Skipper Delivery Service: Moving Your Boat Safely
Moving your boat from one place to another can feel nerve-wracking. Whether you’ve got a sailboat, motor yacht, or tall ship, letting someone else look after your pride and joy isn’t easy. We’re boat owners too, so we get it. Here’s a straightforward look at how good boat delivery companies keep your vessel safe from start to finish.
Finding the Right People for the Job
Properly Trained Skippers and Crew
The most important bit? Having the right people in charge. Good delivery companies only use skippers with proper qualifications like the RYA Yachtmaster. But it’s not just about certificates – these folks have sailed thousands of miles and know how to handle all sorts of situations at sea.
A True Story About Rough Weather
One of our skippers – Agnes (RYA YM Ocean) – recently had to deal with the tail end of a North Atlantic storm. Even with strong winds, they got the boat to where it needed to be without any damage. That’s what years of practice gets you – the ability to stay cool when things get tricky.
Want to know more about long-distance sailing? Have a look at our guide on sailing across the Atlantic.
Checking Everything Before Setting Off
Before any trip, the delivery team gives your boat a proper once-over. They check all the important bits:
- Navigation kit
- Sails
- Engines
- Safety gear
They’ll also have a good look at the maintenance records. If anything needs sorting, they’ll do it before leaving – much better than having problems while at sea.
For a handy checklist, see our piece on how to prepare your yacht for ocean crossing.
Planning the Journey Properly
Good planning makes for smooth sailing. The captain works out the best route by looking at:
- Weather: They check forecasts and know when certain seasons are better for sailing. For instance, trans-Atlantic passages typically avoid hurricane season, if possible 🙂
- Possible dangers: They study sea charts, pilot books, almanacs, NAVTEX messages, NtMs to avoid things like reefs, high traffic routes, fishing nets, construction sites, telecom vessels, active army practice areas, tides or shallow waters.
- Fuel stops: For motor boats, they work out where to fill up along the way. Generally they sail much better with fuel 🙂
Using Good Navigation Tools
Modern boat delivery relies on clever gadgets like GPS, AIS, super wide Plotters and Radar. But don’t worry – skippers still remember how to use old-school methods like navigating by the stars, just in case the electronics play up. It happens from time to time. A lightning strike near your boat can burn out all your electronics. Sometimes it will save equipment that wasn’t wired into one circuit, such as a hand-held VHF with the battery removed. That’s why for longer passages we always take a independent systems and old school sextants with actual tables.
Find out more about sailing gear in our guide to navigational instruments for sailors.
Getting Everything in Writing
A proper contract makes sure everyone knows where they stand. It covers things like:
- Insurance
- Timelines
- Payment
Many reputable delivery companies, such as ours, also issue VAT invoices for added clarity and to meet your accounting needs. It just keeps everything above board.
For more on paperwork, check out yacht delivery contracts.
Keeping an Eye on Your Boat
Thanks to clever technology, you can watch where your boat is at any time. Just check in your phone, tablet, computer or log in online to our service and you’ll see exactly where she’s got to – handy when you’re waiting at home! The satellite signals from our satellite transmitter/receiver are send from every 30 minutes to 4 hours interval (better in middle of the Ocean) .
Learn more about how we look after boats in our article on boat care during yacht delivery.
Making Sure You’re Covered
Insurance might be boring, but it’s important. The delivery company should have their own cover, but your boat needs to be insured too. Sometimes you need special insurance – like if the boat’s going through areas where pirates might be about (yes, we also do that) or when your boat will be loaded on dedicated cargo vessel.
Get the full picture in our guide to sailboat insurance.
The Bottom Line: Trust the Experts
Moving a boat safely needs skilled people, good equipment, and careful planning. When you’re looking for someone to move your boat:
- Check their track record
- Make sure they explain things clearly
- Ask about their safety procedures
Follow these tips, and your boat will be ready for its next adventure in no time.
Still wondering about boat delivery? Have a read of whether yacht delivery is safe.
