Yacht Delivery Blog

We're absolutely flying today! Averaging a steady 7 to 7.5 knots, thanks in part to the Volvo (those engine hours are creeping up nicely) and a fantastic push from the following wind. Gusts of up to 24 knots keep things exciting, and every now and then, we catch a wave that propels us forward at a thrilling 10-12 knots – surfing on the open ocean, what a feeling! The wildlife sightings are picking up, too. Yesterday, a pod of dolphins entertained us with their playful antics, and we even spotted a whale cruising by, maybe 150 meters from the boat. The lack of birds, however, is a bit concerning. It always makes me wonder if overfishing has depleted the food sources in these areas. With the absolute game changer of starlink we had a quick chat with the folks at the marina yesterday, and they assured me they'll be waiting with open arms (or maybe an open limo and a brass band, if I'm lucky?). The best part? A noticeable improvement in temperature! Looks like my complain...

Well, we've finally made that long-awaited turn south! No more heading towards New York for us – smooth sailing (literally) towards the Canaries. Dry feet are definitely back on the agenda, much to the relief of our increasingly damp socks. The northerly wind is picking up just as predicted, clocking in at 15-20 knots. While it pushes us nicely in the right direction, the good kind of push also comes with the not-so-good kind of chill. Yesterday, a realization dawned on us – the engines need a 200-hour service as part of the warranty, and they only had about 25 hours on them at the time. So, here we are, juggling a bit of engine time with sail power. We're alternating between running one engine at a time for 6 hours while using just the headsail. This should get us closer to that magic 200-hour mark. Not the most exciting solution, but hey, preventative maintenance is key, right? Speaking of excitement, yesterday did bring a brush with a navy patrol boat. Thankfully, we didn...

Another day aboard Namarie, and we're slowly settling into the rhythm of life at sea. Watches are becoming routine, sleep comes in snatches, and we're gradually getting to grips with the yacht's systems. It's a big difference from admiring her on the dock – everything feels different when you're actually using it out here. We've been making good progress, navigating around that windy zone we mentioned yesterday. This afternoon, we'll be gybing and finally pointing Namarie south towards the Canary Islands. It'll be a long journey, but the promise of warmer weather keeps us motivated. The Canaries will be a welcome pitstop to prepare for the next big leg – the Atlantic crossing westward. While we're there, we also have a few minor projects on the agenda. One of them involves the water tanks. Currently, our two 450-liter tanks are connected, essentially forming one large tank. While convenient, it feels a little risky. A loose hose clamp or a split hose...

The second day aboard the trusty Namarie has been a pleasant one. With a following wind of 15 knots just aft of the beam, we're making good progress westward and staying comfortably dry – no unwanted splashes on deck today, which is helping me keep my feet warm and socks dry. Our destination lies south, where warmer weather awaits. But for now, we're strategically steering clear of the northwestern tip of Spain, where a wind acceleration zone promises gusts of 30-40 knots. Let's just say, that wouldn't exactly help with the dry-foot mission! Everything onboard is running smoothly, and even Craig is doing well after his initial woes – just a lingering cough to contend with now. We're both eagerly anticipating that southward turn for some sunshine and warmth. An additional perk of our offshore route? Avoiding any potential encounters with killer whales, also known as Orcinus orca. Here's a fun fact for you: Orcinus literally translates to "of the kingdom of t...

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...

We are back with an update on the Barnacles delivery journey. As some of you might know, we've encountered a few unexpected delays along the way. While these pushed us to the limit of our initial time frame, we've made some strategic decisions to ensure the yacht's safe and smooth arrival at its final destination. Our arrival in the Torres Strait coincided with the start of the SE trade wind season, and the Southeast Trades were blowing strong across the Coral Sea. As Thursday Island wasn't ideal for waiting out weather, we opted for a collaborative approach. After thorough discussions with everyone involved, we decided to navigate Barnacles down the Queensland coast to Mackay. Why Mackay? Mackay boasts excellent facilities – perfect for getting the yacht back in tip-top shape before tackling the rest of the voyage. While the Indonesian yards provided fantastic service and skilled workers, sometimes a vessel like this requires highly specialized attention. At Mackay Mar...