Aurora carries Wild Oats XI with hopes of TransPac success

by Jeni Bone on 9 May 2015 Aurora Yacht Logistics, in partnership with Peters & May, has been charged with the full logistics handling for the transport of champion supermaxi, Wild Oats XI, which is on its way to the bluewater yacht race known as TransPac.

The unrivalled Sydney Hobart champion with eight wins under her substantial belt, Wild Oats XI is the most successful yacht in the event’s 70-year history.

Owner, Bob Oatley AO is positive his favourite venture will perform true to form in the iconic TransPacific Yacht Race, a 2,225 nautical mile race between Los Angeles and Honolulu, Hawaii, which starts 13 July.

But first she has to get there.

Leaving from Sydney Wednesday 16 May, Wild Oats XI will be carried by one of Aurora’s General Purpose vessels, adept at handling the specific requirements of “sensitive cargo”, which is how these race boats are classified.

“Over the past six months, we have been handling a lot more racing yachts, thanks to our partnership with Peters & May,” explains Jason Roberts, marketing director for Aurora. “We moved several supermaxis from the US and Asia to Australia before the 2014 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, including the Hodgdon-built Comanche and on the return trip, Rio 100.”

While Aurora has the experience and expertise to carry boats from 30-feet to 200-feet, handling these precision racing yachts poses a raft of unique challenges.

“They have very delicate sail rigging and must be lashed correctly,” says Roberts. “There are unique insurance requirements and then there are the delivery parameters set by owners. Their boats have to arrive in plenty of time to prepare them and their crews ahead of such high profile events as the TransPac.”

“It’s a big task transporting a 30-metre long, high-tech racing yacht like Wild Oats XI, and it’s important she arrives in the US in pristine condition,” said Bob Oatley’s son, Sandy, who is chairman of the Oatley family company.

“So, when it came to organising the shipping of the yacht to America’s west coast it made sense to deal with specialists, and that’s why we went to Aurora Yacht Logistics.”

Roberts reports an increasing demand for racing yachts, momentum led by being the Australian agent for Peters & May, the largest global boat transport and marine logistics provider for race teams, superyacht manufacturers and private boat owners.

Established in 2001, Aurora Global Logistics is a privately owned Australian company based in Brisbane, Queensland. With a global network of agents, and over 10 years’ experience transporting and customs clearing everything from speed boats to superyachts, Aurora specialises in tailor made solutions, providing full turnkey services and advice in all facets of the job.

A veteran exhibitor at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Aurora will be prominent on Masthead Way at this year’s SCIBS, 21 to 24 May on Queensland’s Gold Coast.