Queensland Company sets 'sail' for Korea

'One of Australia's largest yachting schools signs landmark deal in Korea. - SIgning of MOU in Korea' Gary Charlwood Click Here to view large photo

Brisbane based yachting school, Southern Cross Yachting, has entered in to a joint venture to open a major training centre in South Korea. The deal, signed in the southern province of Gyeongnam last Thursday, will see the Southern Cross Yachting brand expand into Asia and will bring hundreds of Korean students to South-east Queensland to be trained.

Southern Cross Yachting is one of Australia's largest sail training schools and was the first to be accredited to deliver the internationally recognized RYA training scheme in Australia.

Offshore training - Southern Cross Yachting Click Here to view large photo

Southern Cross Yachting Managing Director Mike Job explains 'The qualifications we offer are required to work in the international charter and superyacht industries. Traditionally our international students come from Europe and the UK, so Asia is a new market for us.'

'In the past we have attracted foreign students by traditional advertising in these markets but this is the first time we have opened a franchise abroad. Korean students will undertake the beginner level courses in Korea, before coming to Queensland to complete the higher qualifications such as the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate. Paralleling their yachting education these students will be taking English language courses.'

'Our Korean Partners 'Yacht n School' are already an established player in the Koran sail training market. Their facilities and training area are world class. We are providing them with expertise in marketing, business systems, course delivery and instructor training as well as exporting training materials to them.'

'Korea is a great business opportunity for us. It has a booming and sustainable economy, and Asia's highest standard of living. The recreational and commercial boating industry in Korea is in its infancy, but enormous growth is anticipated' said Mr Job

The first students will arrive within weeks in the form of Korean instructors to begin training.

Mr Job was instrumental in bringing the internationally accredited Royal Yachting Association training scheme to Australia. He was the first Australian to be qualified as a RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, the first Australian to be appointed an RYA Offshore Examiner and is the only Australian (and one of only 15 people in the world) qualified to examine Instructors and Examiners.

Race training Moreton Bay - Southern Cross Yachting Click Here to view large photo

The RYA curriculum has now been adopted by Yachting Australia as the National Yacht training scheme.

Mr. Job attended the recent Korean Boat show as part of the Queensland Marine Industry delegation led by the State Minister for Trade Mr John Mickel and Trade Queensland's Special Representative Ms Julie Boyd.

Mr Job credits industry and state government trade initiatives with playing a major role in putting together the deal.

Mr Job said 'This is a great example of industry and government working together for the benefit of all. We were originally put in contact with our Korean partners by Trade Queensland at the international business centre at the Sanctuary Cove Boat show , and the credibility of having the Minister with us in Korea helped enormously in closing the deal.'

Mr. Job concluded 'The sailing school business in Korea is just the beginning. Along with our Korean partners we are planning further expansion in the charter industry and marina developments.'

Michael Job

Principal
Southern Cross Yachting
570 Royal Esp, Manly Q 4179
+617 3396 4100
www.southerncrossyachting.com.au