International Yacht Delivery - How to ensure success and satisfaction
The first stage of the delivery process involves finding a company and requesting a quotation for your intended passage. Most clients initially search "yacht delivery" into an internet search engine. You will find pages of companies and individuals offering a variety of services. I recommend browsing several sites and comparing the services they offer. You should be looking for highly qualified and experienced Skippers. The Ocean Master qualification should be a minimum requirement for any delivery that involves an offshore passage. Do they offer a tracking facility? Are they equipped to offer office support and advice (which is not only good for you, but also good for the crew)? Does the service include a final valet? Do they offer testimonials from previous clients?
If you a happy with what you see then you should be able to fill out a simple on line quotation request. It is crucial that you give as much information as you can as this will help the company to decide the best way to proceed.
The company should get back to you quickly with a price and a contract offer. Do not be tempted to just book the cheapest you can find, take time to compare what is on offer and ensure the company you wish to appoint are up to the job. Look carefully at the contract and ensure there are no hidden costs. For example some companies will charge a day rate if they are held up by poor weather.
Do not be tempted by an all inclusive price, by doing so you are paying way over the odds for crew travel and fuel. Your delivery company should organise budget travel for all crew, and it will always work out cheaper for you to agree on a fee plus expenses.
You should always request to speak with previous clients and to see a CV of the Skipper and crew before the delivery commences. You should check they have liability insurance and make sure all the crew have suitable experience.
Make sure your yacht is ready to sail on the date you have agreed with all safety equipment in date. It is advisable to service the engine prior to departure and to check that all rigging, sails and systems are in good working order. The last thing you want is for the start date to be delayed, as you will inevitably incur higher costs.
It is best to make some effort to provide a thorough handover to the team. Ideally you will meet them before they set off!
Try to be realistic about breakages. A good crew will take great care, but be aware that the yacht will be travelling perhaps more mileage in one week than it would in a year of normal use. Deliveries may naturally bring any issues to the surface and although many of our boats arrive in better condition than when they departed, there is always a chance of some wear and tear. In actual fact a yacht delivered by sea is put under far less strain than one transported by road. The shakes and shudders of flat bed trucks have been known to cause severe structural problems such as keel bolts coming loose.
From my experience some of my happiest clients are the ones who come along for the journey. It is an excellent way to develop your own skills, and of course there is no better crew member to have onboard! You will get to see first hand just how hard the delivery crew work.
How to get the best from your delivery company:
1) Book your delivery early, ensuring you get the most experienced Skipper and Crew.
2) Insist on meeting or at least talking directly with your Skipper.
3) Check all the crews' references, qualifications and experience.
4) Speak to previous clients.
5) Ensure your yacht is ready for the passage.
6) Provide the best handover as possible, ideally in person or at least written.
7) Check the contract for hidden costs.
8) If you can, go along with them!
If you a happy with what you see then you should be able to fill out a simple on line quotation request. It is crucial that you give as much information as you can as this will help the company to decide the best way to proceed.
The company should get back to you quickly with a price and a contract offer. Do not be tempted to just book the cheapest you can find, take time to compare what is on offer and ensure the company you wish to appoint are up to the job. Look carefully at the contract and ensure there are no hidden costs. For example some companies will charge a day rate if they are held up by poor weather.
Do not be tempted by an all inclusive price, by doing so you are paying way over the odds for crew travel and fuel. Your delivery company should organise budget travel for all crew, and it will always work out cheaper for you to agree on a fee plus expenses.
You should always request to speak with previous clients and to see a CV of the Skipper and crew before the delivery commences. You should check they have liability insurance and make sure all the crew have suitable experience.
Make sure your yacht is ready to sail on the date you have agreed with all safety equipment in date. It is advisable to service the engine prior to departure and to check that all rigging, sails and systems are in good working order. The last thing you want is for the start date to be delayed, as you will inevitably incur higher costs.
It is best to make some effort to provide a thorough handover to the team. Ideally you will meet them before they set off!
Try to be realistic about breakages. A good crew will take great care, but be aware that the yacht will be travelling perhaps more mileage in one week than it would in a year of normal use. Deliveries may naturally bring any issues to the surface and although many of our boats arrive in better condition than when they departed, there is always a chance of some wear and tear. In actual fact a yacht delivered by sea is put under far less strain than one transported by road. The shakes and shudders of flat bed trucks have been known to cause severe structural problems such as keel bolts coming loose.
From my experience some of my happiest clients are the ones who come along for the journey. It is an excellent way to develop your own skills, and of course there is no better crew member to have onboard! You will get to see first hand just how hard the delivery crew work.
How to get the best from your delivery company:
1) Book your delivery early, ensuring you get the most experienced Skipper and Crew.
2) Insist on meeting or at least talking directly with your Skipper.
3) Check all the crews' references, qualifications and experience.
4) Speak to previous clients.
5) Ensure your yacht is ready for the passage.
6) Provide the best handover as possible, ideally in person or at least written.
7) Check the contract for hidden costs.
8) If you can, go along with them!
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