Pacific 62 Yacht Delivery – Tasman Sea Low Pressure Monitoring
Mid-passage on this Pacific 62 yacht delivery from Opua to Bundaberg - conditions have shifted from manageable following swell to more dynamic quartering seas. Overnight wind remained moderate at 10–15 knots, but 2–2.5 metre swell from the aft quarter created significant yaw. The vessel was repeatedly lifted and slewed to port before dropping off the back of the wave and attempting to round to starboard. The Garmin autopilot corrected effectively each cycle, but the result was continuous lateral oscillation. This “yo-yo” motion is typical when quartering seas interact with hull form and speed. It is not dangerous when controlled, but it is uncomfortable and requires speed discipline to reduce surf acceleration and stern lift. Speed Control and Surfing Management By midday Saturday wind increased to 20+ knots, with sea state building. With energy from the aft quarter, the Pacific 62 briefly surfed to 17.1 knots. For delivery work, that speed is excessive. Surf-induced accel...