Overland boat delivery

[AnnelyR]

Can anyone recommend a company for transporting a 44ft sailing boat from the Med to Holland, please?
End destination is Norfolk, but I presume sailing across from Holland ourselves may result in a significant saving.

 

[Sandyman]

Sailing her back from the Med would result in an even bigger saving.

 

[Allergy]

Can anyone recommend a company for transporting a 44ft sailing boat from the Med to Holland, please?
End destination is Norfolk, but I presume sailing across from Holland ourselves may result in a significant saving.

This topic has been raised before and several forunites have experience of such tasks.
They should be along shortly.
Would transporting to Calais, and then Xchannel to Dover & coast hop to Norfolk be better for you?

 

[Sandy]

Sailing her back from the Med would result in an even bigger saving.

That might be time dependent. Many insurance companies won't cover a Biscay crossing from 1st October and there might be a BREXIT reason for getting the boat to the UK before 1st January.

 

[AnnelyR]

This topic has been raised before and several forunites have experience of such tasks.
They should be along shortly.
Would transporting to Calais, and then Xchannel to Dover & coast hop to Norfolk be better for you?

Yes, we would be happy to sail her across from France or Holland, if it works out more cost effective.

 

[AnnelyR]

That might be time dependent. Many insurance companies won't cover a Biscay crossing from 1st October and there might be a BREXIT reason for getting the boat to the UK before 1st January.

Exactly, apart from the fact that we both work full time, COVID restrictions and crossing the Biscay will be an issue.
as to Brexit... good point. What would be the implications? Boat is registered currently at Isle of Man but VAT was paid in Holland, ie EU. Would that be an issue if we can’t get the boat back to UK by 1 January?

 

[Resolution]

Where is your starting point?
Sail boat or motor boat?
Height of the boat when on truck? (ie bottom of keel to top of deck/wheelhouse)

 

[AnnelyR]

Where is your starting point?
Sail boat or motor boat?
Height of the boat when on truck? (ie bottom of keel to top of deck/wheelhouse)

It’s Moody 44 sailing yacht. Draft is 2 meters, so I presume to the top of the deck will be circa 4 meters. Boat is in Viareggio but can take her over to France if it makes a significant difference - apparently licence fees in Italy are extortionate. End destination Norfolk but can sail across from Holland or France if much cheaper.

 

[V1701]

Despite the time of year maybe worth contacting a few yacht delivery companies to see if they'll sail her home for you, it would be a lot less expensive than road. Or might Gibraltar be an option?

 

[Resolution]

Definitely worth starting from France if possible.
Dimensions are important regarding cost. When I shipped my 42 footer (2.1 metre draft, 4.1 metre beam) out to the Med, the overall height with the mast down was still a few centimetres into a bigger category that would have upped the cost and complexity . In the end we removed the steering pedestal and tilted the boat on its keel by 5 degrees in order to avoid also removing the pullpit.
Mast removal and then re-stepping on arrival was a bit of a hassle and expense.
There are many new boats being delivered to the Med at the moment for UK owners. You should try to get a back load deal . If you speak to the major UK dealers they will probably tell you which firms of truckers they are using. Contact them and see if there is a back load deal to be done.

 

[tico]

Happy to recommend Van De Wetering.

 

[banger]

Yes, good outfit, shifted one for me.

 

[AnnelyR]

Despite the time of year maybe worth contacting a few yacht delivery companies to see if they'll sail her home for you, it would be a lot less expensive than road. Or might Gibraltar be an option?

Thank you, definitely worth considering. Do you know any to recommend?

 

[AnnelyR]

Happy to recommend Van De Wetering.

Thanks for your help, will check them out.