Hearing that Southeast Asia Pilot was about to launch a digital edition of the book widely known as the “sailors bible” for everyone cruising these waters, the TYBA caught up with publisher Grenville Fordham to find out more.

Q. (TYBA) Tell us how this latest development came about. Does it mean the end of the real thing – the printed book?
A. (GRENVILLE) Not at all! The print version lives on – although, given the upheavals in publishing, we’re looking no further ahead than the next edition, which will be our 7th in almost 20 years. But this move to ‘go digital’ isn’t something new.
In 2013, we created an ‘ebook’ which, because of the limits on technology (that I could find!), was sold through a ‘digital library’. This wasn’t ideal; we couldn’t control the level of service or pricing and were too often dealing with complaints. I take pride in responding personally to all feedback, so was uncomfortable with trotting out a lame, “I’m sorry, that’s outside our control”. That, and the disappointing demand for the format, meant we put our digital plans on hold.

Q. What’s changed now to get you back into the digital arena? Is it desperation about future prospects?
A. Desperation? Absolutely not! Feedback from sailors is that they want a ‘real’ book on the chart table or in the saloon. People love browsing through the photographs, the charts and the information on anchorages as they plan journeys – often over a few drinks at the end of the day’s sailing. We expect this to continue to be so, particularly amongst older ‘salts’. At the same time, we can’t ignore younger sailors coming up or older yachties switched on to digital media.

I get periodic requests for the book in PDF format; “I have everything to do with cruising on my iPad and want Southeast Asia Pilot on it too,” is a common request but, unfortunately, one that we couldn’t satisfy until now because I hadn’t found a practical way to secure our copyright in PDF form.

You asked what’s changed? Well, apart from the obvious imperative to move with the times, I’ve located a provider of a digital rights management (DRM) system that ticks all the boxes. UK-based Drumlin Security (drumlinsecurity.com) not only offers what looks to be a near-perfect solution, but a friendly, proactive and flexible approach tightly focused on solutions – and at a price that makes sense.

Q. Tell our readers something about the digital edition. Will it be an exact replica of the print book?
A. In some ways, yes it’s a faithful reproduction the print book. But there’s more. Navigation is easier than in the hard copy. There are three ways to navigate the ebook: there’s the Contents Page, where a mouse click or a finger tap will take you to the chapter you want; there’s the Alphabetical Index of 600+ anchorages, all linked in the same way to individual named anchorages; and there are Bookmarks in the PDF reader. You can also make text searches and create your own bookmarks. And then there’s the potential for updates on the fly; we’ve always been limited to updates every 2-3 years, but now we can update the PDF file in between editions at no cost to the readers.

Q. How does it work? Is it complicated to install? Do you need to be online to read it?
A. It’s really simple. The first step is to buy the license online at www.southeastasiapilot.com/ebook. You’ll receive a confirmation email with an authorisation code and directions to download (1) the free PDF reader and (2) the protected PDF file of the book. You then simply install the PDF reader and download the book (it’s about 60MB – so a good Internet connection helps for the download). Then you open the file in the reader, insert the authorisation code when prompted and that’s it. No more codes or connections needed.

The PDF reader is available for Windows PC, Mac OS X, iPad/iPhone and Android devices. One licence allows the book to be read on one device; licences for multiple devices will be available. The PDF file works best on larger screens (eg iPad), so is not ideal for mobile phones.

Q. And the cost? Is it a lot cheaper than print version?

A. The ebook is priced at 1,800 baht, slightly lower than the paperback, which costs 1,950. Some people think anything digital should be much cheaper than the paper version, but they fail to appreciate the higher cost of preparation for the digital market, which balances out the difference between printing paper and securing digital rights.

Following on from the creation of the Southeast Asia Pilot e-book / digital edition, we have just finished listing the book on Amazon worldwide, both as a paperback and as a Kindle ebook, for the first time. “The next step is hiring professionals to optimise Amazon specific SEO to make sure we feature high in all relevant searches in the Amazon bookshops and Kindle ‘bookshelf’”.

For buyers overseas, particularly in Europe, Australia and the Americas the ebook, whether bought direct from our website or from Kindle, will come with a massive price benefit; currently up to (and sometimes more than) half the price paid for the hard copy is for delivery.

The Phuket Cruising Yacht Club (PCYC) captain and founder Brent McInnes says the club has been around for twelve years now and it is constantly evolving, the latest addition being a Mr Moo Really Good Deli wholesale outlet on the club’s waterfront premises.

The newly renovated Sand  Bar and restaurant is open from 12 noon  until late, and the full bar includes PCYC signature cocktail the Margarita made from scratch in the blender, Bloody Marys and a full range of local and imported, light and regular beers. The PCYC’s jet-setting manager Yai, a woman of the world is currently trekking in Tibet for a month, she has studied English at the University of Dubai and provides translation services by appointment, and she also possesses a wealth of information on many levels.

The restaurant has a new menu specializing in Indian,Tex-Mex & Western style food, and the usual Thai dishes are also available. All the food is MSG free and there’s fresh ground coffee & a selection of tea served all day, The wildly successful Taco Tuesdays is now into its 5^th year and patrons have been known to come from all over island and even fly in for the regular Tuesday night out in the Sand Bar with friends.

The PCYC also has a few waterfront bungalows for let and the club has good Wi-Fi, as well as chess & backgammon sets. There’s a new air conditioned lounge/dining room with a big screen to catch up on your favourite events. Phuket Tide Tables, local marine guides & magazines are available free of charge and you can also rent a motorcycle if need be.

If your boat is moored in Ao Chalong, your dinghy will be safe on their flood-lit dinghy lines in front of the clubhouse. The clubs’ showers are available to all, and there are plenty of outlets for charging phones or running your computers.

The club has a good PA system, a mixing board and a mike stands available for events or live bands, The great Gene Neilson entertains the crowd with his finely-tuned guitar playing skills when he in port. The PCYC clubhouse is also available free of charge for members or guests to use as a party venue; the club can cater or you can bring in your own food and the PCYC will supply the bar. During those nights the club has been full to capacity making full use of its 2am closing licence.

There’s a VHF base station on standby, but it’s more for outgoing or emergencies, the best contact number for the club is Brent’s mobile at + 66 (0)86-269-7138.

The Ao Chalong Yacht Club (now the Phuket Yacht Club), of which Brent was a member for many years, had its home at PCYC’s current location for a number of years before moving up the beach a few hundred metres. When the ACYC moved out, Brent moved in and started using it as a waterfront bungalow. Soon afterwards, he partnered with his landlord, Thitti Mokapan, a retired Bangkok lawyer, to create the Sand Bar & PCYC, and a long standing successful partnership was launched with a handshake.

The PCYC has a large expat following who like spending time by the seashore and chatting with yachties; its members varying from oil tycoons & doctors to sea gypsies.

The PCYC also does extended-period boat minding; the flat rate for this “basic care” is Bt2,000 a month, and this includes checking the mooring lines, the waterline, the companion way (done daily)  Brent calls it a “representation of the owner’s interests”. Many insurance companies endorse the PCYC boat care program & their policies are valid while in the PCYC care or on anchor in Chalong Bay.

The club also acts as a broker (http://phuketcruisingyachtclub.org/category/boats-for-sale/) and charters boats as well (http://phuketcruisingyachtclub.org/category/charter-boats/).

since the new concrete storm-water culverts have been installed in Chalong that flow into the Bay near the club have sped up the water flow washing the lighter mud away & replacing it with sand so the PCYC now has sand out about 100m from the high-tide line, which is great for beaching catamarans & powerboats for periodic maintenance.

The club is also home a black poodle named Teddy, who is in charge of reception along with a number of other soi dogs who patrol the premises with waging tails, there is also a large boat cat named meow yai (big cat) that hangs out with the dogs. The cat jumped ship and swam ashore from a cruising yacht 10 + years ago and made her new home at the PCYC, eventually her owner came by and said she looked happier here and the truth be known she didn’t think much of being a boat cat, the owner is now a PCYC member and calls in for beer and to visit his cat.

The annual membership fee is still only Bt4,500, which starts from the day you sign up. You are given a photo ID membership card, club t-shirt, club sticker—no joiner’s fee. The PCYC gives you full-yacht service, and using the club’s extensive local knowledge, tradesmen & techs you can get the inside track on cruising grounds & maintaining your yacht here in paradise.

The PCYC has regular events on the water with a unique handicapping system that allows all yachts to start and finish the races together. The system has proved to be popular with races and cruisers alike. If you are interested in yacht racing the Phuket Yacht Club (PYC) also runs a race series and PCYC members are welcome to join in.

Request to join the PCYC’s Facebook group, with its 4,600 members, is the best way to stay up to speed & informed on all aspects of the local marine scene; its open for input & comments – here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/187918071231247/

How Brent Got Here

Brent was raised on the waterfront in East Gosford between Sydney and Newcastle, on the central coast of New South Wales, growing up with tinnies, and sailing dinghies and surf. “We sailed when it blew,” he says. “If it was blowing 20 knots, out came the sailing boats just because it was fun to do, we didn’t do any official racing, I worked on offshore fishing boats, learning ocean skills, primarily how to make it home alive at night in a black nor’easterly on a well-loaded boat.”

His neighbour had a 45ft ketch, and that’s how he developed an interest in blue water cruising. He learnt early how to make and lay moorings. Brent says growing up in that neck of the woods was a good kindergarten for seamanship with no shortage of tutors, good and bad alike.

Brent wound up in Vancouver for Expo 1986 and he worked there as a waiter at the Munich Festhaus, but on a visit down to the docks he discovered a ship named Golden Eagle III a 56ft motor sailor looking for a captain. He flashed his NSW boat driver’s license and got the job, sailing the boat down to Cabos San Lucas, Mexico, with a retired German sea captain named Karl Bolland who imparted a wealth of knowledge to him on the way. It was far from a routine delivery as everything that could go wrong did and Old Karl was on top of it all. After returning the boat to San Francisco, Brent took a job as project manager for a commercial real estate developer and worked at that that for seven years. He spent many hours in the left seat of a 414 twin engine Cessna Chancellor flying between the company’s many projects around the USA.

In 1993, Brent speculated on low-ground pressure tractors (snow-grooming machines to Canadians) for use in tailing pond maintenance in the Australia mining industry after studying international trade at Sydney Uni his company Alpine Venture was founded. He then spent a number of years working that business and travelling between Jindabyne New South Wales,  USA, far north Queensland & Western Australia.

Brent first came to Phuket in 2001 to buy a catamaran called No Fixed Address off of Stafford Steer with every intention of taking the boat back to Australia. But while he was refitting the boat at the Latitude 8 boat yard with lots of help from Mark Horwood & Mark Pescott, he took a liking to Phuket and decided to stay.

Twenty years on, he is one of most popular and charismatic characters in the Ao Chalong area and is grooming his 6 year old daughter Indiana to one day take over the business.

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.phuketcruisingyachtclub.org

LAT N 07.49.463 LONG E 098.20.758

PCYC Members benefits

Discounts include 15 % off from Rolly Tasker (only club offering this promotion), then Royal Phuket Marina gives 20% on haul outs and work on the hard, and a PCYC member can also get a 20 % discount on marina berths and F & B at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club our sister club. Major Phuket chandleries like AME, Boat Marine, Tops Marine and Surapol all give discounts and Chao Fa East Auto Parts gives up to 20% on oil-belts, filters, tools, and diesel algae killer to PCYC card-carrying members. Check out the PCYC web page for full details.

As there has been some speculation in the past few weeks as to changes/ restrictions in Thailand for foreign flagged vessels, it is hoped the following information will help clarify current protocols.

As of 1 May, 2021, all arriving yachts must undertake 15 days quarantine on board (16 days / 15 nights) and must use an approved agent for the quarantine check in process. Approved agent in Thailand, Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) Phuket and APS company co-founder Gordon Fernandes, outlined current protocol in Phuket.

Before arriving at a Thai port your agent can assist with the required Certificate of Entry (CoE). This must be applied for around two weeks in advance, with another three days needed by the Consulate for approval after your documents are completed. Note: some yachts coming from Malaysia have been given special dispensation based on short notice given to depart Malaysia.

Visas are also required, and again, your agent can assist you.

The Special Tourist Visa (STV), re-introduced for yachts arriving in Phuket until 30th October 2021, is the favored Visa by Captains and Owner and with this you receive 90 days on arrival with the option to extend up to 270 days.

All crew must have health insurance for at least 100,000 US dollars and cover Covid-19. This can be arranged through Asia Pacific Superyachts.

Vessels must operate their Automatic Identification System (AIS) at all times in order to be able to track the vessel’s position from the country of origin to Thailand and during quarantine at the anchorage point.

The crew and passengers of each entering vessel must undergo a mandatory 15-day quarantine on board their own vessels in a designated anchorage: The quarantine locations are in Pattaya and in Phuket.

All aboard must wear “smart wristbands” to track their location and health while observing their mandatory 15-day quarantine and crew must undergo 3 separate Covid-19 RT-PCR tests:

– first test on the day the vessel enters Thailand (can omit the first time if crew have negative test

certificate for COVID-19 taken within 72 hours before entering the country);

– second test in the middle of quarantine;

– third and final test at the end of the quarantine period.

During quarantine, the delivery of supplies to the vessel and management of waste from the vessel shall be carried out by the agent and passengers and crew are prohibited from leaving the vessel during quarantine.

After quarantine, if no COVID-19 infection is detected, the vessel and all aboard must move to a marina with confirmation of a prepaid berth for one day to meet the agent and confirm the formalities.

Owners are now permitted to fly into Thailand and quarantine on their yachts.

The government has agreed to reopen the resort island of Phuket to vaccinated international tourists with no quarantine from July 1^st, subject to the island’s own vaccine roll-out. This still needs to be approved by cabinet, but it is likely this will apply to yacht tourists as well.

As of October 1, 2021, if the plan proves successful, the quarantine requirement will be removed for vaccinated tourists in Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi, Pattaya, Phang Na, and Phuket. Thus both the western Andaman Sea (Phuket) and eastern Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui) will be open to yachts.

Thailand plans to lift all quarantine requirements for foreign visitors in 2022.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big effect on the Thai economy and the tourism industry, especially in Phuket, a destination dependent on foreign tourists”, said Tanyuta Singhmanee (Jojo), Managing Director of Asia Pacific Superyachts and also representing the Thai Yachting Business Association (TYBA).

“We have not found any yacht tourists infected so far and we expect that there will be about 100 yachts, bringing 300-500 tourists to Thailand in 2021”.

www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com

The good people at Asia Pacific Superyachts have come up with the following list of “Top 10 Island Yachting Destinations in Thailand”.
The Kingdom of Thailand in Southeast Asia is surrounded inland by Myanmar (Burma), Laos, and Cambodia with the other part lying on the Malay Peninsula and neighbouring Malaysia. This area also divides Thailand into two important areas for visiting motor & sail yachts & superyachts — the eastern Gulf of Thailand and the western Andaman Sea.
For future voyage planning, there’s really no better place to experience life on a yacht than the ‘Land of Smiles’ with its beautiful expanses of calm turquoise water, postcard-perfect islands and famed Thai hospitality and cuisine. The length of the Thai coastline stretches approximately 3,200 km and is a paradise for yachties. Thailand’s top 10 island visits follow as suggested by longtime expert superyacht professionals and residents, Gordon Fernandes and Captain Charlie Dwyer, Asia Pacific Superyachts co-founders, along with Captain Scott Walker.

1. Phuket
The ‘Superyacht Hub of Southeast Asia’ has four world class marinas northeast of the island with berths in a variety of sizes. Two marinas in Phuket offers deep water access to accommodate ships that are over 80 meters in length. Gordon Fernandes (APS) can arrange all services from arrival to delivery to custom itinerary to departure. Phuket is world recognised for its vibrant and cosmopolitan resort life, luxury spas and famed Thai cuisine, from street stalls to fine dining. The country’s definitive yachting and luxury lifestyle events are held in Phuket with boat shows welcoming thousands of visitors and internationally recognized regattas that draw in participants from around the world.

2. Surin and Similan Islands
The Similan and Surin Islands are among the world’s top dive destinations; a group of nine islands northwest of Phuket with beautiful coral reefs and numerous fish species. Stunning above and below the waves, the warm tropical waters around these islands are teeming with aquatic life. Marine life regularly spotted amongst the corals around the Similan Islands include moray eels, leopard sharks, sea turtles, snappers and barracudas. In the waters further north around the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock, whale sharks are often seen amongst the angelfish and parrotfish.

3. Phang Nga Bay
The World Heritage Site between Phuket and the western coast of mainland Thailand boasts of a 200-metre long cave tunnel from Koh Phanak to Khao Phing Kan and the island of the James Bond film, “The Man with the Golden Gun”. Phang Nga Bay’s distinctive feature is the sheer limestone karsts that jut vertically out of the emerald-green water, covering an area of 400 sq km, with around 100 islands.

4. Koh Phi Phi
Two of the biggest islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh – have spectacular cliffs, dive spots and lots of other uninhabited islands to explore. Phi Phi is a group of six islands, the two main islands are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The smaller uninhabited Phi Phi Leh hosts stunningly beautiful bays and beaches including the world-famous Maya Bay, where “The Beach” (with Leonardo Di Caprio) was filmed.

5. Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe belongs to a group of 51 islands comprising the Butang Archipelago and belongs to the Adang-Rawi Archipelago, situated on the outskirts of the Tarutao National Marine Park. Originally it was only inhabited by Sea Gypsies, the Chao Ley who gave the island its name. The island and its surroundings are quite famous for snorkelling and scuba diving and its coral reefs are easy to reach as they start just a few metres away from each of the four main island beaches.

6. Hua Hin
Hua Hin is one of the top tourist destinations of Thailand with many attractions and activities – plus it isn’t far from Bangkok. The city has many beautiful beaches, mountains, viewpoints, Temples, night markets, water parks, and fine dining. There’s some great inland activities such as golfing at some of Thailand’s most renowned courses. Just down the coast at Takiab Bay, visitors can take seaside horseback rides and visit a hilltop Buddhist temple with a spectacular view.

7. Koh Samui
The country’s second largest island is popular for its white sand beaches and luxury five-star resorts & villas, gourmet dining, open-air markets and upscale health spas. Beautiful anchorages and all services can be arranged with Captain Charlie (APS) along with provisions, fuel and a custom itinerary. From the inner jungle to the serene beauty of the south shore, to the lively yet relaxed atmosphere of Lamai Beach, the hustle and bustle of Chaweng Beach, the timeless feel of Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village and to the tropical beach paradise of Maenam, Samui is unique among Thailand’s islands in maintaining a broad appeal for everyone.

8. Ang Thong National Marine Park, Koh Tao & Koh Phangan
A great voyage is to journey down the east side of Samui past Koh Katen and up around the 5 islands to Ang Thong National Marine Park archipelago to anchor. Then up to Koh Tao, down to Koh Phangan and back to Samui. The Marine Park with its 81 uninhabited islands has amazing hikes and kayaking (through caves). Then off to Koh Tao, a world famous top dive spot and then Koh Pha Ngan’s beautiful beaches, perfect for an SUP or kayak exploration of its scenic coastlines before the short hop back to Koh Samui.

9. Pattaya
This vibrant coastal city is only 147km from Bangkok, the closest of Thailand’s major beach resorts to the capital city. Ocean Marina Yacht Club stands is one of Asia’s largest marinas and offers full facilities. The Royal Varuna Yacht Club is Thailand’s premiere sailing club and the prestigious organizer of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, located nearby between Pattaya and Jomtien.

10. Koh Chang
Known also as ‘Elephant Island’, Koh Chang is located around 300 kilometres east of Bangkok in Trat Province, in the Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian border. Part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park, from jungle covered mountain peaks to sweeping bays, great waterfalls to flourishing coral reefs, Koh Chang has retained its remote and rugged character. With an area covering approximately 212 square kilometres, 70% is covered in rainforests, mountains and beaches.

NOTE: As of July 1st a plan named the ‘Phuket Sandbox’ will allow vaccinated international visitors to roam the island without having to quarantine for 14 days. The plan allows for tourists fully inoculated with World Health Organization-approved vaccines to spend 14 days on Phuket without having to be confined to a hotel room. After two weeks and multiple Covid-19 tests, the tourists, who must be from countries considered at low or medium risk for the coronavirus, will be allowed to travel to the rest of Thailand.

www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com

One yacht, one person on board = THB53,650 per boat

PRICE INCLUDES
•  RT-PCR Test on board 3 times
•  Day O (on arrival), Day 3-5 & Day 9-10
•  GPS Wristband period 15 days
•  Transfer Boat for Doctor & Team 3 times
•  Ao Po Jetty Fee
•  Management Fee by Authorized Agent
•  Documentation Fee
•  Certificate of Entry (COE) Application
•  Special Tourist Visa (STV) Visa on arrival for 1st time (period 90 days) only
•  Check in Fee with various authorities

DOES NOT INCLUDE:
1. Health Insurance policies which cover COVID-19 treatment and have minimum coverage of USD100,000 per person for the duration of their stay
2. Marina fee for berthing after quarantine is done
3. Overtime Surcharges, Public Holidays, SAT, SUN
4. Extension boat visa
5. Extension STV Visa or Exemption Visa
6. Garbage Disposal
7. Provision Supply
8. Telemedicine THB1,000 per first 30 minutes, additional THB300 per 10 minutes
9. Emergency Ambulance
10. Other charges that occur will be charged to your account
11. Bank charges if money transferred from overseas

• Please note the prices quoted above are guides and prices may vary from agent to agent

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The yacht gets 6 months and a extension of a further 24 months. If you have the right visa you can get up to 12 months. If you are on a retirement visa you get 12 months and the visa is renewable inside of Thailand (a visa agent can help sort that). You can also get a student visa to learn a language that is good for 12 months.

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List of auhtorized agents
Asia Pacific Superyacht Services Co., Ltd. –
[email protected] (also deals with normal small cruising boats)

•  Asia Yacht Agency Co Ltd – [email protected]
•  Porntip Logistics Co.,Ltd. – [email protected]
•  Seal Superyachts Co., Ltd – [email protected]
•  Yacht Concierge (Thailand) Ltd., Part. – [email protected]