I recently came across an Aussie homegrown solution for a remote controller for the Raymarine auto-helms. It is made in different configs by Madman Marine electronics.
http://www.madmanmarine.com
I bought and installed the model (AP-WRC3i) which works with an iPhone or iPad app called iSteer. It works and an absolute treat. Could be really useful on long hauls here you may need to seek shelter of the cabin and occasionally alter course from there. There is also a dedicated fob model if you are not a iThingy user.
Highly recommended if this is your type of thing.
Best
Mark