Transatlantic yacht delivery
Every autumn yachts leave Europe for a winter in the Caribbean, and every spring many come back. Our skippers and crew deliver boats both ways across the Atlantic, from the Mediterranean, the Canaries and the UK to the Caribbean and the US East Coast.
An ocean crossing is a different undertaking from a coastal delivery, with longer watches, more preparation and a boat that has to be ready for three or four weeks out of reach of land, so we put the same care into the preparation as into the passage itself.
Price guide
Typical estimates for this route from our instant estimate tool (October 2026). Prices cover your skipper and crew; crew travel, fuel and moorings en route are extra and agreed with you before anything is booked.
| Route | Distance | Sailing yacht | Motor yacht |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Palmas → St Lucia | 3,068 nm | £8,350–£11,700about 26 days | £8,250–£11,550about 13 days |
| Gibraltar → Antigua | 3,669 nm | £9,800–£13,750about 31 days | £9,900–£13,850about 16 days |
| Antigua → Southampton | 4,084 nm | £10,950–£15,350about 35 days | £11,150–£15,600about 18 days |
| Palma, Mallorca → Antigua | 4,264 nm | £11,250–£15,750about 36 days | £11,150–£15,600about 18 days |
| Southampton → Fort Lauderdale | 4,356 nm | £11,550–£16,150about 37 days | £11,550–£16,150about 19 days |
The route
Westbound, we follow the classic trade-wind route: south to the Canaries (and sometimes Cape Verde) to pick up the north-east trades, then across to the Caribbean, usually arriving in Antigua, St Lucia or St Maarten. From the Canaries it's around 2,700 to 3,000 miles of ocean sailing.
Eastbound, boats return in spring via Bermuda and the Azores, or direct to the Azores, before the final leg to mainland Europe or the UK.
Typical stops
- Gibraltar
- Las Palmas or Tenerife
- Cape Verde (optional)
- Bermuda and the Azores (eastbound)
When to go
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, so westbound crossings leave the Canaries from late November into January. Eastbound crossings usually go in April and May, ahead of the next season.
Good to know
- We check the boat thoroughly before departure: rig, steering, watermaker or water capacity, safety kit, liferaft and EPIRB servicing, and offshore communications.
- Ocean crossings usually need a skipper and two or three crew, depending on the boat.
- Many motor yachts don't have the range to cross safely; shipping is often the better option, and we'll tell you honestly.
- Live tracking lets you follow the crossing from home.
Get your instant estimate
Enter your boat type and ports for a price range and passage time, then request a full quote.
Questions about this route
How long does a transatlantic yacht delivery take?
From the Canaries to the Caribbean usually takes three to four weeks for a sailing yacht; from the Mediterranean or the UK allow four to five weeks or more, including stops.
How much does a transatlantic yacht delivery cost?
As a guide, around £8,350 to £16,150 in skipper and crew time depending on the start and finish. Crew flights, provisions, fuel and moorings are extra. Use the instant estimate for your exact route.
When is the best time to cross the Atlantic?
Westbound from late November, after the hurricane season ends; eastbound in April and May.
Can you deliver a motor yacht across the Atlantic?
Only if it has the range and is suitable for ocean passage. For many motor yachts, shipping is safer and better value, and we'll help you compare.
Other popular routes
UK to Gibraltar and southern Spain 
Solent to the Mediterranean 
UK to Croatia, Greece and the eastern Med See all our yacht delivery services or browse destinations.