July 30 - Dockwise Yacht Transport (DYT) will mobilise its largest semi-submersible yacht carrier to Australia later this year, following changes in legislation making it easier for foreign flagged vessels to operate in Australian waters.
DYT's 209 m long Yacht Express will deliver yachts to the South Pacific; the trip aligns with the end of the Mediterranean charter season starting in Genoa in November. Yacht Express will make additional calls in the Caribbean, Florida, Costa Rica, and Tahiti before arriving in Sydney and Auckland by the end of January.
"Australia has eased its permit restrictions for charter yachts," said DYT's Laura Tempest, "which opens up more opportunities for enjoying the South Pacific's remote and pristine cruising grounds. This, combined with a growing marine industry infrastructure in both Australia and New Zealand, makes it a logical decision for DYT to send its largest ship to that part of the world to take care of increased demand."
Changes to Australia's Coastal Trading Act 2012 now allow non-Australian flagged charter yachts to be issued a temporary voyage-based charter licence for up to 12 months.
