Hi, fellow sea lovers! Your mates here at Yacht Delivery Solutions, back with another tale from the high seas. This time, we’re swapping the familiar waters of NZ and AU for a spicier adventure: a yacht delivery from the vibrant shores of Phuket, Thailand, all the way to the stunning Subic Bay in the Philippines. 
And the vessel for this tropical jaunt? None other than the sleek and capable Seawind 1260 catamaran.
Embarking on a yacht delivery in Southeast Asia is always a unique thrill. It’s a region teeming with ancient maritime history, breathtaking landscapes, and a kaleidoscope of cultures. But, as any seasoned delivery skipper will tell you, it also comes with its own set of challenges – from navigating bustling shipping lanes to understanding the whims of tropical weather. So, let us take you through the prep, the passage, and the sheer joy of sailing these incredible waters.
The Star of the Show: A Look at the Seawind 1260
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the voyage, let’s talk about our ride: the Seawind 1260. We’ve had the pleasure of delivering a fair few catamarans in our time – from Lagoons and Fountaine Pajots across the Tasman to Leopards heading for the Pacific Islands – and the Seawind series always impresses.
The Seawind 1260, an Australian-designed beauty, is a popular choice for cruising families and charter companies alike, and for good reason. For a yacht delivery skipper, it offers a fantastic balance of performance, comfort, and practicality. This particular model was a well-maintained example, which always makes our job a bit smoother.
What we love about the Seawind 1260:
- Performance: These cats can sail! With a decent sail plan and responsive steering, the 1260 moves surprisingly well, even in lighter airs. We weren’t expecting to break any speed records, especially with a delivery mindset focused on preservation, but she certainly didn’t disappoint when the breeze filled in. Her ability to point relatively high for a cruising cat is also a bonus.
- Living Space: The signature Seawind saloon layout, with its tri-folding doors, truly opens up the boat, blurring the lines between the cockpit and the interior. This creates an incredible entertaining space and fantastic airflow – a godsend in the tropical humidity of Southeast Asia. The galley-down configuration in some models might not be for everyone, but it frees up saloon space, and on this particular boat, it was well-equipped and practical for passage-making.
- Build Quality: Seawinds are known for their robust construction. They feel solid and dependable, which is exactly what you want when you’re hundreds of miles from shore. The deck hardware is generally well-placed and sturdy.
- Visibility: The helm station offers excellent visibility, which is crucial when navigating busy waters or tricky anchorages. The hardtop bimini also provides excellent protection from the sun and rain – and trust me, you get plenty of both in this part of the world!
For a yacht delivery mission like this one, where you’re covering significant distances and need a reliable platform, the Seawind 1260 ticks a lot of boxes. It’s comfortable enough for the crew to live on for extended periods, capable enough to handle a variety of conditions, and has enough storage for all the spares and provisions needed. If you’re considering a catamaran for cruising Asian waters or further afield into the South Pacific, the Seawind 1260 is definitely one to have on your list.
Yacht Delivery Prep in Phuket
Phuket is a fantastic departure point – a major hub for yachting in Southeast Asia, meaning access to services and supplies is generally good. However, you can’t take anything for granted. Our pre-departure checklist is as long as a dugong’s memory, and for good reason.
- Engines and Mechanicals: The twin Yanmars on this Seawind 1260 were given a thorough going-over. Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, fuel, and saltwater), impeller checks, belt inspections – the full works. We ran them up to temperature, checking for any unusual noises or vibrations. The sail drives were inspected, and we made sure the props were clean and free of any marine growth. It’s amazing how much a few barnacles can slow you down and guzzle fuel!
- Rigging: Although a relatively new boat, we still gave the rigging a meticulous inspection. Every swage, split pin, and shackle was checked for wear, chafe, or damage. We tensioned the rig as per manufacturer specs and ensured all running rigging was in good order, paying particular attention to reefing lines – you don’t want to be struggling with a jammed reefing line when a squall hits!
- Electronics: Navigation lights, VHF radio, AIS, chart plotter, autopilot, radar – everything was switched on, tested, and re-tested. We ensured the chart plotter had the latest charts for the entire region, including detailed charts for potential stopovers like Singapore or anchorages in the Anambas or Natuna Islands (popular spots for those sailing in Asia!).
- Sails: The main and genoa were hoisted and inspected for any tears, loose stitching, or chafe. We paid close attention to the UV strips, as the tropical sun can be brutal on sails.
- Steering: We checked the entire steering system, from the wheels to the rudders, looking for any play or stiffness. Rudder stocks and bearings were also inspected.
- Through-Hulls and Bilge Pumps: Every seacock was operated to ensure it opened and closed smoothly. Bilge pumps (both manual and electric) were tested, and float switches checked. A dry boat is a happy boat, and a happy boat makes for a happy delivery skipper!
This pre-departure phase is critical. It’s where you catch potential problems before they become big problems offshore. It’s not the most glamorous part of yacht delivery, but it’s arguably the most important.
Delivery Skipper Stock Up
With the boat in tip-top shape, it was time to stock up. Provisioning for a multi-week voyage requires careful planning, especially when considering the tropical climate and the (sometimes limited) availability of certain items en route.
- Food, Glorious Food: We planned for at least an extra week’s worth of food beyond our estimated passage time – you never know when you might encounter delays. Lots of non-perishables, of course: rice, pasta, canned goods (tuna, beans, tomatoes, coconut milk for those Thai curries we were already missing!). We also stocked up on fresh fruit and vegetables that would last, like onions, potatoes, garlic, apples, and oranges. Vacuum packing meat and pre-chopping veggies before departure saves a lot of time and mess underway.
- Hydration Station: Water is life, especially in the tropics. The Seawind 1260 had a decent water tank capacity, but we also carried plenty of bottled water as a backup and for easy access. Electrolyte powders are also a must to combat dehydration in the heat.
- The Snack Stash: Crucial for morale! Biscuits (sweet and savoury), nuts, dried fruit, chocolate (kept in the fridge, naturally!), and a good supply of coffee and tea. One trip, years ago, on a delivery from Fiji to Auckland, we somehow miscalculated the coffee supply. Let me tell you, a coffee-starved crew by day three is not a pretty sight. Lesson learned: always triple-check the coffee!
- Dietary Needs: We always check with the crew for any allergies or dietary restrictions. On this trip, one crew member was gluten-intolerant, which meant careful label-reading and ensuring we had plenty of gluten-free pasta, bread, and snacks. It’s all part of ensuring a happy and healthy ship.
Provisioning in Phuket is generally good, with large supermarkets and local markets offering a wide variety. 
We always try to buy local and fresh where possible. And yes, a good supply of Thai green curry paste was definitely on the list!
Charting the Course: Navigating the Asian Waters – Phuket to Subic Bay
The passage from Phuket, Thailand, to Subic Bay, Philippines, is a fascinating one, cutting across major shipping routes and influenced by distinct monsoon seasons. It’s roughly a 1500-2000 nautical mile journey, depending on the exact route.
- Route Options: The route takes you from Phuket through the Malacca Strait. The Malacca Strait is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, requiring extreme vigilance. From there, it’s generally a northeastward course across the South China Sea, aiming for the west coast of Luzon in the Philippines.
- Weather Windows & Monsoons: This is where understanding the local weather patterns is paramount. Southeast Asia is dominated by two main monsoons:
- Northeast Monsoon (Amihan): Typically from November to May. This brings cooler, drier air and more settled conditions, with winds generally from the northeast. For our passage, this would be the preferred season, especially for the West Philippine Sea leg, offering favourable downwind or broad reaching conditions towards the Philippines.
- Southwest Monsoon (Habagat): Typically from June to October. This brings warmer, moist air, stronger southwesterly winds, and a higher chance of squalls and tropical depressions. Heading northeast during the Habagat would mean a lot of upwind sailing, which is not ideal for a delivery focused on timely and safe arrival.
- Cyclone Season: The typhoon season in the Western Pacific (which includes the Philippines) officially runs from May to October, with the peak usually between July and September. This is a major consideration. Careful weather routing and access to reliable forecasts are essential. We use services like PredictWind and Starlink for up-to-date weather GRIB files and satellite imagery.
Our target departure was set to align with the latter part of the Northeast Monsoon, hoping for favorable winds and avoiding the main typhoon season. Even then, the South China Sea can be unpredictable, with localized squalls building up quickly. Constant weather monitoring is key.
- Navigational Aids & Challenges:
- Shipping Traffic: As mentioned, the Malacca Strait and parts of the South China Sea are like maritime highways. A good AIS transceiver (send and receive) and radar are indispensable. Keeping a vigilant watch, especially at night, is non-negotiable.
- Fishing Fleets & FADs: Southeast Asian waters are rich fishing grounds. This means numerous fishing boats (often not displaying correct lights or showing up well on AIS/radar) and Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) which can be unlit and a hazard. Prudent navigation involves giving these areas a wide berth where possible, especially at night.
- Shallow Patches & Reefs: While the main shipping channels are well-charted, if you’re island hopping or ducking into anchorages, careful study of charts is vital. Places like the Anambas Islands or Palawan in the Philippines offer incredible cruising grounds but require careful navigation.
Malacca Strait and Piracy
Beyond the usual offshore challenges, this particular route has a few specific things to keep in mind:
- The Malacca Strait: If transiting the strait, it’s not just the sheer volume of commercial traffic. You also have currents, potential for haze from land fires in Sumatra (reducing visibility), and numerous small fishing boats. It demands 24/7 vigilance.
- Piracy and Security: While the situation has improved significantly in areas like the Malacca Strait due to increased patrols, certain parts of Southeast Asia have historically had piracy concerns, particularly in more remote archipelagos or areas with political instability. We always conduct a thorough risk assessment, consult the latest security reports (e.g., from IMB Piracy Reporting Centre), and plan our route accordingly, often sticking to recognised sea lanes and avoiding known hotspots. For this route, the main concern would be further east in the Sulu Sea, well south of our track to Subic Bay. However, maintaining vigilance, especially at night, is always prudent.
- Unpredictable Squalls: The South China Sea is notorious for them. These can build rapidly, bringing strong winds and torrential rain. Keeping a good lookout, monitoring the radar for rain cells, and being ready to reef sails quickly is standard procedure.
- Debris: Unfortunately, like many oceans, you can encounter floating debris, especially after heavy rains wash it out from rivers. This can range from small plastic items to larger logs, posing a hazard to props and rudders.
Journey’s End and Final Thoughts
After many days at sea, navigating through starry nights and sunny days (with the odd squall thrown in for good measure!), the sight of the lush green mountains surrounding Subic Bay is always a welcome one. Clearing customs and immigration in the Philippines is usually a straightforward process, and Subic Bay offers excellent facilities for yachts.
Delivering the Seawind 1260 from Phuket to Subic Bay was another successful chapter in our logbook. It’s a passage that showcases the beauty and diversity of sailing in Asia, from the bustling energy of Thailand to the welcoming shores of the Philippines. Along the way, you might pass by incredible cruising destinations like Langkawi in Malaysia, the Anambas or Natuna Islands in Indonesia, or even skirt the coast of Vietnam, each offering unique experiences for those with more time to explore. Palawan in the Philippines is another world-class destination not far from Subic Bay.
This journey, like any long-distance yacht delivery, is a testament to good planning, a well-prepared boat, a capable crew, and a healthy respect for the sea. It highlights the importance of understanding regional weather patterns, being meticulous with pre-departure checks, and having robust safety and communication systems in place.
If you’re looking to move your pride and joy, whether it’s a catamaran like the Seawind 1260, a sleek monohull, or a sturdy motor yacht, Yacht Delivery Solutions are your experts.
We specialise in yacht delivery throughout New Zealand, Australia, the South Pacific, and, as you’ve just read, right up into Asia. Our experienced delivery skippers know these waters, understand the vessels, and are committed to getting your boat to its destination safely and efficiently.
Until the next adventure, fair winds and following seas!