Navigating Relentless Seas on the Granocean W60 Delivery

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Seeking Shelter on the Granocean W60 Delivery

By Gary, Delivery Skipper at Yacht Delivery Solutions


Yesterday evening brought a significant shift in conditions, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of yacht delivery. The calm seas quickly transformed into a relentless 1-meter short chop, directly on our nose with virtually no distance between the waves. This meant the Granocean W60 would ride up over one wave only to slam unpleasantly into the next, sending sheets of seawater over the entire foredeck and a jarring shudder through the vessel. This kind of motion, common when a catamaran encounters steep head seas, is particularly uncomfortable.

We had to reduce our speed to around 5 knots to mitigate the worst of the slamming. While it certainly helped, the boat still got thrown around quite a bit. Unfortunately, we had no room to maneuver; veering to port would put us across a busy shipping lane and into a reef area, while turning starboard would lead us directly towards the Australian coastline. With no choice but to continue, we pressed on, a testament to the Granocean W60's robust design and the crew's perseverance.


Thankfully, the seas began to calm down this afternoon, allowing us to pick up the pace once again. However, looking at the latest weather forecast map, the outlook remains challenging. Gusts are now predicted to exceed 30 knots, with wave heights increasing to 2.9 meters on the nose – and these can feel up to 50% larger when hitting head-on. This kind of sea state is precisely what we want to avoid for the integrity of the vessel and the comfort of the crew.

After careful consideration, the plan is to take shelter and wait for this system to pass. We've brought the Granocean W60 this far, and we certainly don't want to risk any damage to the boat. I was hoping to make it to Bundaberg, but that's now out of the question. Even Gladstone seems unlikely given the approaching conditions. Rockhampton was the next town I considered, but reaching it before the weather worsened was a 50/50 proposition.

Ultimately, I've decided that Mackay is the most prudent place to stop. We anticipate arriving there sometime tomorrow afternoon. This strategic decision prioritizes safety and the longevity of the vessel, which is paramount for any professional yacht delivery skipper. We're keeping our fingers crossed that this weather system blows through quickly. Even a day or two's reprieve would allow us to get to one of the marinas further south and continue our journey.

In the grand scheme of things, we can't really complain. We've had a remarkably good run of favorable weather for quite some time now on this extensive catamaran delivery from Southeast Asia towards New Zealand.





Facing challenging conditions on a yacht delivery demands expert judgment and strategic planning. 


Yacht Delivery Solutions provides experienced yacht delivery skippers who prioritize the safety and integrity of your vessel, like the Granocean W60, making informed decisions on when to seek shelter. Entrust your catamaran delivery from Southeast Asia to New Zealand or Australia to our professional team. Contact us to discuss your vessel's unique journey.



Location: Mackay QLD, Australia

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