{"id":589,"date":"2026-01-15T14:43:36","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T14:43:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yachtersworld.com\/?p=589"},"modified":"2026-01-15T14:43:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T14:43:36","slug":"how-a-the-right-delivery-skipper-protects-your-yacht-and-how-to-choose-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yachtersworld.com\/?p=589","title":{"rendered":"How a the right delivery skipper protects your yacht (and how to choose one)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Big firm or solo freelancer? Ben Lowings weighs the pros and cons of yacht delivery services to ensure your yacht stays in safe hands<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Imagine you\u2019ve just bought your dream yacht, but it\u2019s floating thousands of miles away. Getting it delivered to its new berth often involves arranging taxes, registration and insurance, and possibly refitting. Hiring a delivery skipper can help you with all of these things, not just sailing it.<\/p>\n

I was recently a delivery skipper for a new owner who needed a VAT-free bargain yacht in Finland sailed over to the Republic of Ireland, once a Jersey flag registration was obtained. There are well-trodden delivery paths, for example a thriving trade takes new or refitted Hallberg-Rassys<\/a> from Ellos in Sweden to all points south, and Lagoon Catamarans<\/a> out from their base in Bordeaux, France.<\/p>\n

A newly-acquired yacht might not need anything retrofitted, but a delivery skipper will require some necessities for an ocean passage. The capacity of a yacht\u2019s watermaker<\/a> or solar power<\/a> arrays will need to be assessed for ocean deliveries. A time-sensitive voyage may well tip the power equation heavily in favour of engine<\/a> use, so delivery skippers will route in favour of refuelling stops and budget for both refilling tanks and adding fuel cans lashed on deck.<\/p>\n

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Finding a delivery skipper you can trust is key. Photo: Professional Yacht Delivieries<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Who to use?<\/h2>\n

There are pros and cons to choosing an individual skipper or a yacht delivery company.\u00a0 PYD (Professional Yacht Deliveries), one of the UK\u2019s largest firms, has dozens of skippers on its books. Operations director Peter Kloezeman says that for a transatlantic<\/a> crossing they\u2019d allocate an experienced skipper who \u201cwill usually have completed the crossing several times.\u201d<\/p>\n

Falmouth-based firm Halcyon Yacht Delivery is another major UK operator. Managing director Peter Green acknowledges that one-man-band delivery outfits can be cheaper options, but cautions, \u201cIf the [freelancer] has to cancel the job you could be left in the lurch.\u201d<\/p>\n

He recalls one yacht that was stuck in Spain when its booked skipper failed to show up. \u201cThe big advantage of choosing an individual skipper is you know who will be delivering your boat,\u201d says Mark Treacher, who leads his own delivery outfit. \u201cYou can check out their feedback,\u201d he adds. \u201cAs well as their experience in the waters you need your boat moved in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Article continues below\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

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The million-pound question: What does seven figures buy you in today\u2019s yacht market?<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
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Just how much yacht you get for a million pounds (or euros) is a more complex question than it first\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n