Short answer: a yacht delivery from the UK to the Mediterranean usually follows the Atlantic route: across the English Channel, over the Bay of Biscay, down the coasts of Spain and Portugal and through the Strait of Gibraltar — roughly 1,300–1,500 nautical miles from the Solent to Gibraltar. With a professional crew it takes about two to three weeks, depending on the weather. The best window is from late May to early September. Since Brexit, the yacht’s VAT status and the crew’s Schengen days also need planning.
Every year, hundreds of British yachts head south to spend a season — or several — in the Mediterranean, and many British buyers purchase yachts that are already there. A delivery from the UK to Spain, France, Italy or Greece is one of the most common long-distance jobs we do. This guide covers the route, the timing, the Brexit rules and the alternatives.
The route step by step
1. The Channel and the jump-off
Most deliveries start from the Solent, Plymouth or Falmouth. From the south coast, the yacht either crosses to Brittany and rounds Ushant, or leaves from Falmouth for a direct passage across the Bay of Biscay. See our English Channel and North Sea guide for the tides and traffic separation schemes.
2. The Bay of Biscay
The crossing from Falmouth or Brest to A Coruña in north-west Spain is around 350–450 nautical miles — two to three days at sea. It is the most exposed part of the trip, and the weather window is the single most important decision of the delivery. Read our Bay of Biscay crossing guide.
3. Spain and Portugal
From Galicia, the route runs south along the Portuguese coast, usually with the summer northerlies behind it, to Lisbon and around Cape St Vincent to the Algarve. Read our guide to yacht delivery along Portugal, and our orca guide for this stretch of coast.
4. Gibraltar and into the Mediterranean
The Strait of Gibraltar is timed with the tide and the wind — a strong levante or poniente makes a big difference. From there it is a day’s sail to Málaga, our home base, and on to the rest of the Mediterranean.
How long does it take?
- Solent to Gibraltar: roughly 1,300–1,500 nautical miles; around 10–14 days under way, plus weather days.
- On to the Balearics or the French Riviera: add three to six days.
- On to Italy, Croatia or Greece: add one to two weeks.
See our guide to how long a yacht delivery takes for more detail.
When to go
From late May to early September, the Biscay weather is at its most settled and the northerlies off Portugal help the yacht south. Spring and autumn are possible, but Atlantic lows pass more often, and a delivery may need to wait in Brittany or Falmouth for a safe window. Winter departures are best avoided unless the schedule is very flexible. Our delivery calendar shows the best months for each leg.
Brexit: VAT, temporary admission and Schengen days
- VAT status: a UK yacht is a non-EU yacht in the EU. If the owner lives outside the EU, the yacht can usually stay under temporary admission for up to 18 months without paying EU VAT. If the owner is EU-resident, or the yacht is to stay longer, EU VAT may become due.
- Crew time in Schengen: British crew and owners can usually spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area. A delivery and a season in the Med can use these days quickly, so plan them.
- Clearance: the yacht clears into the EU at her first port, for example in France or Spain.
Our guide to UK–EU yacht deliveries after Brexit covers the paperwork in detail.
The alternatives
Motor yachts with a low air draught, or sailing yachts that can lower the mast, can take the inland route through the French canals to the Mediterranean — see our French canals guide. Larger yachts or owners in a hurry can also ship the yacht by road or sea; our comparison of delivery versus transport explains the trade-offs.
UK to Mediterranean delivery with Nordic Crew Worldwide
Our Scandinavian captains sail the route from the Channel to the Mediterranean every year, and our base in Málaga means we know the southern end of the trip as well as the northern. We plan the weather windows, the stops and the clearance with you, and all deliveries are covered by our own professional skipper insurance. Request a quote for a delivery from the UK to the Med.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How long does a yacht delivery from the UK to the Mediterranean take?
From the Solent to Gibraltar is roughly 1,300–1,500 nautical miles — about 10–14 days under way, plus time waiting for weather. Destinations further east add one to two weeks.
When is the best time to sail a yacht from the UK to the Med?
Late May to early September, when the Bay of Biscay is most settled and the northerlies off Portugal help the yacht south.
Can a UK yacht stay in the EU after Brexit?
If the owner lives outside the EU, a UK yacht can usually stay up to 18 months under temporary admission without paying EU VAT.
Is it better to sail or ship a yacht from the UK to the Med?
Sailing is usually cheaper and the yacht arrives ready to use. Shipping is faster for large yachts or tight schedules but costs more.