Azores Sailing Yacht Delivery

Seamless Yacht Delivery from Cascais Marina, Portugal to Azores, Portugal, with a SV Aspire 14 Excess

Catamaran Delivery Journey from Cascais Marina, Portugal to Azores, Portugal

From the 1st to the 7th of November 2024, the Catamaran Aspire 14 Excess was successfully delivered from Lisbon, Portugal to the Azores. Supported by our experienced team of skippers, this delivery was a prime example of professionalism, careful planning, and seamless execution, conducted in line with insurance requirements for safety and expertise.

Pre-Departure Preparation

Preparing the Catamaran Aspire 14 Excess involved several key steps to ensure the boat was fully ready for the journey:

Safety Checks

A comprehensive review of safety equipment and systems was conducted, covering the following:

• Rigging and Sails: Inspected for wear, tear, and proper tension to ensure reliability during heavy winds.
• Emergency Equipment: Life jackets,EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon), Fire extinguishers, Flares and signalling devices
• Bilge Pumps: Tested for operational efficiency in case of water ingress.
• First Aid Kit: Ensured all supplies were complete and unexpired.
• Navigation Lights: Inspected for visibility and functionality for night sailing.

Engine Check

Since engine use was planned for parts of the journey, a detailed inspection was performed:

• Fuel System:Checked fuel levels to ensure adequate supply for the expected motoring hours. Inspected fuel lines for leaks or blockages.
• Oil Levels and Filters: Verified oil levels and ensured the filters were clean and operational.
• Cooling System: Ensured the system was functioning efficiently to prevent overheating.
• Battery Charge: Checked the battery health and connection points.
• Engine Start and Performance: Conducted a test run to confirm the engine was running smoothly.

Navigation Planning

A detailed route was charted, incorporating the following considerations:

• Weather Forecasts: Analysed wind patterns, potential storms, and calm areas to optimise sailing efficiency.
• Tidal Conditions: Factored tidal shifts into timing for critical navigation points.
• Crew Schedules: Coordinated watches and rest periods to ensure the team remained alert and well prepared throughout the journey.

The Journey: 1st to 7th November

The delivery unfolded smoothly, combining periods of motoring and sailing to optimise the journey's efficiency and timing.

• Day 1 – Engine Power: The first day was marked by calm winds, requiring engine power to maintain progress. This period allowed the crew to monitor systems and prepare for the transition to sailing once the winds picked up.
• Favourable Winds: From the second day onwards, strong winds propelled the Catamaran Aspire 14 Excess across the open sea. The boat performed exceptionally under sail, with the crew making full use of the favourable conditions.
• Final 8 Hours – Engine Power: As the boat neared the Azores, the final 8 hours required the engines to ensure precise navigation and a timely arrival. This seamless shift back to motoring highlighted the reliability of the boat’s systems and the crew's expertise.
• Orca Encounter: During the passage, an encounter with orcas added a thrilling dimension to the journey. The experienced skippers ensured the encounter was handled calmly and safely, allowing the boat to proceed without incident.

Arrival in the Azores

The Catamaran Aspire 14 Excess reached the Azores a day ahead of schedule on the 6th of November, in excellent condition and without any issues. The efficiency of the crew and the careful planning ensured the trip was completed safely and 1 day ahead on time.

Reflection on the Journey

The successful delivery of the Catamaran Aspire 14 Excess highlighted the importance of preparation and professional expertise in completing such voyages. The involvement of experienced skippers, as required by the insurance company, was instrumental in overcoming challenges and ensuring the boat's safe arrival.

Following the delivery, the support team returned to Lisbon, marking the conclusion of this expertly managed operation.

Boat Profile: Catamaran Aspire 14 Excess

The Catamaran Aspire 14 Excess is a cutting-edge sailing yacht, designed for long-distance voyages and built to handle diverse conditions. Its modern features and robust construction contributed significantly to the success of this journey.