Yacht delivery or yacht shipping?
The best way to move a yacht depends on the yacht and the assignment—not a blanket preference for sailing or shipping. North Star Marine can coordinate either approach and connect it with new-build handover or onward delivery.
Delivery under the yacht’s own hull
A professional captain and crew sail or motor the yacht to its destination. This can provide flexibility over the physical start and finish points, subject to safe routing, range, access and readiness.
The yacht must be fit and equipped for the passage. Crew, travel, provisions, fuel and port expenses need to be considered alongside the professional delivery fees. Machinery use and sailing wear are managed, not eliminated.
Shipping with a third-party carrier
The yacht travels aboard a transport ship for the carrier leg. This may suit a route, range limitation, timing preference or wish to avoid an extended own-hull passage.
The carrier needs confirmed particulars and handling arrangements. Specialist preparation may include removing and stowing sails or canvas, securing equipment and protecting exposed fittings. Allow for agreed reinstatement and local movements after discharge as well as loading preparation. North Star coordinates this work; we are not the carrier.
Compare the complete cost
Compare the whole assignment, not just the delivery captain’s fee against the carrier freight. Include preparation, port charges, travel, attendance, onward movements and the applicable insurance arrangements.
Ask which costs are confirmed, which are allowances and which are excluded. Carrier quotation validity, weather delays and programme changes should all be understood before a commitment.
Compare the realistic programme
An own-hull delivery needs a suitable weather window and a ready yacht. A carrier movement depends on carrier scheduling, loading and discharge arrangements as well as yacht readiness. Neither should be described as an unconditional arrival guarantee.
Where an owner handover, charter programme or brokerage transaction is involved, identify the important milestones and the consequences of a change early.
Use one scope for connected phases
A new yacht may need handover support, a short movement to a loading port, carrier shipping and delivery to the final marina. Another owner may prefer a professional ocean delivery followed by practical familiarisation.
Select all relevant services in the enquiry form. We can define each phase, its responsible parties and its assumptions, including where independent specialists or carrier conditions apply.
This guide explains how we scope a quotation. It is not a vessel-specific passage plan, survey, insurance opinion or fixed-price offer.
Let’s put the right scope around your yacht.
Share the yacht, location and intended outcome. We aim to acknowledge enquiries within one working day and confirm quotation timing after reviewing the scope.
Prefer to start with a conversation?