty Dingo 2026
Presented by the Australian International Marine Export Group, the award recognises Australian marine businesses that have demonstrated outstanding international growth, innovation, and long-term contribution to the global marine industry.
The AIMEX Exporter of the Year award is judged on export performance, international market development, innovation, and the ability to successfully grow Australian marine products on the global stage. The award highlights companies making a significant impact internationally while helping strengthen Australia’s reputation within the worldwide marine industry.
Savwinch was recognised for its rapid international expansion, continued product innovation, and growing presence across key global boating markets including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, China, the Middle East, and Europe.
The award was presented at the AIMEX Gala Dinner, held the night prior to the 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), where the Savwinch team also launched two major new products: the Digital Winch Counter and the world’s first fully 316 stainless steel Deck Wash Pump.
Both products generated strong attention throughout the show, with interest from boat builders, dealers, distributors, and recreational boaters eager to see the new technology firsthand.
Already generating strong industry buzz ahead of SCIBS, the Deck Wash Pump drew particular attention as the first product of its kind to be built entirely from 316 stainless steel. Designed specifically to combat the corrosion and durability issues commonly found in traditional deck wash pumps, the product represents another major step forward in marine equipment innovation from Savwinch.
“When Nick and I started Savwinch in Melbourne, we had young children at home. Building a business from scratch at that stage of life takes more than hard work. It takes sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering belief in what you are creating.
Starting from humble beginnings, our dream was always to grow internationally and earn the trust of boat builders, dealers, and boat owners around the world with an Australian designed, owned, and engineered product.
We are incredibly proud of what Savwinch has become and deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of that journey.” – Eleni Savva, Director of Business Administration, Savwinch
“To be recognised as Australia’s Marine Exporter of the Year is an incredibly proud moment for our family and the entire Savwinch team. It reflects years of backing our product, driving innovation, building global relationships and staying committed to the vision we believed in from the very beginning.” – Nick Savva, Founder & CEO, Savwinch
@ Salty Dingo 2026
Savwinch began as a small family-run business in 2006, when founder Nick Savva built an anchor winch for a friend’s boat.
A passionate boater with a background in sales and engineering, Nick identified a gap in the market for more reliable and better engineered drum anchor winches. Building on an Australian pioneered category, he developed his own improved Australian designed, owned, and engineered drum winch system that quickly gained attention across the marine industry.
That first winch led to the development of Savwinch’s Electronic Fast Fall System, the world’s first clutch-free Fast Fall anchoring system, now patented across Australia, the United States, New Zealand, and China.
Savwinch’s innovation was recognised early, winning the BIAV National Innovation Award in 2012. The company was also recognised internationally, receiving an International Innovation Award in 2015.
In 2023, Savwinch was named Local Supplier of the Year by BLA, Australia and New Zealand’s largest marine distributor.
TV fishing presenter Paul Worsteling, one of Australia’s most recognised recreational fishing personalities, has trusted Savwinch products on his own boats for many years.
The company has also expanded its presence through partnerships with respected boating brands and retailers, including Anaconda and Bunnings Warehouse.
Savwinch’s international growth has accelerated in recent years, with the company exhibiting at leading global trade shows including the China International Boat Show, IBEX Florida, Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle, Land ‘N’ Sea in Las Vegas, and the Dubai International Boat Show.
That investment delivered strong results in 2025, with international sales increasing more than 120 per cent year on year. Export revenue also grew substantially by the end of 2025.
North America has been a major focus for the company, with Savwinch building a growing dealer network and ambassador program across the USA and Canada. Savwinch also distributes through Land ’N’ Sea, the largest marine distributor in North America.
The strategy has focused on building brand recognition for Savwinch’s drum winch and accessories range within one of the world’s most competitive boating markets.
The Australian Government has also recognised Savwinch’s international growth efforts, with the company named as a current recipient of the Export Market Development Grant as a Tier 2 exporter for 2026 to 2027, following previous support through the program in earlier years.
“Being named Exporter of the Year for 2026 further reinforces Savwinch’s position as a global leader in drum winching technology. We are incredibly grateful to AIMEX for this honour, and even more thankful to our customers and partners who continue to drive us to innovate and push the boundaries of marine excellence.” – Callum Broom, International Sales Manager, Savwinch
Today, the Savwinch product range includes drum winches, bowsprits, electric winch haulers, pot haulers, deck wash pumps, and accessories, with thousands of installations across recreational and commercial vessels worldwide.
For more information, visit savwinch.com
