The Great Southern Route Superyacht Cruising Guide – Second Edition
TO BE LAUNCHED AT 2009 MONACO YACHT SHOW
 
“By captains for captains – every captain loves a freebie and at Monaco every captain received the heavyweight gift that could well turn out to be worth its weight in gold. The GSR is a hefty but much-needed, revolutionary maritime road map for yachts considering a visit to the Antipodes”. – Michael Howorth in Dockwalk November 2007
 
Ocean Media is pleased to announce an expanded second edition of The Great Southern Route (GSR) Superyacht cruising guide, to be released at this year’s 2009 Monaco Yacht Show. To be current for the next two years - 2010/2011 - this latest edition will include totally updated Fact Files of key superyacht contacts in some 83 ports and countries across eight regions, book-ended by the two great canals of Suez in the West and Panama in the East. Including the first-hand advice of over 30 superyacht captains, GSR’s “Captain’s Log” editorial contributions from mariners who have actually cruised these waters offer the benefit of priceless experience. The new edition will now also include countries in South-eastern Africa, the Northern Pacific and the Americas.
The original Great Southern Route (GSR) Guide for 2008/9 was hailed a great success receiving many accolades since it was launched to the world at Monaco Yacht Show in September 2007, “GSR” pioneered the ‘captain to captain’ sailing directory approach and we only included companies that were researched and established as bona fide superyacht industry participants, including their details for the benefit of superyacht captains and their yacht owners planning a voyage south of the typical cruising waters of the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
Since publication, GSR has been hand delivered to thousands of superyachts and superyacht industry businesses in the Mediterranean, UK, Florida, New York, California, New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Tahiti, Fiji and many other places. An additional 1000 copies were mailed directly to superyacht captains worldwide, and over 3000 copies have been distributed at boat shows in Caribbean, Monaco, Ft Lauderdale, St Maarten, Antigua and Düsseldorf. We believe our distribution achieved penetration to the key decision makers throughout the industry internationally, and has led to much greater interest in cruising further afield.
The Great Southern Route is available free of charge to members of the international superyacht industry and apart from the 300-page hard copy it can also be viewed in page-by-page detail in the digital edition @ www.greatsouthernroute.com  or  www.oceanmedia.com.au  where you can also order a hard copy of the guide.
Destinations along the route should ensure that you send us new information regarding your company and region for inclusion in the new edition. This includes information such as names of recent superyachts visiting your country or port, any new websites, publications and new businesses and organisations that you believe warrant inclusion in the Fact File pages.
Companies wishing to advertise or promote through the second edition of GSR should also plan your presence in this important cruising guide.
For further information contact info@greatsouthernroute.com or contact the publishers OCEAN Media on (+612) 9566 1777.
 
SUPERYACHTS FLOCK TO QUEENSLAND THANKS TO NEW LAWS 
 
What, you might ask, could possibly make famed fashion designer Giorgio Armani snub the magnificent cruising ground of the Great Barrier Reef, surely one of the world’s best yachting destinations?
When the billionaire menswear mogul angrily set stern to the azure waters of this marine wonderland in 2008, it was a frustratingly slow process of obtaining an anchoring permit that drove him away.
But according to a local industry spokesperson, superyachts avoiding the Mackay Whitsundays region due to over-regulation is quickly becoming a thing of the past.
According to Meridien Marinas manager, Richard Barrett, Queensland is already seeing a rise in superyacht visitation following recent legislative amendments to remove some of the hurdles faced by crews.
Barrett said there has been a “noticeable increase” in superyachts visiting Queensland, which he attributes at least in part to a simplified process for attaining crew visas.
The Queensland Government recently introduced a new visa class so that crews are no longer considered tourists.
“Changes already in place are paying dividends,” said Barrett.
“Abel Point has played host to around eight superyachts in the past two months and we estimate each vessel and its crew contribute between $4,000 and $7,000 a day to the local economy.”
The changes have been introduced following the Queensland Superyacht Strategy launched in May last year.
But Queensland is still well behind the eight ball compared to the world leading superyacht destinations.
 “We need to look at what other desirable destinations around the world have and match it. Places like the Carribean, Monaco and the Greek Islands have become havens for superyachts. We need to make sure we can provide the same seamless regulatory environment and onshore facilities the superyachts need,” said Barrett.
  
AUSTRALIAN MARINE PRODUCTS IN DEMAND IN UAE
 
The Australia International Marine Export Group led a strong contingent of Australian manufacturers to the Dubai International Boat show 3-7 March. AIMEX had also worked closely with the NSW dept of State and Regional Development to secure funding for 12 NSW companies to attend the show.  This funding was a key factor in these companies affording to exhibit at the show and will result in increased export revenue and cement jobs for the NSW marine sector. AIMEX had developed a comprehensive pre show programme for exhibitors which included tours to boat manufacturers, Seaspray, & Al Hareb Marine, the new Anchor marina development being managed by IGY, a market briefing hosted by Knotika, a networking function at the Assistant Trade commissioners residence and attendance at the Gulf Marine Conference held during the show.  AIMEX CEO MaryAnne Edwards acknowledged the excellent support of Austrade Assistant Trade Commissioner James Wyndham for his efforts in ensuring this trade mission was a valuable experience for AIMEX members.  James Wyndham also hosted a networking function at his residence for AIMEX members ensuring key marine industry stakeholders from Dubai were present. AIMEX members not only enjoyed this function but also made some valuable contacts that resulted in business for several companies. 
AIMEX also noted the support provided by Farrokh Gotchin from Knotika in Dubai. Knotika’s comprehensive Marine Store is a one-stop-shop for those who find pleasure spending time on the water. Among the items on display is a permanent, indoor boat show that features boats ranging from 9 feet to 34 feet. With many of the boat dealer’s offices in the Knotika Marine Mall, there is always an expert on hand. Adjacent to the boat show is an equipment showroom that displays hundreds of products from deck hardware to clothing, electronics, and fishing gear. Knotika hosted a market briefing and morning tea for the AIMEX Trade Mission.  This market briefing included a presentation from a lawyer with expertise in the marine sector.  A key issue for the AIMEX delegation was ensuring payment for goods exported to the UAE and how they could ensure payment protection for their products. Another key topic was the introduction of regulations into the marine sector with boat licensing and further safety regulations being developed. Knotika, due to Farrokh’s influence is very supportive of Australian companies and is already displaying some Australian products in their showroom.