How IJE crossed from Palma to Olbia in 21 hours

James Packer’s 108-metre yacht IJE made a direct run from Palma de Mallorca to Olbia. The AIS track shows no stops and no detours. She covered 317 nautical miles in just over twenty-one hours. This passage reveals how large yachts manage fuel and speed on long legs.

Why did IJE choose this route?

IJE left Palma de Mallorca at 20:19 on 31 July 2026. She arrived off Olbia at 17:58 the following afternoon. The total time was twenty-one hours and thirty-nine minutes. The distance was 317.7 nautical miles.

The route was a straight line across the western Mediterranean. There were no stops for fuel or rest. The AIS signal never dropped out. We recorded one hundred percent of the track.

This is a standard transit. Large yachts like IJE often make these runs to save time. They prefer steady speeds over variable ones. This saves fuel and reduces wear on the engines.

Palma de Mallorca is a major hub for superyachts in summer. Owners use it as a base for exploring the Balearic Islands. Olbia is a key port in Sardinia. It offers access to the island's north coast.

The distance between these two points is short enough for a single day’s run. It is too far for a leisurely sail. A direct crossing is the most efficient choice. It avoids the need for intermediate stops.

IJE departed in the evening. This timing allows her to arrive in the morning. It fits well with typical yacht schedules. Crew can prepare for guests upon arrival. The vessel does not need to rush into port in the dark.

The weather in late July is usually stable. The sea state is calm. This makes for a smooth passage. Rough seas would force a slower speed or a longer route. Clear skies help with navigation too.

James Packer owns IJE. He bought the yacht in 2019. Benetti built it in Italy. The design comes from RWD. It is a modern motor yacht with a sleek profile. Her gross tonnage is 3,471 tons.

The Marshall Islands flag is common for large yachts. It offers a simple registration process. Many owners choose it for privacy and ease. It does not affect the technical operation of the vessel.

What speed did IJE maintain?

Her average speed was 14.7 knots. This is a moderate pace for a yacht of her size. It balances speed with fuel efficiency. Going faster would consume much more fuel. Slowing down would take too long.

The maximum speed recorded was 16.0 knots. She rarely exceeded this limit. The engines are set near this value. This protects the machinery from strain. It also keeps noise levels lower.

We tracked eighty-nine positions during the voyage. These fixes show a consistent speed. There were no sudden bursts or drops. The slope of the track is uniform. This indicates a steady engine output.

How complete is the AIS record?

Fuel economics drive this speed choice. Diesel fuel is expensive. Yacht operators calculate the cost per mile carefully. 14.7 knots is near the sweet spot. It gives good progress without waste.

Hull resistance increases with speed. Drag rises sharply above 15 knots. Pushing harder requires exponentially more power. Staying below that threshold saves money. It also extends the range between refuels.

The crew monitors these parameters closely. Engine room staff watch gauges and temperatures. They adjust trim tabs if needed. The goal is always stability and efficiency. Comfort for guests is also a factor.

A steady speed reduces vibration. This makes for a quieter ride. Guests can sleep or work without disturbance. It is a practical benefit of this cruising style. Luxury yachts prioritize comfort over raw speed.

The AIS coverage was perfect. We saw every part of the journey. No signals were lost. The estimated distance is zero. All 317.7 nautical miles were observed directly.

This level of detail is rare. Many passages have gaps. Ships may turn off their transponders. Satellites might miss a fix. Here, the track is solid. We can trust the numbers completely.

The point count confirms this density. Eighty-nine fixes over twenty-one hours means a new position every fifteen minutes. This is standard for commercial AIS receivers. It provides high-resolution data.

Other recent voyages show similar patterns. IJE traveled from Ibiza to Palma in August. She also went from Antibes to Livorno in September. These are all short, direct runs.

The consistency suggests a regular operating pattern. Packer uses IJE for efficient travel. He does not linger in one area for weeks. The yacht moves between hotspots. Palma, Ibiza, Sardinia, and France are frequent stops.

The route from Naples to Antibes was longer. It covered 387.8 nautical miles. That trip also had full coverage. It took about sixteen hours. The speed was higher there. This shows flexibility in her operations.

What does this tell us about IJE?

IJE is a capable vessel. She handles open water well. Her hull form supports steady cruising. Benetti designed her for performance. The RWD exterior adds to her stability.

The lack of deviation is notable. Some yachts zigzag to avoid traffic. Others stop for sightseeing. IJE kept to the point-to-point path. This implies a clear purpose for the trip.

It was a transfer leg. Moving from one vacation zone to another. Not a leisurely exploration. The owner values time. He uses the yacht as a transport tool. Speed and reliability matter more than scenery.

The 2019 build date means she is relatively new. Modern engines are efficient. She benefits from recent technology. Older yachts might struggle to maintain this pace. Or they might use more fuel to do so.

The 108-metre length places her in the mega-yacht category. She is substantial but not the largest. This size allows for good speed without excessive drag. It is a popular length for serious cruisers.

James Packer is a known figure. His wealth comes from gambling and retail. He has owned several yachts. IJE is his current flagship. Its specifications reflect his taste for quality.

The AIS data gives us a window into her habits. We see where she goes and how she travels. This passage is just one example. But it shows a disciplined approach to voyaging.

There is no mystery in the track. It is a straight line at a constant speed. That simplicity is its own story. It reflects the priorities of modern superyacht ownership. Efficiency first. Comfort second. Speed third.