Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment should my boat have?
This depends on the route involved. For example, a coastal delivery would not necessarily require a liferaft, while this would be vital for a Biscay crossing. However all boats should be equipped with a reliable engine, bilge pump, bucket, cock-plugs, anchor, flares, lifebelt/Dan Buoy, GPS, VHF radio, compass, navigation lights, a buoyant rope and suitable fenders and warps. If you are in doubt about your boat's equipment, please let me know.

As the boat owner, what is my role in the delivery?
As boat owner, your role in the delivery is entirely up to you. You can act as skipper, with me assisting, you can act as crew, or you can leave the entire matter in my hands. However most deliveries involve 24-hour/day sea time, so if you are participating as skipper or crew you should be capable of standing regular watches, including night watches. If you are unsure about your abilities please call me for a chat.

Please note that all options are available to you. If you wish to skipper or crew the boat, but at a slower pace than normal deliveries, then that is fine. Alternatively, you may wish to turn the delivery into a cruise, with friends and family joining. You might also wish instruction along the way in order to gain confidence and experience with your boat. All options are available.

You are based in Ireland. Will your travel expenses be higher than those of a delivery skipper based in the UK or elsewhere?
Not necessarily. If your delivery is a short one of less than 100nm then it may be more cost-effective to go with a local skipper. However most deliveries involve greater distances, and will involve travel costs wherever the departure and destination points are. As I am based near Dublin I have access to the full range of budget airlines and can usually fly cheaply to or from any destination in the UK or Western Europe, thus keeping your expenses to a minimum.

What insurance do you have for deliveries?
Boat insurance is normally attached to the boat rather than the skipper. You must therefore have insurance for your boat, and you should check that it covers a Yachtmaster offshore qualified delivery skipper. You should also verify that your insurance covers the sea area involved in the delivery. I will be happy to speak with your insurance company or broker about my own experience and qualifications and the voyage involved.

What happens if my delivery is delayed by bad weather?
I will not begin a delivery unless there is a sufficient weather window for its completion. However weather changes and forecasts are sometimes wrong, so weather delays occasionally happen. If this is the case I will charge half of my normal daily rate for time spent weather-bound in port. If the delay is likely to be greater than a day or two, and depending on the boat's location, I will return home and complete the delivery once the weather allows. This rarely happens, especially outside of the winter months, but if it does I will discuss the matter with you to come to a mutually suitable arrangement.

What happens if my delivery is delayed by equipment failure?
It is your responsibility to make sure that the boat and its equipment are in sufficient condition for the delivery trip. However problems can arise. If this is the case I will charge half of my normal daily rate for time spent in port conducting repairs, waiting for parts, etc.. Of course, I will assist in making and organising repairs wherever possible and will keep you informed at all times.

Can friends or family join the boat for the delivery?
Of course!

Is instruction available enroute?
I am a qualified Yachtmaster instructor and will be happy to teach you what I know enroute. However, since delivering the boat is usually the primary job and the skipper and crew usually alternate watches, there can be little time for this during the trip. However you may wish to undertake the delivery at a slower pace, thus making more time for practice and instruction along the way.

When do I pay you?
If you are participating in the delivery yourself you can pay me upon completion. However if you do not intend to be on board I will need a 50% deposit before the delivery with the remainder payable upon completion, plus an allowance for expenses to be incurred enroute.

What is life like aboard during a delivery?
A yacht delivery is a job, with a very focused goal, and thus can be quite different from normal yacht cruising. A typical delivery might involve 3 days of 3-hour watches, perhaps with a few hours break while in port for refuelling. Watchkeeping is an art that develops with experience and, while a long watch can sometimes be boring, it is important to remain alert and observant at all times. During extended, short-handed voyages it is important that skipper and crew look after each other and that the person off-watch (if they are not sleeping) take the initiative in preparing meals, cups of tea, etc. The key is an atmosphere of good-natured give and take, with both skipper and crew maintaining a sense of responsibility for completing a safe, successful and happy voyage.

If you intend to participate in the delivery of your boat expect a challenging and often tiring experience and be prepared to be alone for much of the time. However you can also look forward to spending quality time at sea with an ongoing sense of satisfaction as the miles flow by under the keel. And once the boat is safely berthed where she is supposed to be you can expect the deep satisfaction of an adventure undertaken and a job well done.

Further questions? Just contact me for a friendly, no-obligation chat.