Skip to main content

Passage Plans of Mice and Men.

Delivery life is all about making plans, but as any seasoned sailor knows, the sea itself can be a fickle mistress. This trip is a perfect example of why flexibility is as important as a well-charted course.

We set sail from Medana Bay with our sights set on Dili, Timor-Leste. A low-pressure system only a few hundred miles south had us keeping a watchful eye on the ever-evolving forecasts. As predicted, the system tracked south, with an extended forecast hinting at a possible cyclone forming next weekend in the Torres Strait.

Our initial plan was to head towards Dili, using it as a safe haven if the weather turned nasty. But then, opportunity popped its head above the waves. A five-day window of favorable winds opened up, making a direct shot to Darwin an irresistible option.

This presented a strategic shift.  Sure, we'd miss Dili for now, but Darwin offers a perfect pitstop to reassess the situation. We can wait out any potential bad weather, analyze the latest forecasts for the Torres Strait, and then, when the time is right, make a dash for Fiji, putting some serious miles under our keel.

This is the essence of yacht delivery – being prepared to adapt to ever-changing conditions.  While a well-defined plan is crucial, the ability to read the sea, interpret forecasts, and seize opportunities is what separates *ahem* good skippers from great ones.  

So, here we are, heading towards Darwin with a sense of cautious optimism. We'll keep you updated on our progress and the ever-shifting weather patterns. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this nautical adventure!

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Last 24hrs

This is our last full day and night at sea. Tomorrow, we'll be tied up in the marina in Tahiti , and I'll be turning off the engines for the last time. The main and headsail will be dropped and stowed away, and I won't be touching the sheets or halyards again. It feels peculiar to think that Namarie and I have kept each other safe throughout this incredible journey, and in a few days, I'll be on a plane heading home. On this yacht delivery Namarie and I started in the Bay of Biscay and headed south into the Atlantic, getting to know each other along the way. We made a brief stop in the Canary Islands, our last contact with Europe before heading further south and leaving footprints in the red dust of Cape Verde. We left West Africa behind and headed further west across the Atlantic, dodging hurricanes and grabbing fuel and provisions in the southern end of the Caribbean. From there, we pushed onwards through the Caribbean Sea to Panama and the canal. Pretty soon after, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Off We Go

The dream of a seamless yacht delivery aboard the Fontaine Pajot 47 seemed like a solid plan. However, life, with its unpredictable currents, threw us a curveball. My trusted crewmate was struck by the ever-present Covid! Even though he's as tough as old sea boots, it definitely slowed him down. The pre-departure days were a delicate balancing act. While the initial concerns about a sick crewmate were undeniable, a strong sense of purpose took hold. Provisioning, finalizing paperwork, and familiarizing myself with Namarie became a mission with Craig putting in 110% effort despite his 20% health. Constant communication with my recuperating crewmate ensured a smooth handover of duties, keeping the team spirit alive despite maintaining physical separation and wearing masks. Stepping aboard Namarie, the initial awe at her sleek lines and luxurious interior was palpable. However, the euphoria was tempered by a healthy dose of respect for the vessel's complexity. The sophisticated na...
Post a Comment
Read more

Jobs Done!

We made it! Namarie is now safely tied up in the marina in Tahiti, and we're about to do the handover and fly home. I couldn't have done this without the help of two absolutely fantastic crew members who each sailed a quarter of the way around the world. Throughout the entire trip, there hasn't been a single harsh word spoken, and everyone has been eager and enthusiastic to do whatever was necessary. Craig and Adam have been invaluable, contributing their positive energy and good humor. I'm incredibly grateful for their commitment to this adventure. I've learned a lot on this voyage and am extremely grateful for not only the company but also the can-do attitude and support. The blog will be taking a break for a while, as will I. However, I plan to share occasional updates until the next delivery. By then, I hope my creative juices will be topped up and ready to go.
Post a Comment
Read more