Transporting a yacht is a major undertaking. Whether you’re relocating a luxury vessel, moving a sailing yacht for the season, or shipping a power-boat across continents, successful yacht transport demands careful planning, specialised equipment and experienced logistics. This article outlines what yacht transport involves, the main methods used, key considerations, and how to choose the right provider.
What is Yacht Transport?
Yacht transport refers to moving a yacht (sailing or motor) from one location to another via specialised logistics rather than sailing it under its own power. According to the industry, it can involve:
Sea-shipping on heavy-lift or semi-submersible carriers.
Road transport (trailers or specially designed heavy-haul trucks) for inland moves.
Combined logistics (port/harbour loading, custom cradles, preparation, customs clearance).
In short: you’re not just sailing your yacht to the new location — you’re outsourcing the transit to a specialist because it may be faster, safer, or more cost-effective.
Why Use Yacht Transport Instead of Sailing?
There are several reasons sport and luxury yacht owners opt for professional transport:
Wear & tear reduction: Sailing a vessel over long distances takes time, fuel, and can expose it to risk. By shipping, you protect the vessel from extended exposure.
Time savings: Big carriers with set routes allow quicker relocation. For example, the carrier Yacht Express uses a “float-on/float-off” method to load yachts and sail trans-Atlantic much faster.
Logistics and geography: If the destination is far, or you’re moving inland, or need door-to-door, then specialised land/sea service makes sense.
Cost-effectiveness for certain distances: Especially when many yachts are shipping as cargo rather than individually sailing.
Scheduling & convenience: You might want the vessel ready at a particular point for charter season, or avoid crew and passage planning, etc.
Main Transport Methods & How They Work
1. Sea Transport on Specialized Carriers
One of the more impressive methods is by semi-submersible heavy-lift yacht carriers. For example:
These carriers submerge their deck (ballast water), yachts float into position, then the ship de-ballasts so the deck lifts above water.
Yachts are then secured via custom supports/cradles and tied down for the journey.
Major fleets run fixed schedules between high-demand regions like the Mediterranean ↔ Caribbean.
Pros: Very safe for large yachts, minimal hull stress, can traverse long distances with minimal use of yacht’s engines.
Cons: Need access to ports suited for such carriers, schedule rigid, cost may be higher for smaller vessels.
2. Road / Trailer Transport
For inland moves (or short hauls between marinas) road transport is common.
Special trailers (bunk trailers, removable gooseneck trailers) are used depending on yacht size and weight.
Permits for oversized loads, route surveys, escorts may be needed.
Pros: Door-to-door capability, flexible.
Cons: Limited to regions accessible by road; more suitable for smaller yachts.
3. Combined or Other Alternatives
Yacht owners may choose partial sea transport and then land/inland movement.
Smaller yachts might go as deck cargo on general heavy-lift vessels.
Customs, insurance, preparation work (shrink-wrap, rigging removal) are part of the process.
Key Considerations for Yacht Owners
When arranging transport, these are the main categories to cover:
Measurements & Specifications
Length Overall (LOA), beam, height including mast/superstructures are crucial.
Weight, keel design, whether mast is standing or needs removal.
Preparation of the Yacht
Secure loose items, remove any gear that can move.
If road transport, possibly shrink-wrap or cradle the hull.
Inspect hull, engine, prepare for loading/unloading.
Loading/Unloading Logistics
Choose a port or facility with experience in yacht transport.
For sea carriers: ensure the port infrastructure supports float-on/float-off.
For road: route permits, height/width limits, escort vehicles if oversized.
Insurance & Risk Management
Ensure the transport provider offers marine cargo insurance or that you arrange adequate coverage.
Ask about liability, damage history, loss procedures.
Cost & Scheduling
Get detailed quotes including loading, transit, unloading, port fees, etc.
Consider time of year: many yachts move seasons (summer Mediterranean → winter Caribbean) so timing affects cost and availability.
Volumes, route popularity and carrier schedules influence pricing.
Choosing the Right Provider
Look for track record: e.g., Sevenstar Yacht Transport highlights 30+ years of dedicated yacht transport experience.
Transparent offers, single point of contact, engineering/transport specialists.
Experience with the size / type of yacht you have, and familiarity with origin/destination regions.
Case Study Snapshot
One practical and well-publicised example: The yacht carrier Yacht Express, operated by DYT Yacht Transport (formerly Dockwise), is 209 m long, beam 32.2 m, with deck space of 5,115 m², designed for float-on/float-off loading of multiple yachts in one voyage.
This illustrates the sophistication of the sea transport method: custom vessel, dedicated route schedules, and full service for high-value yachts.
Benefits & Challenges
Benefits
Reduced passage time and hull wear.
Safe, structured handling by experts.
Access to remote/long-haul destinations that might be impractical by sailing alone.
More predictable scheduling for charter readiness or relocation.
Challenges
Cost can be substantial, specially for smaller yachts or less common routes.
Need for precise planning: measurements, preparation, documentation.
Potential delay if port/route issues arise.
Risk of damage if not handled properly — selecting a qualified provider is key.
Final Thoughts & Tips
If you’re considering moving your yacht, here are some practical tips:
Start early: Get measurements, choose routes, compare providers.
Ask detailed questions: How are yachts secured? What’s included in the service? What insurance applies?
Prepare your vessel meticulously: Even small items left loose can cause damage during transit.
Hold clear communication: Ensure you have a single point of contact and updates during transit.
Understand the full cost: Quotes should include loading, transport, unloading, port/road fees, insurance.
Align with your schedule: Especially if you’re relocating for the season (e.g., summer/winter cruising ground).
Trust experienced specialists: For example, providers like Sevenstar and DYT have documented systems and global networks.
