FAQ Yacht Delivery

What control do i have on those that deliver my yacht?

We ensure that the captain and crew contracted to deliver your yacht are of the highest standards and suitably qualified for the voyage. They include qualified  instructors, captains and delivery crew that hold RYA Ocean and RYA offshore sailing qualifications or  equivilent to their country who between them have amassed millions of sea miles over the years.

We will be happy to supply details of the proposed captain to you and/or your insurers for their approval.

We are constantly adding and updating our Captain’s details on line. More


I want my yacht delivered by freight but she needs to get to the port of embarkation. Can Reliance liaise with the shipping company?

Yes. We work closely with all the major shipping lines. Reliance Yacht Management can provide a single proposal for a multi modal delivery giving you a single point of contact as we coordinate, shipping lines, cranes, marina berth, yacht crews, customs agents and all the other elements that make up the delivery.


I am concerned about unforeseen costs. How do I protect myself from additional expenses?

We recognise this as a regular concern with clients who have been given quotes by others. Reliance will always provide an inclusive rate as possible and make it clear what is and what is not included. We always look for the most cost effective travel options and use budget airlines where possible. For any high value, unforeseen costs we will always where possible involve and seek approval from the client.

What are the liabilities?

Owner liability is the same as if chartering your yacht out to paying guests. There must be hull insurance in place and valid for the intended voyage. All Delivery crew onboard will be qualified and experienced which should comply with the yacht insurance. Delivery Captains hold professional liability insurance against negligence.

What safety equipment is required?

Safety is paramount. Each captain when joining a yacht for the first time will inspect and note location of all safety gear. He will brief crew on the their use in the event of MOB, fire, sinking etc. We would expect all gear to be in good condition and in date. A suggested minumum would be

  • Liferaft
  • Flares
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Wooden bungs
  • Radar Reflector
  • Boat hook
  • Bucket
  • Horseshoe buoy and light
  • Bosun’s chair
  • Tool box
  • Fog horn
  • Inflatable man overboard pole
  • First aid kit

We understand that many yachts may be new and ex factory without the safety gear on board. We will be happy to source and delivery equipment to the boat on your behalf. Ask us for prices.

Can I join the crew?

An owner assisted passage can be a fantastic opportunity and experience: the perfect way to learn more about a new purchase and benefit from the skill and experiences of a professional yachtsman. As passionate sailors, we are always keen to help our clients get the best from their yachts and maximize their enjoyment. We can help you get the experience and confidence to carry on without us. Read more

How do i know the progress of the delivery?

We will create a dedicated web page that will provide updates from the Captain and our operations desk. You will also be able to track progress through the AIS or our satellite tracker reports embedded in the page.

Learn more about our services and get the latest news from our blog entries.

“A great adventure”: Interview with Nick Irving, Managing Director

As Reliance winds down its yacht delivery services, Nick Irving looks back on these last 30 years of business and innovation.  Nick Irving founded Reliance Yacht Management in the 1980s. As a professional delivery skipper, he spotted a gap in the market for a centralised international yacht delivery service. Reliance has gone on to be a major [...]

Over 30 Years in Business: Scaling Back Reliance Yacht Management

Press Release: October 2023 FROM October, Reliance Yacht Management will no longer be offering yacht delivery services.  Reliance Yacht Management will continue to offer consulting and management services on selected projects, however after 30 years in business, the company will be scaling back its services.  Founded in 1988 by Nick Irving, Reliance Yacht Management has [...]

Increased Media Attention on the Orca Attacks: Reliance Captain Centre of it All

There has been a surge in media coverage regarding orca attacks in recent days. In the Gibraltar Strait and the Mediterranean, reports of orcas interacting with yachts and boats have been steadily increasing over the last few years.  Reliance captains have regularly seen orcas while delivering yachts over the last few years. However the story […]

Client’s Comments: Odysseus A Cruises

Some lovely feedback from clients, Odysseus A Cruises, following successful delivery of a Bali 4.2 from Tunisia to Greece. I wanted to say thank you for your service. Your company’s immediate response gave me assurance that you will handle the delivery with professionalism and you delivered exactly that. Mr Pavol is a great skipper. He [...]

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