ASYS to fly the flag at Monaco Yacht Show

by Jeni Bone on 12 Sep 2009 The leading names in the local superyacht industry have teamed up to form Australasian Superyacht Services (ASYS); which CEO, Captain Richard Morris explains, is 'the most important development in the superyacht industry in this country'.

The organisation is a unique national network of Superyacht Agency/Concierge service providers covering every port in Australasia, and comprises 10 branch offices nationally. ASYS will provide full agency/concierge services to superyachts visiting every Australian port in conjunction with its exclusive strategic partnership with Wilhelmsen Ships Service Oceania.

'Captains of superyachts visiting Australia can now receive high quality support seamlessly as they travel around the coastline, from port to port, state to state,' says Morris. 'If a superyacht has a query, need or problem, we can fix it.'

He continues: 'All of our agents are either ex-superyacht captains or superyacht industry experts and are therefore acutely aware of superyacht captains’ requirements. With our exclusive partnership with Wilhelmsen Ships Service, ASYS is backed up by the world’s leading ship agency service provider, enabling us to support superyachts in every port in Australia, and wherever they may be around the coast.'

Services include all advanced formalities: assistance with customs, immigration and quarantine, electronic crew visas, customs agency, berthing, refit and repair and fuel sales. Additionally, through partner Wilhelmsen Ships Service’s Unitor brand of marine products; an extensive catalogue of marine equipment is now available to superyachts at competitive prices.

The company provides centralised accounting services that assists superyacht captains as they move around the country, from port to port, by paying the yacht’s invoices along the way, and upon departure from Australia; a simplified GST (VAT) reimbursement process for applicable expenses.

ASYS is a member of SYBA and continues to support its objectives. 'Our focus will be mostly international,' explains Morris, adding that the group will be prominent at Monaco Yacht Show starting 23 September.

'It's a completely new group of people and committed to promoting Australia overseas. SYBA has the best spot in the middle of the big European shipyards. We will be working hard to showcase Australia as a destination and networking. It’s all about relationships in this industry – trust, word of mouth and camaraderie among our friends and contacts.'

Along with personal introductions to the bounties of Australian cruising grounds, ASYS will be marketing hard with features and advertising in Great Southern Route, which Morris edits, as well as appearances at MYS, Fort Lauderdale and METS, and a viral marketing campaign which is underway.

More at www.superyachts.com.au