Pacific 62 Yacht Delivery – Opua to Bundaberg, Final Approach

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This final leg of a Pacific 62 yacht delivery from Opua to Bundaberg saw a marked improvement in conditions after several days of unsettled Tasman Sea weather.

Overnight, the adverse systems cleared. We settled into light headwinds of approximately 5 knots with a 1.5–2 metre ocean swell on the starboard aft quarter. In these conditions, the Pacific 62 tracked cleanly and efficiently, maintaining an average cruising speed of around 9 knots — appropriate for fuel management and mechanical longevity on a passage of this length.

Sea State and Vessel Performance

With the swell on the quarter, the yacht rode comfortably. At one stage, even after reducing revs, we recorded a top surfing speed of 24.4 knots while descending a larger set. While this is not a sustained operating speed, it reflects hull efficiency and sea state alignment rather than aggressive throttle input.

For deliveries across the Tasman Sea, especially from Northland to Queensland, speed management is deliberate. The objective is controlled arrival in Bundaberg with systems intact and no unnecessary mechanical strain.

Offshore Traffic and Routing

Traffic has been minimal offshore. Our first visual contact since departing Opua last Thursday was a tanker approximately 8 nautical miles off the port beam — visible on radar before visual confirmation.

We passed within 12 nautical miles of Lord Howe Island, though weather conditions prevented visual contact. Routing near Lord Howe is common on Opua to Bundaberg yacht deliveries, depending on prevailing systems and fuel strategy.

As we close the Queensland coastline, AIS density has increased significantly. Fishing vessels and commercial traffic are more frequent approaching the Australian continental shelf. Night watches require heightened vigilance in this corridor, particularly with mixed-speed traffic operating outside structured shipping lanes.

Arrival Planning – Bundaberg

ETA into Bundaberg is forecast for approximately 0800–0900 local time tomorrow morning.

Bundaberg is a logical Australian landfall for yachts arriving from New Zealand due to:

  • Customs and biosecurity clearance facilities

  • Marina access suitable for larger motor yachts

  • Proximity to the Great Barrier Reef cruising grounds

  • Positioning for onward movement to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or Sydney

Final tasks prior to arrival include freshwater cockpit washdown to remove accumulated spray and standard arrival systems checks.

Tasman Sea Delivery Context

The Tasman Sea remains one of the more demanding regional crossings in Australasia. Weather windows dictate departure timing from Opua, and flexibility is essential. Systems can clear quickly, but only after structured passage planning and disciplined watchkeeping through unsettled periods.

Yacht Delivery Solutions manages professional yacht deliveries between New Zealand and Australia, including routes such as:

  • Opua to Bundaberg

  • Auckland to Brisbane

  • Whangarei to the Gold Coast

  • Sydney to Fiji

We specialise in vessels over 45 feet — both sail and power — operating across the Tasman Sea, South Pacific, and Southeast Asia.

This delivery concludes with controlled conditions and planned arrival, which is the objective of every professional yacht relocation.


Location: Bundaberg Central QLD 4670, Australia

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