Flight Level Zero · video

What this video covers

The owners of the Beneteau 57 *Vanishing Point* prepare the vessel for transport via cargo ship from Rivergate Marina in Brisbane, Australia, to Ensenada, Mexico. To protect the cockpit and helm during the Pacific transit, the crew decides to leave the canvas enclosure installed, noting that repairing fabric is more cost-effective than replacing damaged deck hardware. The loading process involves a professional diver positioning lifting straps underwater while the crew manages backstays and deck equipment. The ship’s route includes stops in Newcastle, Auckland, and Papeete before reaching Mexico. To avoid significant U.S. import tariffs implemented after the boat's purchase, the owners flag the vessel in the Marshall Islands and plan to operate in U.S. waters under a cruising permit. This legal strategy requires navigating complex international paperwork and securing specific insurance coverage for a foreign-flagged vessel. The boat is successfully lifted onto the cargo ship, marking the end of a months-long delay at the marina.

Boats in this video

More from Flight Level Zero

Why we’re leaving it all behind for the oceanAug 2026Back to our roots at AirVenture 2026!Aug 2026Climbing the Mast and Diving a Ship Wreck!!Aug 2026We're finally back on the water after boat repairs!Jul 2026

From Flight Level Zero — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.