Dear John,
I read with interest your news item titled "AUSTRALIAN TAX COULD DAMAGE CHARTER BUSINESS" in your August edition and your news item titled "AUSTRALIAN TAX SCARE" in your October edition. I think it is important to note, and to reassure your readers, that the proposed tax changes as described in the articles have nothing whatsoever to do with visiting superyachts, both private and charter. This proposed tax ruling is designed to prevent Australian residents from buying a small yacht, either sail or power, making it available for charter and thereby being able to claim significant tax advantages that offset the costs of using it for their
personal use. Australia is a "Superyacht Friendly" country. Since prior to the Olympics, significant effort has been made in providing world-class infrastructure and services to visiting large superyachts; over 50 of which have visited Australia in the last five years. Superyachts visiting Australia can be assured of a welcome which includes streamlined arrival formalities and īred carpetī treatment from the moment they advise us of their visit. Superyachts can remain in Australia for extended periods without incurring any tax liability. For instance, the 46 metre Oceanco "Ultimate" has been cruising the Australian East Coast for nearly two years now without any problem. I am happy to discuss any concerns potential visiting superyacht captains may have regarding taxation, cruising, refit or any other enquiry. More information can be found at
Thanks and regards,
Captain Richard Morris
NSW Waterways Authority
Dear Editor,
I write to you as a warning to others.
Peter Wilkinson, known as British Peter has fraudulently used my credit card on several occasions. I would advise all not to divulge details of your credit card to this man.
In addition, I believe that the I.V.A. (in his case V.A.T.) is not a legitimate number.
One who has been ripped off,
Christopher Moorhouse.
(Edīs note: I contacted Peter Wilkinson and asked him for a document he said he had signed by Chris Moorhouse authorising his credit card use and also to send details of his VAT or IVA registration. There has been no reply!)
Dear John,
Further to our telephone conversation earlier today, please find attached photos of the accident. Iīve sent them one at a time, as they are quite large files.
I believe that the tug was making itīs usual 50 knot approach to itīs berth and reverse gear wouldnīt engage!!
I have voiced concerns about the antics of these tug boats as I am now occupying the berth on which a 14 meter motoryacht was sunk last August with almost fatal consequences.
Boat Yard Palma, who are most happy to take a frighteningly large amount of money from me for a hole in the water which they call a "safe" berth are NOT so happy to actually take any action to make the berth safe from these wayward monsters.
I am an ex-tugboat captain myself (Exxon Oil & Red Funnel), so when I tell you that it is truly painful to watch the crews attempt to manoeuvre and berth these vessels I do actually know what Iīm talking about.
Something MUST be done about:
i. Aged vessels that seem to suffer numerous steering and engine control breakdowns.
ii. Crew who cannot safely control the vessels.
iii. Location of the tugboat base in the centre of a highly populated yacht yard.
I know that this has been an on-going issue for some time now.
Will it take a fatality to actually make the authorities take the appropriate action?
Best regards,
Pete Thomas
John,
A friend of mine (Captain of a 118 foot - triple decker) arrived from the Bahamas with 7 crew.
The Captain and Engineer were granted a 6 month stay but the rest of the crew were allowed 2 weeks. (Aussie and Kiwi crew.)
After spending the whole day with immigration, the crew were granted a 6 month stay. Letters had to be hand delivered by the marinas and haulout people and all marine companies that were to work on the vessel during the haulout. 9 Hours in Immigration - just goes to show you that things have really changed.
Mark Cronje
ShipshapeUSA
Dear John,
I just thought I would let you know that the inserts that we placed in īThe Islanderī this summer produced an excellent response and we shall certainly be looking at this in the future as a way of communicating with our clientele.
John Wyborn
"Blue Water" Antibes