By sea, by road, by determination
By sea, by road, by determination
At Sevenstar Yacht Transport, we pride ourselves on making the impossible possible, delivering yachts to even the most remote corners of the world. The recent shipment of Sundowner to Zambia is a perfect example of our reach, resilience, and commitment to client satisfaction.
Our client, Mr. Chris Findlay, Chairman of Sandy’s Creations Resort, requested the transportation of his newly acquired yacht, Sundowner, from London Gateway to Walvis Bay, Namibia, with a final destination on the shores of Lake Kariba in Siavonga, Zambia. Known as the Riviera of Zambia, Siavonga is a year-round haven for both local and international vacationers. From the very beginning, we managed everything. Not just the ocean freight, but also the land transportation, coordination with surveyors, documentation, and communication with the client.
Every part of the process, our team was involved, from loading the boat onto the container in London to overseeing the transshipment in Togo and finally arranging for her lift and lashing onto a trailer in Walvis Bay.
Sundowner’s 2,500 km road and sea adventure to Zambia
Originally scheduled to sail directly to Namibia, the shipment faced unexpected challenges. The boat missed its first scheduled sailing due to upgrade delays, and the second departure was cancelled. But instead of letting that derail the project, we found a new route. Sundowner was shipped aboard MSC Soraya with a transshipment in Lomé, Togo, onto MSC Ana Camila III. She arrived safely in Walvis Bay on October 4th. From there, Sundowner embarked on a 2,500 km road journey to Siavonga. The final leg was managed by Westbank Transport and included a custom-built trailer from Pretoria and a seamless launch into Lake Kariba on October 14th.
Once the boat arrived in Walvis Bay, Chris and his wife, Sandy, flew in to witness the final preparations. They watched Sundowner being lifted onto her trailer and begin the long road journey to Siavonga.
Navigating client expectations
The client, experienced in import/export, had high expectations and was initially misinformed about the feasibility of transshipment. Despite receiving a lower quote from a competitor, our team secured the booking by demonstrating our value and reliability. When complications arose, we went above and beyond: arranging surveyors at both loading and transshipment points, providing real-time updates, and absorbing financial setbacks.
Rising demand across Africa
This shipment also shows a growing trend. We’re seeing more requests for yacht transport to Africa, from Lake Victoria to the coasts of Kenya, Namibia, and Nigeria. It’s part of a larger movement where successful individuals across the continent are investing in lifestyle assets like boats. Whether for leisure, business, or personal enjoyment, the demand is increasing, and Sevenstar is ready to meet it.
Sevenstar delivers, even to the Heart of Africa
The client was thrilled. Despite the stress and uncertainty earlier in the process, he expressed deep gratitude for our team's dedication and care.
Our liner service offers full flexibility. For boats under 4.2 meters in height, we now provide RORO options with carriers such as Hoegh and Grimaldi, making it easier and more cost-effective to reach destinations across Africa. And when RORO isn’t an option, we handle container shipments with the same care and precision.
Sundowner’s journey was more than just transportation. Watching her glide into Lake Kariba at sunrise felt surreal. It’s the kind of moment that stays with you. And it’s proof that, with the right team, the right mindset, and a bit of determination, anything is possible, even to the heart of Africa.
