Yacht Race Logistics

We understand that racing yachts and boats are invariably expensive and notoriously fragile… and in the advent of racing events occurring in ever more far-flung destinations, completing a whole season, and achieving it intact, has never been more of a challenge.

Peters & May has extensive experience in regularly managing the specific needs of professional and amateur racing teams and individuals, for events including the Louis Vuitton Trophy, Volvo Ocean Race, Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), Clipper Round the World Race, Barcelona World Race, Audi Med Cup, Admiral’s Cup and the America’s Cup.  Peters & May also manages the logistics for entire teams including the PUMA Moth Mach 2 dinghy fleet, amongst others.

We are the Official Logistics’ Provider to Skandia Team GBR for all of their campaigns including 2012, and also are the forthcoming Global Ocean Race 2011-12’s Official Shipping Partner.

We are proud that we are the Official Transport Agent for the American Boat Racing Association (ABRA), with responsibility for the entire fleet of ten 200MPH powerboats being the H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes, plus their 11 trucks, support vehicles, dive boats, NASCAR truck, and all their equipment on each leg of the ABRA international circuit. Sam Cole, Chairman of ABRA says, “this marks a real milestone in the history of our sport and it was very exciting to be taking the world’s fastest boats abroad .... It was critical that the trip over and back went smoothly but Peters & May didn’t let us down and they have given us confidence that a project as big as ours can be carried out well logistically.”

We know that it is not just a case of transporting the boat itself; in many cases racing boats will have a large shore-side support team and equipment, which will also need to be transported, with consideration given to the next venue on the tight schedule. Pre-planning and geographical expertise ensures that  this process run smoothly and efficiently - each time, without fail.

In the event the worst happens and you need urgent transportation of spares or the yacht itself, you can rest-assured that we will liaise with suppliers and manage the exercise and ensure that you get what you need as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Here are their thoughts on Peters & May services:

“Thank you to all at Peters & May for their tireless effort… we look forward to the journey ahead.” Ericsson Racing Team

“I have worked with these guys for many years now and they are quitesimply the best in the business. Whether a yacht needs shipping home from a remote part of the world, or there is an urgent delivery of parts needed, Peters & May just make it happen. In line with our policy of creating partnerships of real benefit to our competitors we whole-heartedly welcome Peters & May to the event” Josh Hall, Race Director of the Global Ocean Race 2011-12

Whatever your boat, it is generally far more cost-effective, safer and timely to have your boat shipped to a distant destination, than to try to deliver it yourself or by skipper.

With extensive experience in transporting yachts and motor boats to virtually any worldwide port of call, you are assured that you will make best of the time that you spend with your yacht.

It is far more advantageous shipping your vessel to the final destination for the following reasons; as time is a precious commodity, if your vessel reaches your cruising or racing grounds before you do, it leaves you to enjoy the actual area you want to sail in, rather waste time struggling to reach it. Appointing a crew to sail the boat to the port may be an option, however the wear and tear caused by their use, risk of piracy and crime, and the addition of sea miles soon may become an issue, which can have an intensely negative result when you step aboard.

We have developed strong relationships with many of the world’s largest shipping lines, meaning that we can offer flexible and reasonably priced solutions to help you move your boat to it’s new destination with the minimum of disruption.
Moving 8,000 boats around the world every year must surely reassure you that we are trusted and effective in the specialist shipment of boats for manufacturers and individuals alike.

Here are some comments from individuals who have transported their boats with us:

“We want to thank you for your professionalism, courtesy, expertise and friendly assistance with transporting our 28’ gaff cutter from Falmouth to Canada. This was out first experience with shipping something this awkward and your calm approach was always reassuring and helped to settle our ‘first time nerves’.” Mr & Mrs G Carothers

Congratulations to Peters and May on an excellent packing job and trans shipment. All went very well, from pick up thru to assembly and sailing. A credit to all concerned. E. Barney

"Transporting a racing sailboat by land or sea can be a complicated and nerve wracking effort, one that puts most skippers well outside of their knowledgebase and comfort zone. Compound that with the usual delays and problems that are inherent to our sport, and you have a recipe for disappointment, if not disaster. The team at Peters & May did an outstanding job at making the complicated effort of bringing Dragon from the United Kingdom to the United States a smooth one. I can not say enough good things about the experience. I recommend them without reservation." Michael Hennessy