Moving Your Yacht Seasonally

Sunset on the water

Many yacht owners that live in northern latitudes dream of relocating their yachts to warm-weather climates for the colder months. Others actually do it!

While the opportunity to relocate their boats is usually available exclusively to private yacht owners, members of some charter yacht management programs can enjoy multiple locations as well. In fact, Isabelle Blainey of The Moorings Yacht Ownership points out that the Moorings Advantage Program gives owners the flexibility to not only choose their yacht's location, but to change it. "Rotating bases is an advantage offered to owners in our program. They can move their boats to diversify their cruising grounds."

What's the best way to move the boat? A boat owner usually considers these options: delivery on own hull by self, delivery on own hull by hired captain, or shipping via yacht carrier.

Delivery on her own hull is the most common, traditional method for on-water delivery. Delivery captains take vessels safely across oceans regularly and repeatedly. For owners wishing to experience the trip themselves but valuing "safety in numbers," a cruising rally like the US East Coast's "Caribbean 1500" can be a popular option.

Regardless of the method, an owner should expect and plan possible time delays due to weather as well as some wear and tear on the vessel. As a result, choosing a destination location that has good service facilities is a good idea.

For more tips on buying and relocating a vessel in the Moorings Advantage Program, contact [email protected].