At Yacht Delivery Solutions we’re always excited to take on a new delivery, but some jobs stand out. This was one of them. We were commissioned by Jason from Dickey Boats in New Zealand to deliver a brand new Pacific 62 from Opua to Bundaberg, Australia. It was an honor to get behind the helm of such a pedigree kiwi-built machine. Our mission was not only to safely transport this stunning vessel but also to get a feel for what makes these boats so special.
Waiting for the Window
The Coral Sea in August can be a challenging place, and this season has been particularly unstable. After a few weeks of carefully monitoring weather charts, we finally identified a solid window for our passage. With our crew assembled, we made our way to Opua to board the boat and Jason was standing by for any questions the skipper or crew may have. Stepping aboard a new boat for the first time is always an exciting moment, and we were immediately impressed by the Pacific 62’s build quality and thoughtful design.
We put the yacht through her paces on a quick coastal run, and it was clear she was an exceptional performer. The way she cut through the water was a preview of the comfortable, confident ride we would experience for the next several days.
Life at Sea
As we headed out from New Zealand and turned west toward Bundaberg, the first night at sea was a familiar mix of nervous excitement and careful routine. We quickly settled into our watches, monitoring the boat’s systems and getting a feel for her rhythm. The days that followed were blissfully uneventful, with the Pacific 62 making steady progress.
We consistently maintained a speed over ground (SOG) of 9 to 10 knots at 1,950 RPM, burning just 8.4 liters per hour on each engine—impressive fuel efficiency for a vessel of this size giving a range of 4000nm for an 18,000kg machine.
A Change of Plans
On the third day of our passage, our offshore weather forecasts, an essential part of any delivery, showed a new low-pressure system forming. Once again starlink proves its worth on an ocean passage and I can’t believe we used to do trips like this without it. This was an exciting new challenge for us! The forecast indicated the low would track southeast across the Coral Sea, bringing strong NW winds and building seas. This is where the true value of an experienced delivery skipper comes into play. We are accustomed to adapting on the fly, and a straight-line course was no longer an option.
Thanks to the Pacific 62’s massive fuel capacity and long-range design and easily driven hull, we had the flexibility to change our route significantly. We decided to adjust our course, heading further southwest toward Lord Howe Island. While our usual strategy is to stay as far north as possible in this region, being adaptable is key to a safe and successful passage.
A Thrilling Ride
As predicted, on day five, the wind and seas started to build. The ECMWF model was spot on, and we were relieved to see the conditions remained behind us. The Pacific 62 truly came into her own. Surfing down the larger waves, our daily average speed shot up as we routinely hit speeds over 14 knots. It was a thrilling experience to feel such a substantial vessel handle these conditions with such grace and capability.
The integrated gyro stabilizer was a game-changer, keeping the boat incredibly stable even in a seaway and ensuring our coffee stayed in its cup! The powerful autopilot held our course with unwavering precision, almost anticipating the boat’s movements and correcting them in advance.
From a skipper’s perspective, the boat’s design is brilliant. The helm is an excellent vantage point for watchkeeping and maneuvering, while the spacious, open-plan saloon flows seamlessly into the large cockpit. The cockpit is perfect for entertaining, with ample seating and a well-positioned table. There is a lot of different types of storage – overhead for fishing rods, and the Lazarette storage bins for all sorts from dive gear to spare parts.
Homeward Bound
After our strategic detour to within 10 nautical miles of Lord Howe Island, the weather gradually improved, allowing us to gradually turn north again. The rest of the passage was a smooth run as this powerful ocean cruiser continued to eat up the miles and bring us closer to her new home.
At Yacht Delivery Solutions, we don’t just deliver yachts; we get to experience firsthand what makes each one unique. The Pacific 62 is a testament to quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design, built for serious offshore cruising. We were honored to be part of her journey, and we look forward to our next adventure.
Thinking about your next delivery or curious about a particular yacht?
Let us know! We are always happy to talk ‘boats and passages’.
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