Key takeaways
- ✓Rule of thumb: days at sea = distance (nm) ÷ (average speed in knots × 24) when sailing non-stop with watches.
- ✓A typical cruising sailing yacht averages about 5–7 knots, roughly 120–160 nm per 24 hours offshore.
- ✓Coastal day-hops with nights in marinas cover much less, often 40–80 nm a day.
- ✓Add a weather buffer: 20–50% extra time on exposed routes and in the shoulder season.
- ✓Ocean crossings are planned around weather seasons, not just distance.
The simple formula
Delivery skippers plan with average speed, not top speed. If a yacht averages 6 knots and sails day and night, it covers about 6 × 24 = 144 nautical miles a day. Divide the route distance by that figure, then add time for fuel, provisioning, crew changes and waiting for weather.
Motor yachts are faster but often stop more for fuel, and many owners prefer daylight-only running for smaller boats.
Example route times
| Route (approx. distance) | Sailing yacht ~6 kn, non-stop | Typical total incl. stops & weather |
|---|---|---|
| Palma – Nice (~300 nm) | 2–2.5 days | 3–5 days |
| Gibraltar – Palma (~430 nm) | 3 days | 4–7 days |
| UK south coast – Lisbon (~800 nm, via Biscay) | 5–6 days | 7–14 days |
| Canary Islands – Antigua (~2,700 nm) | 18–20 days | 18–25 days |
| Mediterranean – Caribbean (incl. Canaries stop) | 4–5 weeks at sea | 5–8 weeks |
What makes a delivery take longer?
- •Weather windows — waiting in port is normal and safer than leaving in a gale.
- •Boat condition: faults found before departure must be fixed.
- •Fuel range and stops, especially for motor yachts.
- •Customs, immigration and crew changes at borders.
- •Daylight-only or coastal routes instead of non-stop offshore sailing.
- •Season: autumn Biscay crossings and winter Mediterranean passages often need longer buffers.
How to speed things up (safely)
- •Prepare the yacht before the crew arrive — see our owner checklist.
- •Have papers ready: registration, insurance covering the delivery, and crew lists.
- •Agree a flexible date window rather than a fixed arrival day.
- •Hire an experienced delivery skipper who knows the route and season.
A delivery that arrives a few days late because the skipper waited for weather is a good delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How many miles can a sailing yacht cover in a day?+
Sailing day and night offshore, a typical cruising yacht covers about 120–160 nm in 24 hours. Coastal day-hops usually cover 40–80 nm.
How long does it take to deliver a yacht across the Atlantic?+
From the Canary Islands to the Caribbean (about 2,700 nm) a typical sailing yacht takes around 18–25 days at sea, depending on wind and boat speed.
Is a motor yacht delivery faster?+
Usually yes per day at sea, but fuel stops and daylight-only running can reduce the difference. Ask for a passage plan with fuel stops.
Should I fix a firm arrival date?+
It is better to agree a window. Weather and boat condition decide the safe departure time.
Sources
- RYA — Commercial endorsements and safety training
- IMO — Maritime safety
- Yacht delivery cost guide (Maritime Delivery guide)
- Yacht delivery passage planning and weather (Maritime Delivery guide)
- Prepare your yacht for delivery: owner checklist (Maritime Delivery guide)
- Yacht delivery season calendar (Maritime Delivery guide)
Put it to work