Let’s start by answering the most common question:
Why can’t I collect the boat in Vietnam, rather than Thailand? There are a few reasons for this…
- Vietnamese leisure boating is in its absolute infancy and there simply is not the right infrastructure to support cruising in or around the coastline yet.
- Under Vietnam regulation as an export business, to retain the position of nil import duty paid on imported yacht materials, the vessel must be exported within 2 weeks of launch (too short a time for an extensive handover).
- From Vietnam, the first passage is realistically a 4-5 day passage which is a lot of pressure for a new boat owner, when trying to take in a lot of information, cultures, climate, cultures let alone weather.
So, at Seawind, we've crafted a handover program that removes that bureaucratic hassle and places you in the stunning setting of Ocean Marina, Pattaya - a perfect backdrop to begin your sailing adventure and at your own pace.
Why did we choose Ocean Marina, Pattaya?
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Location: Accessed easily with a 1.5 hrs from Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, the destination is very easy to reach from any major airport.
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Marina Facilities: The marina is simply world class with all the resources you would expect to see in the most developed western marina if not more. On site, there is 20 & 70 ton travel lifts wide enough to lift any of the Seawind range. Yanmar technicians; Marine Electricians; Upholsterers; Composite workers; Stainless steel fabricators etc. So after-market customisation or service work is easily accessible at the marina and our dedicated Thailand Service Manager can easily steer you in the right direction here.
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Thorough Testing: The boat is given a proper sea trail by the factory on the five-day passage from Vietnam to Ocean Marina. On arrival, our own Seawind team will then attend to any issues prior to your arrival to minimise downtime during your handover. This delivery testing is just perfect as typically it's long enought that we see some heavy weather along the way (that's what we're looking for from the factory...)
Let's step back a bit and run through the crucial documents required by the local authorities in Vietnam to launch the boat:
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International Vessel Registration: Ensure your Seawind is properly registered. Work alongside your local dealer and relevant authorities to consider which is the most appropriate state or country to register your vessel, noting we need ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS prior to launch. Here's what we've learned from previous launches:
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START EARLY: Registration can often take 3 months and without original documentation the vessel cannot be launch, causing delays and likely additional storage costs. So plan ahead….
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US Coast Guard Registration: Often faster and smoother when handled through an agent at very reasonable cost (less than $500 est). When working direct with USCG, it appears there is little ability to track where the application is sitting in the queue with a 90 days timeline given.
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Australia AMSA International Ships Registration: You'll need the original AMSA Builder Certificate from the factory. Please contact our dealers or our Customer Service Team to obtain this which can be given ahead of time. Note, a free trade agreement is only issued on request and can only be issued prior to departure from Vietnam. It is valid for a maximum of 12 months only from the date of VN launch to be exempt of Australian 5% duty. You should consult with an Australian inport specialist to understadn the rules round this exemption to ensure you meet the exemption requirements.
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Bill of Sale: Most international registration authorities need to see a final bill of sale prior to the issuing of the ships registration. As the vessel cannot be launched in Vietnam without the international registration in place, you must work backwards from the estimated launch date, to ensure that your final payment is made with enough time to then submit the bill of sale to your registration agent / authority.
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Other Straight forward & Cost-Effective Flags: Jersey, UK, Panama. Marshal Islands. If you have no preference for where you would like to register your vessel, then it may be a good option to contact an agent such as BYR (Boat & Yacht Registration). This company works across a number of registration authorities, nationalities and can even form companies for offshore vessel registration: www.boatandyachtregistration.com
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Boat Radio License & MMSI Number (Essential for AIS): Secure a valid boat radio license and obtain a unique Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. This is crucial for setting up your Automatic Identification System (AIS) before launch, a requirement for Port Authority vessel tracking. The MMSI is unique to your vessel AIS so mandatory for the factory to have prior to launch.
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Comprehensive Boat Insurance (to commence from the factory launch through to handover): Secure a comprehensive boat insurance covering your Seawind from the moment it leaves the factory per the ex-works contract terms. Coverage will cover launch, sea trials, and delivery from Vietnam to Thailand and forward. Contact our Customer Service Team if you need any assistance.
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Boat Signwriting (plan ahead): Display your boat's name, call sign, and port of registry on the hull, strictly adhering to your flag state's regulations regarding sizing and placement. To allow ample time for ordering and installation, please inform us of your requirements at least 3 months before your launch date.
What is the typical schedule from launch to handover?
We build in a number of days for weather and commissioning rectification as there needs to be some flex in the schedule but the below is a typical launch schedule:
Post-Handover Assurance:
Even the best new boats need a little settling in. That's why we have you return to Ocean Marina after some initial cruising - allow our team to fine-tune your Seawind for extended voyages, so both we and you know whn you do depart the boat is in the best shape it can be for the next stage of ownership.
Can I join the sail from Vietnam to Thailand?
Our policy is firm that no owners are allowed to join in this sea trail/delivery from Vietnam to Thailand. It is still part of the testing process prior to handover and you must trust us that our customers historically around the globe have substantially better experiences if the boat is thoroughly tested and tidied-up prior to that exciting moment of stepping onboard for the first time.
What equipment do I need to organise for a Thailand handover?
Mandatory factory options include:
- Safety Kit including medical kit, flares, extinguishers & lifejackets.
- Dinghy & outboard
- Navigation kit (including AIS transceiver) & local chart
Highly recommended options:
- Liferaft
- Sentinel Marine, Vessel Monitoring
- Watermaker
- Bed linen and cutlery set form the factory
- Rope Cutters (there are many fishing lines in Asian waters).
Personal items often brought onboard by owners:
- High quality personal life jackets & harnesses (or combo unit)
- Safety knives for cockpit area
- Binoculars & handheld compass
- Grab bag contents: Handheld VHF; waterproof document bag; water bottles;
- Tools:
- Multimeter; crimps & soldering iron
- Cordless drill, drill bits,
- Socket set (spanner set comes with the boat)
- Spares: Your Seawind will need a series of spares for local delivery and we recommend talking to our service team. Items to consider are engine filters; anodes; belts; watermaker filters; fuses; spare running rigging & blocks.
Can I send items to the factory in Vietnam or Thailand:
Both countries have very complicated customs and regulation. The best method for both countries is to bring items in as additional luggage and either leave at the factory following an in-build visit or simply bring to the Marina at handover.
Note: We do offer a service for any items that can be ordered via West Marine US (large online chandlery). We can have you select your cart and then the factory will bring this in to the boat and on-charge the cart value + freight to your final production invoice.
Contact our service team on customerservice@seawindcats.com for details. Please note that this service requires freight consolidation in the US + international shipping and typically takes minimum 4 months so again, plan well ahead of time.
Ocean Marina Yacht Club (OMYC): Your Gateway to Paradise
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Getting There: Enjoy a hassle-free arrival with Seawind's airport pickup service from Bangkok, taking you directly to OMYC.
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Getting Around: Explore your surroundings easily by renting a car (most international driver's licenses are accepted), or utilize the readily available and budget-friendly local taxis, Grab, and Bolt services.
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Accommodation: Choose from diverse options near OMYC, ranging from luxurious 3- to 5-star resorts to comfortable apartments available on Airbnb. The marina itself has a hotel onsite offering excellent value and dining options.
Thai Visas
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Visa on Arrival (Visa Exemption): Many nationalities can enter Thailand for 30 days without a pre-arranged visa. Important: This exemption cannot be extended – you must depart Thailand after 30 days.
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Tourist Visa (60-Day, Highly Recommended): We strongly advise securing a 60-day tourist visa, providing ample time to discover the Gulf of Thailand and familiarize yourself with your Seawind. This visa is extendable for an additional 30 days within Thailand but must be obtained from a Thai Embassy or consulate outside of Thailand.
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Long-Stay Visas: For extended stays beyond 60 days, explore long-stay visa options offering multiple entries and durations up to one year. Information is available on your local Thai Embassy or consulate website.
Handover: Factory Direct Expertise & local Knowledge:
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Dedicated Support: Benefit from personalized guidance from Seawind's Thailand Customer Service Manager, Phil Harper, throughout your three-day handover.
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Mastering equipment & systems: Engage in in-depth walkthroughs of all onboard systems, ensuring a deep understanding to operate your Seawind.
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Sea Trials: Confidence at the helm. Experience the joy of sailing your Seawind during guided sea trials, led by our expert service manager, who will cater to your needs and ensure all the cruciali safety points are delivered as needed.
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Local Insights: Gain valuable insider knowledge and tailored cruising tips for navigating the Gulf of Thailand from our expert team, ensuring a memorable sailing experience.
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Always here for You: Enjoy peace of mind knowing continued support is just a text away as you embark on your exciting adventures. With a flight time of only 2 hours, full factory support is only a half day jpourney away should you ever need it.
Additional Resources for a Smooth Sailing Experience
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Seawind Handover Guide: The below link is a comprehensive guide with detailed information about Ocean Marina, visa requirements, accommodation, and valuable travel tips.
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Cruising Guides: Equip yourself with the Southeast Asia Sea Pilot and explore Noonsite Thailand (online) for comprehensive information on regional cruising grounds.
Set Sail on an Unforgettable Adventure
With your Seawind expertly prepared, tested and handed over, you're all set for an extraordinary sailing journey that starts in from Ocean Marina. Savour the warmth of Thai hospitality, the picture perfect beaches, islands and incredible sailing destinations of the Gulf of Thailand forging unforgettable memories from your new Seawind Catamaran!
