Short answer: choose a yacht delivery skipper on four things: the right qualifications for the route (for example an RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore with commercial endorsement for passages up to 150 miles from a safe haven, or Yachtmaster Ocean or a professional merchant navy certificate for ocean crossings), proven experience on similar boats and routes, valid skipper liability insurance, and a clear written agreement on price, extras, updates and handover. Always check references.
Handing your yacht to someone else is a matter of trust. A good delivery skipper brings it safely to its destination in good condition; a bad one can damage it, leave it in the wrong port or simply walk away. This guide sets out what to check and what to ask.
Qualifications: what the certificates mean
| Certificate | What it allows (commercially endorsed, UK system) | Typical use on deliveries |
|---|---|---|
| RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal | Small commercial vessels up to 24 m, up to 20 nm from a safe haven | Short coastal moves |
| RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore | Up to 150 nm from a safe haven | The usual minimum for professional delivery skippers |
| RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean | Ocean passages, with proven ocean navigation and an ocean passage | Atlantic crossings and other long ocean legs |
| Merchant navy / STCW officer certificates | Professional certificates for commercial ships | Officers from the commercial fleet bring ship-level training and procedures |
A commercial endorsement matters: it requires a medical (ENG 1 or ML5), sea survival training and a professional practices course. Larger yachts may also call for STCW basic training (personal survival, first aid, fire fighting, personal safety). Certificates expire, so ask to see current copies.
Experience counts as much as paper
- Has the skipper done this route before — Biscay, the Strait of Gibraltar, an Atlantic crossing?
- Has the skipper handled your type and size of yacht — sail or power, monohull or catamaran?
- How many miles and deliveries has the skipper logged, and in what conditions?
- Can you see a sailing CV and speak to previous owners?
12 questions to ask before you hire
- Which skipper and crew will actually do the delivery, and can I see their CVs?
- Which qualifications and certificates do they hold, and are they current?
- Have they done this route and this type of boat before?
- Do you carry skipper liability insurance, and up to what amount?
- Is the price per day, per mile or fixed — and what happens on weather days?
- Which costs are extra: fuel, marinas, travel, food, repairs?
- How many crew will be on board, and why?
- How often will I get position and progress updates?
- What happens if something breaks underway — who decides on repairs and costs?
- What do you need from me: documents, insurance, a pre-delivery check?
- What does the handover at the destination include?
- Do you work with a written contract or standard terms?
Red flags
- A price far below other quotes — it usually means too little crew, no insurance or no margin for weather
- No written agreement, or vague answers about extra costs
- No references or a reluctance to share the skipper’s CV
- Pressure to leave on a fixed date regardless of the weather
- No skipper liability insurance
Industry press has described cases where freelance skippers ended a delivery early and left the yacht in a random marina. A company with a vetted crew pool and a contract protects you against that.
Freelancer or delivery company?
A freelance skipper can be excellent and cheaper, but you carry more of the risk: checking qualifications, insurance and references, and finding a replacement if something goes wrong. A delivery company vets its skippers, keeps their certificates up to date, matches crew to your boat and route, and can send a new team if needed.
How Nordic Crew Worldwide crews a delivery
Our captains and officers are recruited from the commercial maritime fleet — captains and chief officers from passenger ships, merchant navy officers and commanding officers — rather than only from recreational sailing. You can meet our captains, and every delivery comes with a clear, itemised quote, agreed update intervals and a proper handover. Read how yacht delivery pricing works and our guide to insurance during a delivery, or request a free quote.
Related guides
- Yacht delivery insurance: what to check
- Crew size and watch systems on a delivery
- Yacht delivery contract checklist
Frequently asked questions
What qualification does a yacht delivery skipper need?
Professional delivery skippers usually hold at least an RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore with commercial endorsement, which covers passages up to 150 nautical miles from a safe haven. Ocean crossings call for Yachtmaster Ocean experience or professional merchant navy certificates.
What is a commercial endorsement?
An addition to a Yachtmaster certificate that allows the holder to skipper small commercial vessels. It requires a medical (ENG 1 or ML5), sea survival training and a professional practices course.
Should I use a freelance skipper or a delivery company?
A freelancer can be cheaper, but you must check qualifications, insurance and references yourself. A delivery company vets its skippers, matches them to your boat and route, and can replace a crew if something goes wrong.
Does a delivery skipper need insurance?
Yes. Ask for proof of skipper liability insurance, the limit of liability, and whether it covers commercial deliveries and the waters on your route.