Short answer: after buying a yacht abroad, bring it home in five steps: (1) complete a survey and sea trial before you sign; (2) secure the paperwork — bill of sale, deletion from the old register and new registration, and proof of VAT status; (3) put insurance in place from the moment you own it, covering the delivery route; (4) choose between a sea delivery with a professional crew and transport by road or ship; and (5) plan the move around the season and a weather window. Done in that order, most problems never happen. The aim is simple: to get your new yacht home safely.
The used-yacht market is international. A Scandinavian buyer finds the right boat in Spain; a German buyer finds one in Croatia; a Dutch buyer finds one in the UK. The purchase is only half the job — the boat still has to come home. This guide explains how.
Step 1: survey and sea trial
A pre-purchase survey by an independent marine surveyor checks the hull, rigging, engine, systems and safety equipment. A sea trial shows how the yacht behaves under power and sail. For the delivery, the survey has a second value: it tells you what must be fixed before the boat is ready for an offshore passage. Many insurers also require a recent survey for older yachts.
- Ask the surveyor to comment specifically on fitness for the planned delivery route.
- Have the engine checked separately by a mechanic, including oil analysis if possible.
- Check standing rigging age — many insurers and riggers recommend replacement after around ten years.
Step 2: paperwork
| Document | Why it matters for the delivery |
|---|---|
| Bill of sale | Proves ownership; the crew carries a copy |
| Deletion certificate from the old register | Needed to register the yacht under a new flag |
| New registration (or a provisional one) | The yacht must be registered to sail legally; some flags issue temporary certificates for the delivery |
| Proof of VAT status | Within the EU, authorities can ask for evidence that VAT has been paid; a yacht bought outside the EU may owe import VAT and duty on arrival |
| CE documentation / builder’s certificate | Relevant for yachts placed on the EU market |
| Radio licence and MMSI | Must be transferred or re-issued in the new owner’s name |
| Letter of authority | Authorises the delivery skipper to operate the yacht on your behalf |
VAT and customs rules are complex and change, especially when the yacht moves into or out of the EU or the UK. Take professional advice before you buy. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Step 3: insurance from day one
Insurance must start the moment the yacht becomes yours, and it must cover the delivery: the full route, the season and a professional delivery crew. Ask your insurer about cruising limits and crew requirements, and get written confirmation. Read our yacht delivery insurance guide.
Step 4: sea delivery or transport?
For most yachts above trailer size, a sea delivery with a professional crew is the most practical and economical option. It also works as a long shakedown: the crew reports every fault they find, so you receive the boat with a clear list of what works and what needs attention. Road transport suits smaller boats and inland destinations; shipping suits ocean crossings and motor yachts with limited range. Compare the options in sailboat transport in Europe and yacht delivery vs. boat transport.
Step 5: timing
A yacht bought in autumn in the Mediterranean may be better wintered there and delivered north in late spring than rushed across the Bay of Biscay in November. Check the yacht delivery calendar for the best months on your route.
Prepare the newly bought yacht
A boat that has been on sale for months has often been standing still. Before departure:
- Service the engine and change fuel filters; inspect the fuel tank for water and sediment
- Check the safety equipment — life raft service dates, EPIRB registration in your name, flares, lifejackets
- Test the steering, bilge pumps, navigation lights and electronics
- Check sails and running rigging
Use our preparation checklist and the offshore safety equipment checklist.
Join the delivery and learn your new boat
Many new owners join the delivery to learn the yacht from an experienced captain. Our Co-Captain Passage is built for this: you sail with our skipper, learn the boat’s systems and handling, and arrive home confident. See our services.
Popular routes after buying abroad
- Spain or France → Scandinavia or Germany: see Scandinavia ↔ Mediterranean
- UK → the Netherlands, Germany or Denmark: see North Sea and Channel
- Croatia or Greece → Western Mediterranean: see Mediterranean delivery routes
- Caribbean → Europe: see Caribbean to Europe
Get your new yacht home
Tell us where the yacht is, where it is going and when you need it. We will propose a plan and an itemised quote. Request a free quote or read how pricing works.
Related guides
- Sailboat Transport in Europe: Sea Delivery, Road or Ship?
- Yacht Delivery Insurance: What Owners Need to Check Before Departure
- How to prepare your yacht for delivery
- UK to Europe yacht delivery after Brexit
- Bringing a yacht home from Turkey
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a yacht home after buying it abroad?
Complete a survey, secure the bill of sale, registration and proof of VAT status, insure the yacht for the delivery route, then choose between a sea delivery with a professional crew and road or ship transport, timed for the right season.
Do I pay VAT when I buy a used yacht in another EU country?
If VAT has already been paid in the EU and you can prove it, usually not again for a private purchase. Yachts bought outside the EU may owe import VAT and duty. Rules are complex, so take professional advice.
Can I sail my new yacht home before the new registration is ready?
Some flag states issue provisional or temporary registration for this purpose. The yacht must be properly registered and insured for the delivery.
Can I join the delivery of my new yacht?
Yes. Many owners join to learn the boat. Our Co-Captain Passage lets you sail with an experienced skipper and learn the yacht on the way home.