In Hong Kong commissioning "Pikorua"


Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024 Location: Hong Kong

The Intricacies of Commissioning in Hong Kong

Granocean W60 in Hong Kong being prepared for the delivery by yacht delivery solutionsGreetings from a bustling Hong Kong! It's Saturday, November 23rd. The Yacht Delivery Solutions team has been immersed for over two weeks in the detailed process of commissioning "Pikorua," a stunning new 2024 Granocean W60 destined for Sydney. Our temporary home is a barge in the Kwun Tong typhoon shelter, a far cry from a typical marina – no shore power, no water hookups, and the constant rhythm of nearby construction. Even simple trips ashore require hailing a local sampan to avoid the barnacle-encrusted seawalls.

Commissioning: More Than Just Checks Commissioning a brand-new yacht, especially one of this complexity, goes far beyond simple pre-departure checks. It's a meticulous process managed by Yacht Delivery Solutions, involving activating, testing, and calibrating every system onboard – from engines and generators to navigation electronics, plumbing, and safety gear. It often feels like peeling an onion; resolving one item can reveal another needing attention. Our extensive experience in commissioning new builds means we have robust procedures to systematically work through the manufacturer's and our own checklists, ensuring the vessel is not just operational, but truly ready for demanding offshore passages. We've been testing systems like the watermaker, autopilot under load and fine-tuning settings.

Navigating Local Waters (and Red Tape!) 

We're now nearly ready to depart, but Hong Kong's administrative landscape adds another layer. Departure protocols have tightened significantly since previous visits; what was once a 24-hour notice period now requires 72 hours for the vessel and 24 hours for crew. It's a reminder that local knowledge and experience, which Yacht Delivery Solutions prioritises, are crucial for navigating not just the waterways but also the paperwork efficiently in different international ports.

Waiting on Weather and Washing the Decks.

The weather has also been a major factor. Despite the official end of the cyclone season, a series of systems have stalled our departure, bringing strong winds and high seas across our intended path towards the Philippines – not conditions you want for a new boat's first offshore test. On top of that, the Hong Kong environment itself presents challenges. Recent smog followed by rain coated "Pikorua" in a layer of black grime. Getting the new gelcoat clean has taken serious effort, underscoring the need for robust cleaning supplies onboard!

We are now closely watching the weather forecasts, eager for a suitable window to begin the passage south.


Signed, The Yacht Delivery Solutions Team


Yacht Delivery Solutions provides professional sail and power boat delivery services throughout Asia and the South Pacific. Learn more: https://yachtdeliverysolutions.asia


  


Location: Hong Kong

Comments

  1. Griff23 November 2024 at 16:03

    Mate - you wouldn't believe this, but this morning I was re-reading my blurb that I was writing of our trip. I had a dream during the night and had this super strong urge to relive some of the memories. Bleedin' amazing I tell ya'. :-) :-) There's still so much to fill in (we were still heading towards Brisbane when I stopped writing, and there is so much to write about our 'pre-departure' time). I'm going to get onto that when I have time - meanwhile we're cracking on with Bertie the Bus hoping to finish him over Christmas. Take care mate. Love ya' G n Vxx

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