Route specialty
Transatlantic Yacht Delivery & Atlantic Crossings
A true blue-water passage — crossing the Atlantic between the Americas and Europe. We've made the crossing in both directions and delivered to Lisbon, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Southampton, London and into the Mediterranean.
A transatlantic delivery is one of the most serious undertakings in yacht delivery: one to three weeks of open ocean, far beyond any coastline or quick rescue. The classic northern route stages through Bermuda and the Azores for refueling; the southern trade-wind route runs by the Canaries and the Caribbean. Which one we take depends on the season, the vessel, and its range — and getting that choice right is most of the job.
Fuel range, weather routing across an entire ocean, and true self-sufficiency are what a transatlantic crossing demands. We've documented an entire Nordhavn 68 crossing from Florida through Bermuda to Horta in the Azores on our channel — the real work of a mid-ocean delivery, start to finish.
What this route demands
Why owners hire a licensed captain for it
Fuel range & mid-ocean refueling
The northern route stages through Bermuda and the Azores; the southern route through the Canaries. We plan range and refueling stops around the boat's real capacity, with margin — running out of options mid-ocean is not an option.
Ocean-scale weather routing
Crossing means routing around North Atlantic systems or riding the trade winds, and timing the passage for the season. We plan the whole crossing around the weather, not a hopeful window.
Weeks of self-sufficiency
Two-plus weeks with no ports means the boat carries everything — spares, fuel, water, provisions, and full offshore safety gear including a life raft and satellite phones on every delivery.
Two countries, two sets of paperwork
International crossings mean clearing out on one side and in on the other. We handle the customs and formalities at both ends so the delivery isn't held up at a foreign dock.
From our delivery log
5 deliveries on this route — and counting
A sample of transatlantic yacht delivery runs from our logged deliveries, across 2 different builders. Explore the full delivery database →
Nordhavn 60′ · 2024
Gibraltar Antigua
Nordhavn 64′ · 2023
Kaş, Turkey Southampton, England
Nordhavn 76′ · 2022
Kuşadası, Turkey London, England
Nordhavn 60′ · 2022
Palm Beach, FL Lisbon, Portugal
Island Packet 48.5′ · 2011
St. Thomas, USVI Barcelona, Spain
See it for yourself
See a transatlantic yacht delivery in action
Real footage from our own deliveries on this route, filmed underway.
Nordhavn 68 Yacht Delivery, Florida to Horta, engine room and vessel preparation in Palm Beach
Nordhavn 68 Bermuda to Horta,Azores, Refueling and leaving Hamilton, Video 5
Nordhavn 68 Yacht Delivery, Bermuda stop for fuel and spare Hydraulic Cooling Pump pick up
Questions about this route
How long does a transatlantic yacht delivery take?
Roughly one to three weeks of open-ocean time depending on the route, the refueling stops, and the vessel's speed — plus preparation on each end. The northern route via Bermuda and the Azores and the southern trade-wind route differ in distance and timing.
What route do you take across the Atlantic?
Either the northern route, staging through Bermuda and the Azores, or the southern trade-wind route by the Canaries and the Caribbean. We choose based on the season, the vessel, and its fuel range.
Do you deliver both power and sailing yachts across the Atlantic?
Yes. We've crossed the Atlantic on both power and sail, and delivered to Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar, the UK and into the Mediterranean.
Planning a transatlantic yacht delivery?
Tell us about your boat and route — quotes are free, with no obligation.