Yacht Help has been operating since 1987, initially focusing on servicing visiting yachts to Fiji.
With the development of Denarau Island and the increase in villa owners requiring boats, CEO David Jamieson was fielding enquiries from people who wanted to buy a boat to be based in Fiji. The Yacht Help Brokerage arm had humble beginnings, from helping a couple of friends out to being Fiji’s leading marine market place.
Today Yacht Help Brokerage sells a wide range of commercial and pleasure boats both locally and internationally.
Yacht Help has also secured the Fijian agency role for Maritimo – Australia’s premier long range luxury Motoryacht. Literally “Oceans apart” Maritimo combines
elegant designs with practical features and has stood the test of time in this tough economic climate. Maritimo Motoryachts are ideal for Fijian waters, as their shallow drafts teamed with easy maneuverability and spacious sun decks, makes cruising the islands a pleasurable and stylish experience.
Mr Jamieson says that although boat sales were sluggish this year due to the worldwide recession, expected figures for 2010 look positive due to the G o v e r n m e n t ‘ s commitment to growth in the Marine Sector. Specifically the reduction in import duty on vessels which will now make owning a Fijian flagged boat feasible.
The drop in import duty will have a flow on affect, as more villa owners leave their boats in Fiji year round, they will require the local workforce to maintain their vessels.
The development of a repair and maintenance industry in Fiji has the potential to create huge employment, revenue and be a selling point to why people should invest in Fiji. The development of Fiji’s marine repair and maintenance industry is the goal we all should be striving for says Mr Jamieson. This natural progression is clearly shown within Yacht Help’s portfolio.
The Maintenance and Service division was developed from the increase in boats sales in Fiji. Through the sale of boats, the demand was created for services like diesel and outboard repairs, pontoons where boats could be moored beside a villa, spray painting, antifouling and yacht husbandry (regular airing, cleaning and running of engines) during an owner’s absence.
Yacht Help is proud to have established strong working relationships with a range of suppliers and are Fijian agents for Volvo Penta, International Paints and Ez Dock. Yacht Help also has Fiji’s only qualified watermaker technician who has been servicing watermakers onboard boats as well as island resorts.
Yacht Help would like to congratulate Port Denarau Marina for its vision and achievement in creating a world class marine facility. The new Passenger Terminal and the extended marina facilities will make Port Denarau Marina the South Pacific’s premier yachting destination.