The last 24 hours have delivered strong and consistent progress, with 163 nautical miles logged, placing the vessel firmly on schedule for arrival into Port Vila the following day. This level of daily run reflects stable conditions and efficient sail handling, and it positions the vessel well for a timely clearance and dockage on arrival.
The passage period itself has been largely uneventful — a desirable outcome on any offshore delivery. Sail was carried for most of the day, with conditions remaining stable enough to maintain steady averages without unnecessary strain on the vessel or crew.
After nine days at sea, the rhythm of four-hour watch cycles compresses the perception of time. While days tend to blend together, vessel performance, log data, and weather trends provide the objective markers that matter operationally.
Weather Management and Power Use
Weather conditions over the previous day were warm but manageable, with intermittent cloud cover moderating temperatures. Power management remained conservative. While air conditioning was available, reduced ambient temperatures meant there was no operational justification to run the generator purely for comfort, preserving fuel reserves for later stages of the passage.
This type of discretionary power management becomes increasingly important on longer legs, particularly when subsequent fuel availability and distances between ports are known constraints.
Clearance Planning and AIS Considerations
Arrival planning for Port Vila includes preparation for local clearance procedures. One anticipated point of discussion is the vessel’s AIS configuration, which operates as a standalone unit rather than being integrated into the charting system. In some jurisdictions, authorities request visual confirmation of AIS identifiers displayed on multifunction screens, which is not always possible depending on system architecture.
This is not uncommon on offshore yachts, particularly those with redundant or independently installed navigation electronics. Clear explanations and supporting documentation generally resolve the issue, but allowance is made for minor delays during formalities.
Similar clearance dynamics are encountered throughout the region. In Southeast Asia, inspections can be procedural rather than technical, with authorities requesting photographic documentation of machinery components regardless of propulsion type. Adaptability and calm handling of these processes are part of operating professionally across multiple jurisdictions.
Next Phase of the Delivery
On arrival in Port Vila, planned operations include:
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Refuelling
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Hull inspection and cleaning
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Final preparation for the remaining approximately 1,000 nautical miles to Brisbane
With the vessel performing well and conditions remaining stable, the focus remains on maintaining schedule flexibility while preserving mechanical margins for the final offshore leg.