You have crossed the Atlantic, reached the Caribbean and completed one of sailing's great adventures. But once the celebrations are over, there is another question to answer: what happens next?
For some owners, the plan is to stay and enjoy a Caribbean season. For others, the aim is to return to Europe or position the yacht in the Mediterranean for summer cruising. Sailing west across the Atlantic may have been the adventure, but sailing back is often a more practical decision.
A return passage can mean several more weeks at sea, another round of provisioning, finding suitable crew and adding thousands of offshore miles to the yacht. It also needs to fit around work, family, and the start of the next sailing season. For many ARC participants, shipping the yacht home offers a simpler alternative.
Peters & May has been transporting yachts around the world for more than 50 years, helping owners, cruising sailors and race teams move between the Caribbean, Europe and the Mediterranean.
Why ship rather than sail home?
A return Atlantic passage does not begin when you leave the marina. There is preparation, provisioning, crew travel, the crossing itself and often maintenance once the yacht arrives. Altogether, it can take several weeks. Shipping allows owners to return home while the yacht is transported to its next destination, ready for the following stage of the season.
It also removes the challenge of finding experienced crew for an eastbound Atlantic crossing. Suitable crew can be difficult to secure, particularly when dates are flexible or weather dependent. Flights, accommodation, provisioning and passage costs all need to be organised as well.
There is also the impact on the yacht itself. Every offshore mile adds wear to sails, rigging, engines and onboard systems. Shipping can help reduce:
- Engine hours
- Sail and rigging wear
- Saltwater exposure
- The risk of equipment failure offshore
- General wear associated with a long ocean passage
This can be particularly valuable for yachts that have recently been refitted, are used for racing or need to arrive ready for the next season.
For owners planning to spend the summer in the Mediterranean, shipping can also place the yacht much closer to where they actually want to sail. Depending on schedules and availability, the yacht could be positioned for cruising in destinations such as:
This avoids the need for another long delivery passage after arriving back in Europe.
Caribbean to Europe and the Mediterranean
Peters & May arranges yacht transport from key Caribbean and US hubs to destinations across Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Loading and discharge options vary according to the time of year, yacht specifications, vessel availability and customer demand.
Our team will review your plans and recommend the most practical route based on:
- The yacht's current location
- Your preferred destination
- The yacht's dimensions and weight
- Your required arrival window
- Available transport methods
- Current sailing schedules
Whether you are returning to a home berth in Northern Europe or preparing for a Mediterranean summer, the transport plan can be shaped around what you want to do next.
How yacht shipping works
Request a quote
The process begins with a quotation. To review the available options, we will usually need:
- Yacht make and model
- Length overall
- Beam
- Displacement weight
- Current location
- Preferred destination
- Ideal timing
Photos, drawings or additional specifications may also be requested, particularly where the yacht has unusual features or equipment. Once the details have been reviewed, the team will recommend a suitable transport option and provide guidance on likely timings.
Prepare the yacht
Preparation requirements will be confirmed based on the yacht, route and chosen transport method. Once a booking is confirmed, you will receive guidance tailored to your shipment. Typical preparation may include:
- Securing loose deck equipment, including fenders, lines and cushions
- Removing or protecting vulnerable sails, covers and canvas
- Securing running rigging and exposed equipment
- Preparing fuel, water and batteries as instructed
- Securing lockers, hatches and companionways
- Removing valuables and perishable items
- Providing registration and customs documents
Where mast removal, specialist equipment or additional support is required, this can be discussed and coordinated as part of the planning process.
Loading and securing
For most ARC return shipments, the yacht will be transported using a lift-on lift-off service. The yacht is carefully lifted from the water using specialist cranes and slings, then positioned aboard the carrying vessel on a support system designed for its hull and transport requirements. Experienced loadmasters oversee the operation, including the lift, positioning, support and securing of the yacht for transit. At the destination, the process is carefully reversed and the yacht is discharged back into the water or prepared for onward transport.
Updates during transit
Throughout the shipment, our team remains available to provide updates and answer questions. International transport can be affected by weather, port operations and vessel schedules, so clear and realistic communication is an important part of the service.
Arrival and collection
Once the yacht reaches its destination, it is carefully discharged and made available for collection or onward movement. Where required, Peters & May can also help coordinate customs, local handling and further transport arrangements.
Customs and documentation
Moving a yacht internationally involves more than the physical transport itself. Documentation and customs requirements can vary according to the yacht's ownership, registration, tax status, origin and destination.
Our customs team can assist with:
- Export formalities
- Import procedures
- Temporary Admission, where applicable
- Bills of Lading
- Supporting shipment documents
- General VAT and customs guidance
Owners should provide accurate information about the yacht and its customs status as early as possible. This helps reduce the risk of delays or complications later in the process.
When should you start planning?
Return sailings from the Caribbean are often busiest between March and May, as owners prepare for the European and Mediterranean summer seasons. Planning early gives the team more time to review routes, sailing schedules and suitable transport options.
It is particularly important to enquire early if:
- The yacht is larger or has unusual dimensions
- You require a particular discharge destination
- The yacht needs to arrive within a specific window
- You are planning a direct Mediterranean return
- Your onward plans depend on a fixed date
Transport schedules and port rotations can change, so beginning the conversation early usually keeps more options open.
Support for sails, spares and equipment
Peters & May can also help transport sails, spares, equipment and other items connected with an ARC campaign or extended cruising programme. These items can be bulky, heavy and difficult to carry through normal passenger travel arrangements. Shipping them separately can:
- Reduce luggage and travel complications
- Keep important equipment together
- Provide clearer visibility over delivery
- Allow the crew to focus on preparing the yacht
Requirements and restrictions vary depending on the dimensions, value and nature of the cargo, so details should be checked with the Forwarding team before booking.
Why owners choose Peters & May
Peters & May has supported yacht owners, captains, cruising sailors and race teams around the world for more than 50 years. Our yacht transport service brings together:
- Experienced marine loadmasters
- Technical and operational planning
- Global office and partner coverage
- Yacht-specific transport solutions
- Customs and documentation support
- Regular international sailing options
- A dedicated point of contact throughout the process
Every yacht and every owner's plans are different. Our role is to explain the available options clearly and help find a route that works.