A while back, I read an article about a large ship which transports smaller vessels back and forth across the Atlantic. Does anyone know the name of the company? I'm interested in cruising the Scottish and English coasts, but not "brave" enough for the Atlantic crossing!
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There was an article
in SAIL about that. I believe it is somewhere near Newport, as the ship took a bunch of beautiful 12 meters over to Britian for a huge race (some type of cup). Look at Sail's website and search "jubilee," and "12 meter" - and you should find the article. Pretty cool stuff. Rob
in SAIL about that. I believe it is somewhere near Newport, as the ship took a bunch of beautiful 12 meters over to Britian for a huge race (some type of cup). Look at Sail's website and search "jubilee," and "12 meter" - and you should find the article. Pretty cool stuff. Rob
I suspect it would cheaper to buy another boat
Fwiw, I sailed a bit of the English (North Sea) and Scottish (western/Irish sea) coasts with friends a few years ago...those waters are NOT calm "ponds!" But if you want to go, there are all kinds of options: WM and others sponsor "rallies" to various destinations, including Bermuda and even trans-Atlantics. A group of boats go as a fleet. They may not necessarily be in sight of each other much, but you're not alone out there. A great way IMO to gain blue water experience. Sailing to the UK isn't that tough...you get a lot of help from the Gulf Stream...it's sailing back that's the hard part. I've known a couple of people who sailed over, stepped their masts and cruised the French, German and Dutch canals for a month, then shipped their boats back on freighters as deck cargo and flew home.
Fwiw, I sailed a bit of the English (North Sea) and Scottish (western/Irish sea) coasts with friends a few years ago...those waters are NOT calm "ponds!" But if you want to go, there are all kinds of options: WM and others sponsor "rallies" to various destinations, including Bermuda and even trans-Atlantics. A group of boats go as a fleet. They may not necessarily be in sight of each other much, but you're not alone out there. A great way IMO to gain blue water experience. Sailing to the UK isn't that tough...you get a lot of help from the Gulf Stream...it's sailing back that's the hard part. I've known a couple of people who sailed over, stepped their masts and cruised the French, German and Dutch canals for a month, then shipped their boats back on freighters as deck cargo and flew home.
Buy Another Boat Option
The "buy another boat" option has some merit. Check out the prices of a new Bavaria, for example, less the Value Added Tax, and it looks really interesting. With proper, or creative, planning (selected countries and time periods) one could keep a boat in Europe for a few seasons and still avoid the VAT while using it as a waterfront vacation condo and seeing Europe. We checked the barge assisted method for boat transport on the west coast of the US but we felt the prices were too expensive for what we'd get out of it. If a person had a really expensive boat then it might be more cost-effective or more justifiable. If a boat can be transported by truck it would probably be less than by barge. The link below to Bavaria doesn't give prices but there are dealers one can find on the net. From what I've seen the prices in GB are the same as in Germany and a contract and dealings with a British broker might be easier.
The "buy another boat" option has some merit. Check out the prices of a new Bavaria, for example, less the Value Added Tax, and it looks really interesting. With proper, or creative, planning (selected countries and time periods) one could keep a boat in Europe for a few seasons and still avoid the VAT while using it as a waterfront vacation condo and seeing Europe. We checked the barge assisted method for boat transport on the west coast of the US but we felt the prices were too expensive for what we'd get out of it. If a person had a really expensive boat then it might be more cost-effective or more justifiable. If a boat can be transported by truck it would probably be less than by barge. The link below to Bavaria doesn't give prices but there are dealers one can find on the net. From what I've seen the prices in GB are the same as in Germany and a contract and dealings with a British broker might be easier.
SHIPPING OPTIONS
Pam: I agree with the previous posts that shipping a "smaller" yacht (most of us!) is usually not an option $$ wise. Depending on where you live (I'm assuming the east coast but you don't say), there are a couple options: 1. If you live near a large port, you can check with the agents of the large shipping companies and see if there is a possiblity of a "lift of convenience" (that's my quote, not something necessarily recognized in the industry) as deck cargo on one of their ships headed toward Europe. Container ships sometimes have empty space on deck and you could possibly work out a decent deal. You would obviously have to pay for a cradle, labor to haul aboard, and deck space costs, but it may work. 2. If you really want to get the boat to England and don't want to take her yourself, look into hiring a Captain and acting as crew yourself. There are any number of reputable men and women out there who will safely deliver your yacht. Most charge either a set fee or a daily rate. You will also have to pay transportation costs. Hope you are able to work it out! Smooth sailing! Tim Leighton (S/V "Magic")
Pam: I agree with the previous posts that shipping a "smaller" yacht (most of us!) is usually not an option $$ wise. Depending on where you live (I'm assuming the east coast but you don't say), there are a couple options: 1. If you live near a large port, you can check with the agents of the large shipping companies and see if there is a possiblity of a "lift of convenience" (that's my quote, not something necessarily recognized in the industry) as deck cargo on one of their ships headed toward Europe. Container ships sometimes have empty space on deck and you could possibly work out a decent deal. You would obviously have to pay for a cradle, labor to haul aboard, and deck space costs, but it may work. 2. If you really want to get the boat to England and don't want to take her yourself, look into hiring a Captain and acting as crew yourself. There are any number of reputable men and women out there who will safely deliver your yacht. Most charge either a set fee or a daily rate. You will also have to pay transportation costs. Hope you are able to work it out! Smooth sailing! Tim Leighton (S/V "Magic")
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