Port Vila and a break from the blog.

We've made it to Port Vila! After a good run, we're safely in port.

Just a quick note to let you know that this will be the last "Yacht Delivery Blog" post for a few days. Since we're in port, it doesn't really count as part of the delivery voyage, so I'm going to take a bit of a break from the updates.

Port Vila is showing the signs of recent hardship. The damage from the earthquake is quite apparent. The seawall in the marina has collapsed and is currently under repair, which is causing some disruption. In fact, a significant portion of the town is fenced off, making access very restricted. You can't even drive through most of town. It's a reminder of the challenges faced by the local community and on top of the twin cyclones (Kevin and Judy) in 3 days in 2023 poor old Vila has been pretty smashed .

We'll be busy here prepping for the next leg, getting the hull cleaned for biosecurity in Australia, and taking care of some minor repairs. There's always plenty to do!

I'll be back with more updates once we set off on the next stage of the journey. Thanks for following along!

Anchored waiting for clearance in Vila.

Motoring

We've officially crossed the halfway point on our journey to Darwin, and things are looking good. The weather continues to cooperate, offering us smooth motoring so far. However, forecasts predict a shift in wind direction sometime tomorrow, with easterlies potentially changing our arrival time. The stronger the easterlies, the later we'll pull into Darwin. It's going to be time to transfer fuel later and the only pump available in Singapore was a rickety, hand-cranked contraption that leaked like a sieve . Transferring fuel has been a nightmare. It turned a simple task into a full-blown mission, complete with showers for everyone involved afterwards and a thorough boat cleaning session. Thankfully, things are much different now. Thanks to Rhona's keen eye, we snagged a fantastic electric transfer pump in Lombok. This beauty is a dream come true – just two hoses and a simple switch, and we can effortlessly pump 250 liters of fuel in a matter of minutes! Needless to say,...

Arrival in Sydney: Delivery Complete!

This morning, the Excess 14 slid gracefully into her new berth at Middle Harbour Marina, marking the successful completion of her delivery from the Gold Coast. The final approach into Sydney Harbour is always a great sight, a fitting end to a coastal voyage. This passage was a comprehensive real-world test of the boat's capabilities. She proved to be a joy in light airs, demonstrated strength and stability in heavy weather, and showed impressive maneuverability during a tricky docking. It’s clear that the Excess 14 is a versatile and robust catamaran, perfectly suited for everything the Australian coast can throw at it. The final tasks onboard are ones of quiet satisfaction: coiling the lines perfectly, writing up the final log entry, and giving the boat a last clean and polish. For Yacht Delivery Solutions, it's a pleasure and a privilege to deliver a vessel of this quality. Handing her over to the brokers at Flagstaff Marine clean, secure, and ready for her new owners is t...

About Yacht Delivery Solutions: Professionalism on the Water

A successful yacht delivery is more than just moving a boat from Point A to Point B. It’s about professionalism, trust, and a deep respect for the vessel and the owner’s investment. At Yacht Delivery Solutions, these principles form the core of every passage we undertake. Our Expertise We specialize in the delivery of new and brokerage yachts, both sail and power, monohulls and catamarans. Our operational area spans the vast waters of Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia. Our skippers are not just sailors; they are qualified and highly experienced professionals with thousands of offshore miles and an intimate knowledge of the regions we service. Our Services Yacht Delivery: Safe, efficient, and professional delivery of your vessel to any destination in our region. New Yacht Commissioning: We manage the comprehensive process of preparing a brand-new yacht for sea, testing every system to ensure it is ready for its owner. Owner-Assisted Passages: We prov...

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