G’day boaties! Here at Yacht Delivery Solutions, we’re not just about getting a vessel from A to B; we’re about the adventure, the meticulous planning, and the sheer joy of navigating some of the world’s most stunning waterways. Recently, we had the pleasure of taking a magnificent Selene 60 trawler yacht on an epic journey from the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong to the enchanting shores of Bali, Indonesia. It was a trip filled with all the hallmarks of a classic delivery: stunning scenery, a few challenges, and the satisfaction of handing over a well-travelled yacht in pristine condition.
For those of you dreaming of your own bluewater adventures, or perhaps considering purchasing a boat further afield and needing it brought home to New Zealand, Australia, or anywhere in the beautiful South Pacific, this one’s for you. Let us take you through the ins and outs of a delivery like this.
Before we even cast off lines, let’s talk about the vessel herself: a Selene 60. Now, we’ve skippered our fair share of boats – from sleek racing yachts across the Tasman to sturdy catamarans around the Pacific Islands – but the Selene range always impresses. The Selene 60 is a serious long-range cruiser, built with the kind robustness and comfort that makes a multi-thousand-nautical-mile trip feel less like an endurance test and more like a distinguished voyage.
For a delivery skipper, a boat like the Selene 60 is a dream. She’s designed for stability and efficiency, with her full-displacement hull and typically, a reliable single diesel engine (often a John Deere or Cummins), sometimes with a wing engine for that extra peace of mind – which this one had! The fuel capacity is enormous, meaning fewer worries about finding fuel stops in remote areas. This particular Selene 60 was beautifully maintained by her owner, which always makes our job smoother.
Inside, the living space is generous. The saloon is airy, the galley well-equipped (a critical point for keeping the crew happy!), and the staterooms are comfortable. For a long passage, these creature comforts aren’t just luxuries; they’re essential for crew well-being and alertness. The pilothouse offers excellent visibility and is kitted out with a comprehensive suite of modern electronics – though, as any seasoned skipper knows, you always have your backups, and backups for your backups!
From a handling perspective, the Selene 60 is a gentle giant. She’s not built for speed, but for steady, economical passage-making. Her bow and stern thrusters make docking in tight marinas (like some spots in Hong Kong!) a less nerve-wracking affair. Out at sea, her stabilisers (if fitted, and these were!) work wonders in smoothing out the ride, especially important when traversing areas known for confused seas. If you’re looking for a vessel to explore far-flung destinations like the Kimberleys in Western Australia, the remote islands of Fiji, or even make the hop from Asia down to NZ, the Selene 60, or similar capable trawlers like Nordhavns or Flemings, are definitely worth considering. We’ve delivered a good number of these sturdy passage-makers and they never fail to impress.
Hong Kong is a vibrant, chaotic, and utterly fascinating place to start a voyage. But before the allure of the open ocean beckons, there’s the small matter of getting the boat 100% ready. Pre-departure checks are the bedrock of any successful delivery. It’s not glamorous, but it’s arguably the most crucial phase.
For the Selene 60, this meant a thorough shakedown:
Hong Kong’s marinas, like Aberdeen or Clearwater Bay, offer excellent facilities, but you’re often Med-moored, which can be an exercise in itself with a 60-footer. Getting provisions and equipment onboard often involves a bit of logistical ballet with trolleys and sometimes even a sampan or two!
The route from Hong Kong to Bali is a fantastic journey of around 2,200 nautical miles, give or take, depending on your exact path. Our general plan was to head south, navigating the South China Sea, potentially threading through parts of the Philippines or running down the west coast of Palawan, then across the Sulu or Celebes Sea, and finally south through the Makassar Strait and into the Flores Sea towards the Lombok Strait, just west of Bali.
Weather is King (or Queen): This is where meticulous planning truly pays off. The dominant weather patterns in this region are the monsoons.
We timed this delivery to take advantage of the latter part of the Northeast Monsoon. Typhoons (the local name for hurricanes or cyclones) are a major concern in the South China Sea, with the season officially running from May to November, though out-of-season storms can occur. Constant weather monitoring is paramount. We used a combination of GRIB files downloaded via our Starlink connection, weather fax (yes, still a thing and still useful!), and good old-fashioned observation of the barometer and cloud formations. The key is to have multiple sources and build a comprehensive picture. Avoiding a typhoon is always plan A, B, and C. That means being prepared to alter course significantly or even seek shelter if a system starts developing in your path.
The South China Sea is also one of the busiest shipping corridors in the world. AIS is your best friend here, but maintaining a vigilant watch is crucial, especially at night or in reduced visibility. Those big container ships can move surprisingly fast and don’t always stick to the designated lanes.
A well-fed crew is a happy crew. A happy crew makes for a smooth voyage. It’s simple maths! Provisioning for a trip of this length (we estimated around 15-20 days at sea, with a bit of a buffer) takes careful planning.
We always cater to any dietary requirements. On this trip, one of our crew was gluten-intolerant, which meant a separate stash of gluten-free pasta, bread, and snacks. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference to someone’s comfort and well-being.
The Great Noodle Debacle of ‘24 (A Cautionary Tale): I recall one delivery years ago, a shorter hop from Brisbane to Noumea, where we somehow managed to leave behind the entire bag of instant noodles. Now, for a quick trip, you’d think it wouldn’t be a disaster. But these weren’t just any noodles; they were the crew’s preferred late-night, easy-snack, comfort food. The grumbling was legendary. We survived on gourmet meals, of course, but the lack of those cheap, salty noodles became a running gag for the entire voyage. Lesson learned: never underestimate the power of a simple snack! For the Selene 60 trip, you can bet we triple-checked the noodle inventory.
For a delivery of this nature, you need a good crew. It’s not just about qualifications; it’s about experience, temperament, and the ability to get along in close quarters for an extended period. For the Hong Kong to Bali run, we typically sail with a skipper and two capable crew members. This allows for a comfortable three-watch system (e.g., 4 hours on, 8 hours off), ensuring everyone gets adequate rest.
The Selene 60, with her comfortable berths and well-appointed saloon, certainly made life easier. Having a space to relax off-watch that isn’t just your bunk makes a huge difference.
Safety is not a section in a manual; it’s a mindset. Aboard any Yacht Delivery Solutions vessel, it’s our top priority. The Selene 60 was already well-equipped, but we double-checked and augmented where necessary.
Regular checks of bilge pumps, sea cocks, and fire extinguishers throughout the voyage are also standard practice.
There’s a special kind of magic to making landfall after a long passage. The sight of land, the smell of earth and vegetation carried on the breeze, and the anticipation of stepping onto solid ground – it never gets old. Arriving in Bali, with its unique culture and stunning landscapes, was a fantastic reward.
We typically aim for one of the main marinas like Serangan Harbour or Benoa Marina. Clearing in with customs and immigration is the first order of business, followed by a thorough wash-down of the Selene 60 to get her sparkling. Then, it’s time for the official handover to her delighted owner, along with a comprehensive debrief of the voyage. And perhaps, just perhaps, a celebratory Bintang or two for the crew!
Delivering the Selene 60 from Hong Kong to Bali was another successful chapter in the Yacht Delivery Solutions logbook. It underscored the importance of meticulous preparation, a capable vessel, a skilled crew, and a healthy respect for the power of the ocean.
Whether you’re looking to move your newly purchased pride and joy from across the globe, relocate your vessel to new cruising grounds, or simply need an experienced hand to bring your boat back home to New Zealand, Australia, or anywhere in the South Pacific and Asia, Yacht Delivery Solutions has the expertise and the passion to make it happen. We handle powerboats and sailing yachts with the same level of professionalism and care. From initial consultation and route planning to final handover, we’re with you every nautical mile of the way.
Thinking about your next boating adventure or delivery need? Get in touch with us at Yacht Delivery Solutions – we’re always ready for the next voyage! Smooth seas and fair winds, everyone!
