The key waters for yacht deliveries
Every delivery passes through one of Europe's or the Atlantic's key cruising areas – each with its own challenges in weather, currents and formalities. Here is an overview of the waters our skippers sail regularly, including the classic transatlantic trade-wind route.
Atlantic: long legs, thorough preparation
The Atlantic demands experienced skippers, precise navigation and close attention to weather windows. Whether a full crossing or a delivery along the Iberian coast – our crews prepare every Atlantic leg carefully.
Mediterranean: versatile, stable season
From May to October the Mediterranean offers reliable conditions and well-equipped harbours along the coasts of Spain, France, Italy and Greece – one of Europe's most predictable delivery areas.
Strait of Gibraltar: the gate between the seas
One of the world's busiest waterways – strong currents, dense traffic, special demands on navigation and clearance. A pivotal point in route planning between Atlantic and Mediterranean.
North Sea & Baltic: demanding and varied
Tides, wind and fast-changing weather meet dense harbour infrastructure in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and the Baltics – waters for experienced skippers and good route planning.
Crossing the Atlantic: the trade-wind route
The classic "barefoot route" runs from Europe via Madeira and the Canaries (often the Cape Verdes) to the Caribbean – and back in spring, usually via the Azores. The route is proven, but an ocean remains an ocean: sound preparation, realistic leg planning and a solid safety concept are decisive.
- Europe → Caribbean: proven window November to February – trades more stable, hurricane season over.
- Caribbean → Europe: usually April to June, often via northern latitudes and the Azores.
- Avoid: the Caribbean's peak hurricane season (typically summer/autumn).
Important: seasons are only the frame. What decides is the actual weather window, the boat, the crew and the alternatives (ports, abort points). Depart by weather window, not by calendar – and reef early.
Recommended marinas along the way
Portugal: Cascais (near Lisbon, ideal stopover), Lagos (crew changes and service), Vilamoura, Portimão (technical support), Leixões/Porto (gateway to Galicia).
Spain (Atlantic): Baiona, Vigo (excellent supplies, sheltered rías), A Coruña, Gijón and Santander/Getxo as staging ports depending on the weather window.
Caribbean destinations: Grenada (arrival and service hub), St. Lucia, Martinique (EU logistics), Dominica, Guadeloupe/Les Saintes, Antigua (sailing centre), the BVI, St. Martin (provisioning, crew changes) and the Bahamas (mind the shallows).
Tip: many crews use the Canaries as the final "starting block" for the crossing – provisioning, weather window, crew set-up.
Planning a passage – or a crossing?
We support you either with skipper hire (you sail along) or as a complete yacht delivery. Send us start, destination and timeframe – we know the waters, the weather windows and the harbours in between.