M A G A Z I N E #13

ansport
rier can load 9.549 metric tons and can still
go a speed of 20 knots. With its 3 cranes
on board the carrier can either lift 275
metric tons SWL (safe working load) with
one crane or in combination with a second
crane it can lift 600 metric tons SWL and
is therefore independent from local logistic
equipment of the destination harbour.
Even unloading at sea is possible when the
waves are not too high.
10 | DI Yachts Magazine
What happens exactly
when yachts
are loaded or unloaded?
The Elegance
Yachts are
moved to the side of
the carrier and then
they are picked up
by the crane which
lifts them up onto
the deck (124 m x
20,5 m). When the
yacht is placed on
the cradle, they are
both tightened to
the deck with numerous wire
cables to ensure that nothing
moves even with high waves
swell. Additionally all loose parts
in and on the yacht are tied up
ore stored separately.
And then the long journey from
Kaoshiung, Taiwan passing Hong
Kong, entering the south Chinese
sea starts. Passing Indonesia,
entering the Indian ocean,
later the Arabic Sea – the Red
Sea – through the Suez Canal
entering the Mediterranean Sea
and finally the last sea miles until Palma de
Mallorca. It doesn't really sound like being
a long trip, but actually it is 20.000 kilometres
in all weather. Usually such a trip takes
up to 6 weeks.
On arrival, the carrier's crew together with
the team of Elegance Yachts Service from
Santa Ponca takes care of unloading the
yachts. Now the process starts vice versa.
Loosening the wire cables and lifting up the
yacht including the cradle and then letting
it down into the water. Due to the fact that
a yacht weighs quite a few tons, the carrier
has to move out a pontoon in order to
balance out and not to get into disturbing
situation.
Once unloading is proceeded, the authorities
get involved. The yachts which have
been delivered from Taiwan are moved to
a berth in Palma where they stay under
confiscation by customs until all documents
are checked and all duties and taxes
have been paid. After all that, the date for
handover is quite close. Now all the parts
which have been dismantled for the journey
are mounted again and the yacht undergoes
a complete cleaning. Finally the decoration
and small adjustments according to
the customer's desires are made. Now the
client will be rung and a date for handover
will be agreed.
Reservations under +34 902 491616
Sixt loves BMW
for the perfect short trip.
(Rent pure driving pleasure: The BMW Z4 Roadster)