Short answer: a yacht delivery takes the distance divided by the average speed, plus time for weather, fuel and rest. A sailing yacht on passage typically covers 120–160 nautical miles a day; a displacement motor yacht at 8–9 knots covers about 190–215 miles a day if it runs around the clock. In practice, a short coastal move takes 2–5 days, Denmark to southern Spain takes about three to four weeks, and an Atlantic crossing takes two to three weeks at sea.
“How long will it take?” is one of the first questions owners ask, because the answer decides crew costs, marina bookings and when the yacht can be used again. Here is how we estimate it — and how long a yacht delivery really takes on Europe’s most popular routes.
The simple formula
Time at sea = distance ÷ average speed. The important word is average. A yacht that cruises at 7 knots rarely averages 7 knots over a long passage: headwinds, waves, tidal streams and slowing down for safety all reduce it. We usually plan a sailing yacht at about 5–6.5 knots, and a displacement motor yacht at about a knot below its economical cruising speed. Then we add time for:
- waiting for a safe weather window;
- fuel, water and provisioning stops;
- crew rest after long legs;
- customs clearance, canals and locks;
- a buffer for small repairs.
Typical daily distances
| Yacht type | Planning speed | Miles per 24 hours, nonstop |
|---|---|---|
| Sailing yacht, 35–45 ft | 5–6 knots | 120–145 nm |
| Sailing yacht, 45–60 ft | 6–7 knots | 145–170 nm |
| Cruising catamaran, 40–50 ft | 6–8 knots | 145–190 nm |
| Displacement motor yacht | 8–10 knots | 190–240 nm |
| Planing motor yacht | 18–25 knots | Limited by fuel range; often 150–300 nm a day with fuel stops |
Passage times for popular routes
| Route | Approx. distance | Typical time, sailing yacht incl. stops |
|---|---|---|
| Copenhagen → Kiel Canal → North Sea | about 200 nm | 2–3 days |
| Southern Norway → the Netherlands | about 350–450 nm | 3–5 days |
| Solent → A Coruña, across Biscay | about 500 nm | 4–6 days |
| Denmark → Málaga | about 1,800–2,000 nm | 3–4 weeks |
| Gibraltar → Palma de Mallorca | about 450 nm | 3–5 days |
| Palma → Split, Croatia | about 1,100–1,200 nm | 9–14 days |
| Canary Islands → Caribbean | about 2,700–2,800 nm | 2.5–3.5 weeks |
| Caribbean → Azores → mainland Europe | about 3,000–3,300 nm | 4–5 weeks |
Distances are approximate and depend on the exact ports and route. For the long routes, read our guides from Scandinavia to the Med, the Med to the Caribbean and back to Europe via the Azores.
What makes a delivery take longer
- Weather windows: waiting for the right window before Biscay, the Gulf of Lion or an ocean crossing can add days. See how we choose weather windows.
- Season: winter brings more gales and shorter days; see the best months for each route.
- Fuel range: motor yachts need planned fuel stops, and a headwind increases consumption.
- Canals, locks and clearance: the Kiel Canal, the French canals and customs ports all keep their own hours.
- The yacht’s condition: problems found before or during the passage need fixing; our preparation checklist helps avoid them.
- Crew size: a larger crew can sail nonstop safely, while a crew of two needs more rest stops. Read about crew size and watch systems.
Nonstop or day hops?
Coastal day hops are comfortable but slow: a yacht that stops every night covers perhaps 40–70 miles a day. Professional deliveries usually sail nonstop on suitable legs, with a watch system that keeps the yacht moving around the clock. That is the main reason a delivery crew moves a yacht much faster than an owner cruising the same coast.
Time and cost go together
Most deliveries are priced per day or per mile, plus expenses, so time and cost go hand in hand. A realistic schedule with buffer days for weather prevents rushed decisions at sea — and avoids surprises on the final invoice. See how delivery pricing works.
Get a time and cost estimate
Tell us where your yacht is, where it needs to go and when it must arrive. We will send a realistic schedule with buffer days and a clear, itemised quote. Ask for an estimate.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to deliver a yacht from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean?
Typically three to four weeks for a sailing yacht from Denmark to southern Spain, including weather and fuel stops. A displacement motor yacht can be faster if the weather allows.
How many miles a day does a sailing yacht cover on a delivery?
Usually 120–160 nautical miles per 24 hours when sailing nonstop, depending on the size of the yacht, the wind and the sea state.
How long does an Atlantic crossing take on a yacht delivery?
From the Canary Islands to the Caribbean, about 2,700–2,800 nautical miles, a sailing yacht typically needs 14–21 days at sea.
Why do yacht deliveries sometimes take longer than planned?
Mostly because of the weather. A good skipper waits for a safe window rather than leaving on schedule into bad conditions. Fuel stops, repairs, locks and customs can also add time.