Short answer: yes, in most cases the owner can join the yacht delivery — for the whole trip or for one or more legs. It is one of the best ways to get to know a new yacht and learn from an experienced professional crew. The owner sails as a member of the crew, under the skipper’s command, and must be on the crew list and covered by the insurance. We agree on the details before departure, so everyone knows what to expect.
Many owners like to be on board when their yacht is delivered, especially after buying a new or second-hand yacht. Others prefer to hand over the keys and meet the yacht at her new home port. Both are fine. This guide explains what it means to join a delivery as the owner, what the benefits are, and what to think about before you sign on.
Why owners join a delivery
- Learn the yacht: a delivery is often the first real passage on a new yacht. Sailing her day and night, in different conditions, teaches you more than months of short day trips.
- Learn from professionals: you see how an experienced skipper plans a passage, reads the weather, runs the watches and handles problems — knowledge you take with you on your own trips.
- Find the faults early: issues that only show up after several days at sea are found while a professional crew is on board, and can be fixed under warranty or before the season starts.
- A better handover: you already know how the systems work when the yacht arrives. See our handover checklist.
- The experience: for many owners, an offshore passage on their own yacht is simply a great trip.
The skipper is in command
When the owner joins a professional delivery, the skipper is responsible for the yacht and the crew, and has the final say on routing, weather, watches and safety. This is essential: the skipper is accountable for the delivery and must be able to make decisions — including to wait for better weather or change the route — without negotiating them. We discuss this openly before departure. In practice, most owners find it a relief to let someone else carry the responsibility for a while.
What the owner does on board
An owner on board is a full member of the crew. That usually means standing watches with one of our crew members, helping with sail handling, cooking and keeping the yacht tidy, and following the safety routines — lifejacket and harness at night and in bad weather, clipping on when leaving the cockpit, and so on. Owners with offshore experience can take a larger role; those with less experience are paired with a crew member. Read more about crew size and watch systems.
Things to agree before departure
- Crew list and insurance: the owner must be on the crew list, and the yacht’s insurance and our skipper insurance must cover the owner as crew. Check your own personal accident and health cover as well. See our delivery insurance guide.
- Experience and fitness: a delivery can mean several days and nights at sea, sometimes in rough weather. Be honest about your experience and any health issues or seasickness.
- Dates and flexibility: the departure date depends on the weather, so leave some flexibility in your plans, or join for a leg with easy flights at both ends.
- Cabins and provisions: we agree on berths, food and how costs on board are shared.
- Which legs to join: many owners join a short, easy leg or the final leg into the home port, rather than a long offshore passage such as the Bay of Biscay.
Does it change the price?
Usually not much. The delivery is still planned and crewed by our professional team, so the main costs stay the same. On some yachts, an experienced owner can replace one crew member on certain legs, which can reduce the cost slightly — but safety and watch rotation always come first. See our guide to what a yacht delivery costs for the main price factors.
Join your delivery with Nordic Crew Worldwide
Owners are always welcome on board our deliveries. Our Scandinavian captains enjoy sharing what they know, and we plan the trip so that you get the most out of it — whether you join for the whole passage or for a single leg. All deliveries are covered by our own professional skipper insurance. Tell us about your yacht and when you would like to sail. If you are still deciding, read our comparison of delivering the yacht yourself or hiring a crew.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Can I join my own yacht delivery?
Yes. Owners can usually join for the whole delivery or for one or more legs, as a member of the crew under the skipper’s command.
Who is in charge if the owner is on board?
The professional skipper. He is responsible for the yacht and crew and has the final say on routing, weather and safety.
Do I need sailing experience to join a delivery?
Some experience helps, but less experienced owners are paired with a crew member on watch. Be open about your experience, fitness and seasickness before departure.
Is a yacht delivery cheaper if the owner joins?
Usually not by much. On some yachts an experienced owner can replace one crew member on certain legs, but safety and watch rotation come first.