Departed Kota Kinabalu bound for Darwin

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Departing Kota Kinabalu – A Challenging Start for the Granocean W60 Delivery


We've departed Kota Kinabalu, marking the beginning of the next leg of this Granocean W60 catamaran delivery. Our final hours in port were spent efficiently, with a complete top-off of our diesel tanks, followed by the essential process of clearing out with immigration. By approximately 16:00, we cast off our lines and set a course northward, heading for the northern tip of Borneo.

Unfortunately, our initial progress has been directly into a brisk headwind and a short, uncomfortable sea chop. This combination makes for a particularly challenging ride, exacerbated by the substantial extra fuel we're carrying for the long journey ahead. To mitigate the impact on the Granocean W60 and ensure a more manageable passage for the crew, we've had to implement a zig-zag course up the coast, attempting to keep the brunt of the chop off our bow. We've also reduced our speed significantly, maintaining a deliberate 3-4 knots to ease the motion and stress on the vessel. This kind of adaptive navigation is crucial for any yacht delivery skipper, especially when facing less-than-ideal conditions, as it prioritizes the safety and integrity of the vessel.

The inherent stability of the Granocean catamaran helps dampen some of the motion, but even with its capabilities, directly heading into a steep chop requires careful management. Our focus remains on maintaining a steady, albeit slower, pace until we can round the corner of Borneo. We anticipate that at some point tomorrow, once we clear the geographical influence currently causing this challenging sea state, we'll be able to alter our course, pick up our speed, and resume a more comfortable and efficient transit. This patience and tactical adjustment are key to successful yacht delivery in varied Southeast Asia conditions.

Yacht Delivery Solutions offers expert yacht delivery skipper services for any sail or power boat delivery across Southeast Asia and all the way to New Zealand. Our professional teams specialize in efficient and safe transit for vessels like the Granocean W60 and other catamaran delivery projects. Contact us to discuss your vessel's delivery needs.


Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

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