Yacht Delivery from the Caribbean & USA to Europe

Yacht Delivery: Caribbean & USA to Europe

The eastbound transatlantic is a fundamentally different passage from the westbound trade wind crossing. Where the westbound route follows predictable trade winds, the eastbound requires more complex weather routing, often a mid-ocean stop in the Azores, and a crew experienced in variable North Atlantic conditions.

Route Options

There are two main approaches to the eastbound crossing:

From the Caribbean:

• Caribbean to Azores to Europe — The most common route. Approximately 2,200nm to the Azores, then 800-1,200nm to your European destination. The Azores stop allows refuelling, crew rest, and waiting for a favourable weather window for the final leg
• Caribbean direct to Gibraltar — Possible but longer (3,000nm+) and less common. Usually only for vessels heading to the western Mediterranean

From the US East Coast:

• East Coast to Azores to Europe — From ports like Fort Lauderdale, Newport, or Annapolis. The positioning leg north along the US coast adds time but puts you on a better latitude for the crossing
• Bermuda route — Some deliveries stage via Bermuda, breaking the passage into more manageable legs

Timing

The eastbound crossing has a narrower weather window than the westbound:

• May to July is the primary window. The North Atlantic high-pressure system is established, providing more settled conditions
• April can work but brings a higher risk of residual winter weather systems
• August onwards enters hurricane season — not recommended unless early August with very careful routing
• Avoid October to March — North Atlantic winter conditions make this crossing dangerous and uncomfortable

Why Eastbound Is Different

The westbound passage has the trade winds behind you. Eastbound, you're working with — and sometimes against — the North Atlantic weather systems:

• Variable winds — No reliable trade winds to push you along. The crew will use weather routing services to find favourable pressure patterns
• Gulf Stream — Must be crossed when departing from the US East Coast. This powerful current affects both speed and sea state
• North Atlantic lows — Even in summer, low-pressure systems track across the North Atlantic. Routing around them is a core skill
• Azores High — The semi-permanent high-pressure system can create calms. Motor-sailing or motoring through lighter patches is common

Passage Duration

• Caribbean to Azores: 12-18 days for a sailing yacht, 8-12 days for a motor yacht
• Azores to Europe: 5-8 days for a sailing yacht, 3-5 days for a motor yacht
• Total with Azores stop: Allow 3-5 weeks including the stopover for provisioning and weather windows
• US East Coast to Azores: 10-14 days for a sailing yacht

Crew Requirements

Eastbound Atlantic deliveries demand experienced ocean crew:

• Skipper: MCA Master 200GT or RYA Yachtmaster Ocean with North Atlantic experience specifically
• Crew: Minimum two additional qualified crew, ideally with prior Atlantic crossing experience
• Weather routing: Professional meteorological routing services are essential — not optional on an eastbound crossing
• All certifications: Valid STCW, ENG1, and sea survival certificates

The Azores Stopover

The Azores (typically Horta on Faial, or Ponta Delgada on São Miguel) serve as the traditional mid-Atlantic staging point:

• Refuelling — Essential for motor yachts, important for topping up sailing yachts
• Provisioning — Fresh food and supplies for the final leg
• Weather window — Crews can wait for a settled window to cross to mainland Europe or the Mediterranean
• Rest — A few days ashore after 2 weeks at sea keeps the crew fresh for the final passage
• Minor repairs — Address any issues from the first leg before the final crossing

Arriving in Europe

Common European landfalls include:

• Gibraltar — For yachts heading to the Mediterranean
• Lisbon or Cascais — Central Atlantic coast, good facilities
• Falmouth or Plymouth — For UK-bound yachts
• La Coruña — Northern Spain, well-positioned for onward delivery

Customs clearance, documentation, and a thorough handover report are provided on arrival, including a full condition survey, engine hours log, and any recommendations for maintenance.

Cost Considerations

Eastbound deliveries typically cost more than westbound due to longer passage times, more complex weather routing, the Azores stopover, and potentially higher fuel consumption from motoring in lighter winds. Return flights for crew from Europe are usually included. We provide transparent, itemised quotes.