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The Dockwalk Guide to Yacht Transport

Louisa Beckett is the former editor of Motor Boating, ShowBoats International, and Southern Boating magazines, and a longtime contributor to Dockwalk. Over her career, she has written about a wide variety of vessels ranging from Sea-Doos to superyachts, and has had many adventures on the water, including riding in a U.S. Coast Guard “rollover” boat in heavy surf off Cape Disappointment, Washington.

Even now, in the third year of the pandemic, we’re seeing headlines about global supply chain disruptions caused by worker shortages and other factors related to COVID-19. In particular, the maritime shipping industry has been affected, with long lines of cargo ships frequently sitting idle as they wait to be unloaded in port.

“It’s a very difficult marketplace at the moment. The freight rates are higher than they’ve been in decades. Congestion in ports is at an all-time high, all these things are affecting our ability to get ships where they need to be on time, and space on ships is at a massive premium,” says Simon Judson, CEO of global logistics firm Peters & May , which organizes passage for yachts on board a wide variety of commercial cargo ships.

• How COVID Has Affected Crew Hiring

Right from the start, the pandemic dramatically transformed the yacht transportation industry. In early 2020, the number of bookings by the usual clients, including owners and captains wanting to move their yachts to seasonal cruising grounds and sailing yacht owners and captains following the regatta circuit, fell off dramatically. At the same time, bookings increased from yacht owners who were unable to travel to their vessels and wanted to have them shipped home instead. Then, as COVID-related lockdowns and sheltering began to fuel the demand for new and brokerage boats, yacht manufacturers, dealers, and brokers around the world began to use yacht transport companies to ship boats to clients who couldn’t get to the vessels or send crew to pick them up. “I think COVID has changed everybody’s way of doing business,” says General Manager Laura Tempest of DYT , which owns and operates semi-submersible yacht-transport ships.

Port closures and travel restrictions also made it difficult for yacht transport companies to move their loadmasters into position around the world in order to supervise loading and unloading. In addition, “We have had a shortage of loadmasters at times when they came down with COVID,” said Uta Scarlata, who handles transatlantic and Caribbean sales for Sevenstar Yacht Transport , which operates its own fleet of 120 cargo vessels.

“Everything about the logistics of shipping a yacht from A to B is ten times harder,” Judson says, but he adds, “As we moved through the pandemic, we learned a little bit about how to adapt. Today we are using what we’ve learned to be better placed. That means making sure we’ve got the right people in the right places a lot further in advance [and] thinking about relocating our cradling and lifting equipment and everything we need to load the boats a lot further in advance.”

While internal logistics such as these typically are handled by a yacht transportation company behind the scenes without affecting its clients, industry experts agree that this year, yacht captains are going to have to act earlier than usual in order to secure transportation for their yachts.

If you do need to ship a yacht overseas, there are two basic means of transport: on the deck of a commercial ship or inside a semi-submersible vessel.

“It’s kind of going back to old days when if you didn’t book well in advance, you are not going to have a space…. People are done [with sheltering]. They are going to start using their yachts whether it be in the Med or in the Caribbean,” says Tempest. “We are seeing all of our repeat customers coming back, and the ones we met in the last year and a half that we didn’t know before are coming back.”

“Every ship that we’ve put on from the middle of last year has been fully booked probably a month before it comes to port. That was never the case before. We would always have some space a week before,” says Judson, who also predicts that demand for yacht transportation will increase in 2022 as owners return to pre-pandemic levels of cruising and racing. “If there’s a reason to book early, it would be to avoid disappointment in the fact that there may not be space,” he says. “To be safe, you should be thinking at least two months out.”

Cargo Ship vs. Semi-Submersible

There are a variety of reasons why an owner or captain would want to arrange to have a yacht transported from one location to another. It might be to change cruising grounds with the seasons, or to take the yacht to an event. Some yachts are able to make the voyage on their own bottom, but others must be shipped because they may be too small or have an insufficient fuel capacity to make the trip, their owner wants to avoid wear and tear on the vessel, or the yacht is booked for a charter in the new destination and the timing is just too tight.

Booking space on a cargo ship gives you the advantage of being able to transport a yacht pretty much anywhere around the globe where that vessel is scheduled to deliver freight.

If you do need to ship a yacht overseas, there are two basic means of transport: on the deck of a commercial ship or inside a semi-submersible vessel. Which method to pick depends on a variety of considerations, including the location where you want to ship the yacht, the flexibility of your schedule, whether or not you want to use the transit time to get work done on board, and the price.

In the most common scenario, the yacht is lifted by crane onto a commercial ship and secured in a custom-built cradle on its deck, where it shares space with other cargo for the duration of the passage. Since cargo ships typically make multiple stops and can experience delays in loading and unloading cargo, it’s important to have a flexible schedule. “Shipping is not an exact science. You can’t expect to ship on a certain day and unload on a certain day. You have to give yourself flexibility,” Judson says.

On the other hand, booking space on a cargo ship gives you the advantage of being able to transport a yacht pretty much anywhere around the globe where that vessel is scheduled to deliver freight.

The other yacht-transport method, pioneered by Dockwise Yacht Transport (now DYT) in the 1980s, is “float on/float off.” DYT’s semi-submersible ships are partially submerged in the water; the yacht floats into it and is secured in a cradle on the deck by divers. Then, the water is drained from the hold. At the end of the voyage, the process is reversed and the yacht floats out.

“When the world woke up with a bang, the amount of consumer goods to be shipped outweighed the space available to ship them. That will take some time to stabilize,” he says.

DYT offers a limited number of routes designed to match typical yacht-shipping patterns, such as from the Mediterranean to Fort Lauderdale and the Caribbean and back. “What I think sets us apart from anyone else is that we have a set schedule — there is no deviation; there is no change. That is why charter yachts depend on us,” Tempest says.

When clients want to ship their yachts off the beaten path, DYT will refer them to its sister company, Sevenstar Yacht Transport, for bookings on board its cargo ships.

DYT recently launched a third ship, Yacht Servant , which was built in China and is scheduled to start transporting yachts in May. For a short window in 2022, DYT will have three semi-submersible vessels in operation, which should help to meet the rising demand for yacht transportation.

Riding Along

Before the pandemic, captains typically could send one or two crewmembers along with the yacht during either type of transportation, enabling them to use the passage as a mini yard period to get a variety of jobs done on board.

While most cargo ships do not permit riders to sleep in their yachts while in transit, before the pandemic, they often would assign them cabins in the ship and let them eat in the mess hall and recreate with the ship’s crew. However, when COVID-19 hit, most ship operators suspended this courtesy in order to reduce the risk of the disease spreading on board, which could lead to serious delays if the ship was forced to quarantine before unloading in a port.

“When things calm down, we will accept riders again,” Scarlata says. On DYT, “We still allow riders as it’s such a crucial part of the service that we offer,” Tempest says. In fact, the semi-submersible ships provide power to the yachts so that riders can sleep and work on board. At the height of the pandemic, however, the company limited the riders’ interaction with the ship’s crew. “They needed to provision their yacht for the duration of the voyage. They had to stay in the yacht and on the deck of the ship; they could not go into the ship’s superstructure.”

• 5 Things You Need to Know About Health Insurance During the Pandemic

One thing that has not changed in the yacht transportation industry is the need for owners and captains to ensure their vessel is properly insured for the passage. “Some people get caught out on this. They think their hull and machinery insurance will automatically cover them. They need to take out a separate marine cargo insurance policy,” Judson says.

Both Sevenstar and DYT include an all-risk insurance policy in the rate they quote for yacht transport. “Usually, one of the questions we get is, ‘Can we leave it out?’ It’s not optional,” Tempest says. “It covers everyone on board and eliminates the need for multiple underwriters.”

Price Increases

Captains booking transport for their yachts today are finding that insurance rates have gone up. “The whole insurance market has hardened over the last couple of years,” Judson says.

As for shipping, no matter what method you choose, you are bound to see a COVID-related price increase. “DYT rates have increased over the past six months. Many factors have attributed to this but certainly a large portion is a consequence of the global pandemic,” Tempest says.

“In the last ten years, freight rates have been very low…. Now the market has flipped a little bit,” Judson says. While there are a number of reasons behind this, the main one is the reduced amount of cargo space currently available.

As for shipping, no matter what method you choose, you are bound to see a COVID-related price increase. 

In early 2022, Judson reported that his company had seen rates for shipping yachts between the U.S. and the Caribbean go up 15 to 20 percent; transatlantic shipping rates had increased a 60 to 80 percent, and rates to and from the Far East had gone up 200 to as high as 300 percent. “Coming out of Asia, every ship is full to the gunwales and if you want some space, you have to pay through the nose for it,” he says.

“There are not as many people who are prepared to pay the increased freight rates we are seeing at the moment. There are a lot of people who are holding back…,” Judson continues. “Not everyone who ships a yacht is a multi-millionaire. We’ve got lots of clients who are dealers, brokers, and manufacturers who are moving their boats where they need to be to be sold as new boats…. I think the people and companies who are shipping their boats now are the ones who have more of a commercial need.”

This feature originally ran in the April 2022 issue of Dockwalk.

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Since 1987, time has been what we value most. With our fixed sailing schedules and two dedicated float-on/float-off yacht transport vessels, you can rest assured that your yacht is on time where it needs to be, which gives you the time to relax, enjoy, or reunite.

We offer dedicated sailings to the most sought-after destinations and events, which include the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and even Down Under!

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Our purpose-built, semi-submersible carriers are designed solely for yacht and Superyacht transportation. Our unique float-on, float-off system is viewed as the safest and most efficient way to transport your yacht. Dockwise, today, DYT is the safest yacht transport provider, transporting thousands of yachts across the Globe each year.

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Experience the DYT Time advantage. Our dedicated fleet of float-on, and float-off yacht carriers empowers us to uphold customized schedules, guaranteeing punctual departures and arrivals for your yacht. Trust us to deliver your yacht to its destination on time.

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Your trusted partner for global yacht transport & delivery, experience stress-free yacht relocation with our expert team.

We take immense pride in being the leading name for all your luxury yacht transport  and global boat shipping needs. With our extensive knowledge and experience in yacht logistics, we offer first-class solutions for yacht relocation services, superyacht shipping, sailboat and boat transport, and much more.

We redefine yacht transport and logistics through a commitment to excellence. Our dedication to safety, reliability, and personalized service sets us apart as industry leaders.  Reach out today for a comprehensive quote and embark on a journey characterized by first-class service.

YOUR PREMIER PROVIDER OF GLOBAL YACHT TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

Cross Chartering Yacht Transport is the largest yacht transporter to and from North America and focuses exclusively on the transportation of yachts. Through our highly skilled and experienced fleet management and operations team, we can provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective yacht transport solutions worldwide.

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YACHT LOGISTICS FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND

Unrivaled expertise in yacht shipping & logistics.

Cross Chartering Yacht Transport works hand-in-hand with boat/yacht manufacturers, brokers, captains of vessels, and private yacht owners to provide the best custom-designed shipping options to fit any scenario or requirement.

This allows us to provide the safest, fastest, and most secure yacht delivery services for your needs and budget, regardless of the destination.

We have a track record of successfully transporting and delivering yachts, power boats, boats, and sailboats, making us the preferred choice for owners who demand excellence.

OUR PROVEN METHODOLOGY

Cross Chartering Yacht Transport combines technology, innovation, and logistics to ensure your vessel arrives at its USA or global destination safely and on time anywhere globally.

Our experienced crew comprises yacht shipping professionals who know the marine industry inside and out and are master troubleshooters, problem solvers, and communication experts. Our custom-built cradles ensure that your vessel always arrives safely and securely during yacht transport.

You can rely on us as a global leader with extensive experience in yacht transports of your superyacht to its destination with the utmost care despite time and cost constraints.

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EXPERIENCE SAFE & RELIABLE YACHT DELIVERY SERVICE

Our specialized yacht delivery service is designed to ensure your cherished vessel’s secure and dependable transportation. Whether you’re seeking international yacht shipping or yacht transport within your own country, our team of experts is committed to guaranteeing a seamless journey for your yacht.

Yacht Transports & Global Boat Shipping Tailored to Your Needs

Navigating the intricate landscape of international yacht shipping can be a daunting task. That’s where our yacht transport expertise shines. With tailored solutions for yacht logistics, our global yacht shipping services remove the complexities. From managing customs and regulations to overseeing the entire logistical process, we ensure a smooth voyage from port-to-port.

Unrivaled Expertise in Superyacht & Boat Transport

Superyachts necessitate specialized handling and shipping solutions. Our team’s proficiency in transporting superyachts guarantees a secure and protected voyage for your vessel, regardless of size. As yacht transport leaders worldwide, you can rely on us to carefully deliver your superyacht to its destination.

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We stand at the forefront of superyacht shipping and sailboat transport, setting the bar for excellence in yacht logistics. Our team’s expertise, combined with our state-of-the-art equipment, ensures that your yacht’s journey during yacht transport is smooth and secure. Whether you’re relocating a sailboat or arranging global boat shipping, we’re committed to delivering results that speak of quality, precision, and a customer-focused approach.

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Very rarely do I get to have such phenomenal experience with anyone in the boating industry… But the experience with Paul–Cross Chartering Yacht Transport was nothing short of spectacular. The timing, the care, the professionalism…. Makes me wanna buy another yacht just so I can ship it with him haha. Feel free to send people my contact info for referrals. A++++ all the way <3

The team at Cross Chartering Yacht Transport safely and efficiently moved 96′ S/Y Symmetry from St. Thomas to La Paz. This was our second voyage with Paul Haber and his group. Even our grumpy captain was happy, that rarely occurs!

Initially, I received 3 shipping quotes; Paul’s was a good amount cheaper so I was skeptical but man was the experience incredible!!! The attention to detail was beyond professional. Unlike other shipping companies that book you and then you only hear from them twice (loading day & delivery day). Paul has an entire team that was in-touch with me almost daily. He treats your boats like his own and I will never use or recommend anyone but Paul and Cross Chartering!

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Smooth sailing: a comprehensive guide to yacht shipping and essential details that should not be overlooked.

Are you dreaming of sailing the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean or exploring the exotic islands of the Caribbean on your own yacht? The allure of yachting is undeniable, but when it comes to transporting your prized possession to these dream destinations, the process can be intricate and requires careful consideration. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential steps and considerations when it comes to yacht shipping, ensuring your overseas journey is smooth from port to port.

Iron Out the Details

Your initial consultation serves as the linchpin in the entire process, allowing you to tap into the expertise of the Legend Yacht Transport team, providing helpful insight and years of expertise not available through many other yacht transportation services. Seasoned yacht owners and first-time shippers alike benefit from our personalized approach, ensuring that each aspect of the transport is meticulously considered and catered to individual needs. Our knowledge and insights extend beyond mere logistics; we provide invaluable guidance on the best shipping options, cost considerations, and how to safeguard your yacht during its overseas voyage. This initial consultation becomes the cornerstone of a successful shipping experience, fostering a collaborative relationship that sets the tone for a seamless and secure transition of your yacht to its final destination.

Apples to Apples Quotes

A critical aspect often overlooked is the careful comparison of quotes from various shipping companies. To ensure a fair assessment, it’s imperative not just to compare quotes but to ensure you’re evaluating apples to apples. Quotes may come with many nuances, including the type of yacht transport , so comprehending the breakdown of costs, the array of services provided, and anticipating any potential additional fees that might surface throughout the shipping process is extremely important. A transparent quote serves as the keystone in making an informed decision, shedding light on the intricacies that may impact your budget and aligning seamlessly with your specific requirements. Beyond the numbers, it is crucial to understand the quality of service each quote represents. By scrutinizing the details, you gain a comprehensive understanding of what each yacht shipping company offers, allowing you to make a choice that not only meets your budget but guarantees a smooth, worry-free transport of your cherished yacht.

Overseas Shipping Options: Charter vs Liner Yacht Transport

Two primary yacht shipping options demand careful consideration: charter yacht transport and liner yacht transport . The choice between the two significantly impacts the logistics and costs associated with shipping your yacht. Chartering entails reserving an entire vessel exclusively for your yacht, offering unparalleled flexibility in scheduling and routing. This option caters to those who prioritize a personalized and dedicated approach, ensuring that their yacht receives undivided attention throughout the journey. 

Alternatively, liner transport consolidates multiple yachts onto a single vessel, presenting a potential avenue for cost savings. While this may be a more economical option, it comes with the compromise of a shared shipping space and a more fixed schedule. Understanding the nuanced pros and cons of each alternative becomes paramount in making a decision that aligns seamlessly with your unique needs, budget, and preferences. Whether opting for the exclusivity of chartering or the efficiency of liner transport, a judicious evaluation ensures that your yacht’s journey across the seas is tailored precisely to your expectations.

Details Count

In our world of yacht shipping, precision emerges as the linchpin for a successful and seamless process. The importance of accurate measurements cannot be overstated, extending beyond the overall length of the vessel to include meticulous details such as davits, aerials, radar arches, and pulpits. Each protruding element plays a crucial role in determining the spatial requirements and potential challenges during transportation. 

Even the slightest deviation in the declared length can cascade into a series of complications. From logistical challenges in accommodating the yacht within the cargo hold to unforeseen delays at ports of call, inaccuracies in measurements have the potential to disrupt the entire shipping timeline. Moreover, discrepancies may result in unexpected charges, adding financial strain to an already complex process. 

Paying meticulous attention to these details isn’t just a recommendation; it is a prerequisite for a seamless and stress-free shipping experience. The precision in measurements ensures that the yacht fits snugly within the allocated space, minimizing the risk of damage during loading and unloading. It also allows for efficient planning of routes and port logistics, reducing the likelihood of delays. 

In essence, the devil truly lies in the details when it comes to yacht shipping. As the yacht owner or manager, you’ll work directly with the Legend Yacht Transport team and collaborate closely to ensure that every centimeter is accounted for, guaranteeing a journey across the seas that is not only secure but also punctual and devoid of unexpected financial burdens. Precision is not just a virtue; it’s the compass that guides the vessel safely to its destination.

Reputation is Everything

Before entrusting your yacht to the vastness of the open seas, a thorough examination of the history and credentials of prospective shipping companies is not just advisable but paramount.

If you’re in the process of sourcing multiple quotes from various yacht shipping companies, it’s important to scrutinize their reputation. A yacht transportation company with a solid track record is more likely to have built positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients over time, offering a glimpse into the quality of its services. Look for longevity in the industry, a tenure that signifies stability and adaptability to the ever-evolving dynamics of yacht shipping. 

Experience in the industry is a key metric in evaluating a shipping company’s capabilities. An established history often translates into a wealth of knowledge, a refined understanding of logistics, and a proven ability to navigate the myriad challenges that may arise during transportation. Yacht owners can take solace in the hands of a seasoned operator who has weathered the seas of the shipping industry. 

You Get What You Pay For

In the complex world of yacht shipping, cost is undeniably a pivotal factor that warrants careful consideration. However, a critical adage holds true: you get what you pay for. While the allure of a lower-priced quote may be enticing, it often conceals potential pitfalls that could compromise the overall quality of the shipping service. 

Opting for a cheaper quote may expose yacht owners to hidden fees that emerge as unwelcome surprises during the shipping process. These unforeseen costs can range from port charges and customs fees to unexpected expenses related to specialized handling or documentation. The initial savings can quickly dissipate when confronted with these hidden fees, negating the perceived cost advantage. 

Moreover, lower-cost quotes may indicate compromises in service quality. Yacht shipping involves intricate logistics and the need for specialized expertise to handle the unique challenges of transporting a vessel across oceans. Choosing a service solely based on cost may lead to a reduction in essential services, potentially jeopardizing the safety and condition of your yacht during transit. 

Yacht owners must prioritize overall value and reliability when selecting a shipping service. Investing in a reputable and experienced company might come with a higher initial cost, but it assures the safety, security, and efficiency of the shipping process. Reliability extends beyond the financial aspect and encompasses factors such as on-time delivery, adherence to safety standards, and transparent communication throughout the shipping journey.

Double Check Insurance Coverage

Navigating the intricacies of yacht shipping requires a keen understanding of insurance considerations, as assuming that your standard hull insurance covers all risks during transportation is a common misconception. To safeguard your valuable investment, it is important not to look beyond your insurance coverage and take proactive steps to mitigate potential risks. 

Hull insurance, designed for risks while the yacht is in operation, often falls short when it comes to covering perils associated with transportation. Therefore, yacht owners are strongly advised to verify their insurance coverage and explore additional coverage. At Legend Yacht Transport, we will help you navigate this often confusing topic. 

Thorough insurance coverage is not merely a precautionary measure; it is a lifeline that provides peace of mind throughout the entire shipping process. Knowing that your yacht is protected against unforeseen events instills confidence and allows you to focus on the exciting prospect of your vessel reaching its destination unscathed. By taking the time to understand, verify, and invest in comprehensive insurance coverage, yacht owners can navigate the seas of transportation with the assurance that their cherished possession is safeguarded against the unpredictable elements of the maritime journey.

Communication is key. Don’t hesitate to ask your Legend Yacht Transport team member any questions that may arise during the quote, preparation, or shipping process. Seek clarification on any concerns, understand the logistics involved, and stay informed throughout the process. A reliable shipping company will be transparent and willing to address your inquiries. 

In conclusion, yacht shipping is a meticulous process that demands careful planning and attention to detail. By following these guidelines and collaborating with a reputable shipping company like Legend Yacht Transport, you can ensure your yacht reaches its destination safely and in pristine condition, ready for your next adventure.

Trust Legend Yacht Transport

As a global leader in yacht shipping and transport, the team at Legend Yacht Transport has earned the trust of renowned yacht and boat manufacturers, owners, managers, captains, and racers. Legend Yacht Transport specializes in offering customized yacht and boat transportation services for a wide range of vessels, including sailing and racing yachts, motorboats, superyachts, and commercial vessels, on a global scale. 

Distinguished as pioneers in the logistics domain, our expertise lies exclusively in ocean transport for marine vessels and equipment. Our highly qualified staff possesses an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of yacht transport and boat delivery, making us industry leaders with a comprehensive grasp of the challenges and nuances inherent to these specialized services.

Contact us today for more information or to start your yacht shipping journey.

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From moving a power boat across the state to hauling a fleet of yachts to a boat show across country, Joule Yacht Transport has the equipment, skill and experience to get the job done efficiently and dependably.

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There is no substitute for experience when hauling an oversize load like a yacht. Some of our drivers have over 35 years of experience. We understand your boat or yacht is more than an investment to you. Our drivers are boat lovers, too, so they take the same care and caution when transporting your boat as you would.

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The 10 Most Reputable Boat Transport Companies (With Costs)

Distinguished boat transport companies are those with a proven track record of success in terms of boat transport. They are licensed, insured, and have a team of experienced professionals who know how to handle boats of all sizes. Let's see which companies make the list of most reputable boat transport companies and how much they charge for different kinds and sizes of boats.

1. Flagship Boat Transport 2. Sevenstar Yacht Transport 3. Nationwide United Auto Transport 4. Mercury Auto Transport 5. Intercoastal Logistics 6. A1 Boat Transport 7. We Will Transport It 8. Intercoastal Shipment 9. Executive Auto Shippers 10. All-Day Auto Transport

Some of these companies offer boat shipping services for domestic and international shipping. Let's find out what specific boat transport services each company offers.

• Transporting a 50-foot yacht via All Day Auto Transport can cost around $10,000 to $12,000.
• Transporting a 40-50 ft yacht via A1 Boat Transport will only cost you around $2,500 to $3,000.
• Sevenstar has a good reputation when it comes to yacht transport, and their transport costs range from $20,000 to $120,000.
• Open and closed trailer, Lift-On/Lift-Off (Lo-Lo), Float-On/Float-Off (Fo-Fo), Roll-On/Roll-Off (Ro-Ro), flat rack, and container are some of the shipping services each company has in common.
• Some company also offers oversized boat transport, international and domestic shipping, and expedited shipping.

Top 10 Reputable Boat Transport Companies

Here are the top 10 reputable boat transport companies that you can trust:

1. Flagship boat transport is a reputable boat transport company

Flagship Boat Transport is a boat transport company that offers a range of services, including boat hauling, yacht transport, and boat storage. They have a fleet of specialized trucks and trailers that can accommodate boats of all sizes, and they offer both open and enclosed transport options. They are known for their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Estimated costs for transporting different boat types via Flagship

2. Sevenstar yacht transport is a leading company for yacht transportation

Sevenstar Yacht Transport specializes in the transportation of yachts, sailboats, and other watercraft via ocean and land transport. They offer a variety of services, including lift-on/lift-off (LOLO), float-on/float-off (FO/FO), and roll-on/roll-off (RORO) methods of transport. They also offer customized solutions to fit the specific needs of their clients.

Estimated costs for transporting different yachts via Sevenstar

Because yachts are typically larger and more luxurious than other boat types, their transport costs are typically higher.

3. Nationwide United Auto Transport is another excellent boat transport company

Nationwide United Auto Transport is a boat transport company that offers a range of services, including boat hauling, boat storage, and boat shipping. They have a large network of carriers and can transport boats of all sizes, from small pleasure boats to large yachts. They are also known for competitive pricing and excellent customer service.

Estimated costs for transporting different boat types via Nationwide Boat Transport

4. Mercury Auto Transport can handle boat shipping professionally

Mercury Auto Transport is a company that ships sedans, SUVs, classic cars, and pickup trucks nationwide, including in Hawaii and Alaska. It also ships boats and recreational vehicles (RVs) within the continental United States. You can choose between open or enclosed vehicle shipping.

For boat transport, they specialize in the transportation of boats and yachts. They offer both open and enclosed transport options, and they have a team of experienced drivers who can handle all types of boats, from small fishing boats to large luxury yachts.

Estimated costs for transporting different boat types via Mercury transport

5. Intercoastal Logistics offers excellent boat shipping services

Intercoastal Logistics is a highly reputable and reliable company that specializes in providing top-notch boat shipping services to clients across the globe. One of the key features that make Intercoastal Logistics stand out is its commitment to providing personalized services that are tailored to the unique needs of each client.

The company understands that every boat is different, and as such, they take the time to assess each boat and develop a customized shipping plan that ensures safe and secure transportation.

Estimated costs for transporting different boat types via Intercoastal Logistics

Want to know more about the cost of transporting a 40-foot sailboat via road or by crewing? Here's an article for you.

6. A1 Boat Transport is a reliable boat transport company

A1 Boat Transport is a company that specializes in the transportation of boats and other watercraft throughout the United States and overseas. They can even transport boats up to Australia. The company also offers a variety of services, including boat hauling, boat shipping, and boat transportation.

They use specialized equipment and trailers to ensure that each boat is transported safely and securely. They also offer door-to-door transport services, which means that the boat is picked up from its current location and delivered directly to its destination.

Estimated costs for transporting different boat types via A1 Boat Transport

7. We Will Transport It is a trusted boat transport company

This company is a transportation and logistics company based in the United States. They specialize in providing vehicle shipping, heavy equipment transport, and freight shipping services to customers across the country.

They work with a network of carriers and logistics professionals to ensure that every shipment is handled with care and delivered on time. Whether you need to transport a car, truck, boat, RV, or heavy equipment, We Will Transport It can help you get it where it needs to go.

Estimated costs for transporting different boat types via We Will Transport It

8. Intercoastal Shipment specializes in freight shipping services

Although based in London, this company provides freight shipping services to businesses and individuals across the United States. The company provides a wide range of shipping options, including full truckload, less-than-truckload, and intermodal transportation services.

They offer both open and enclosed transport options for vehicles, as well as flatbed, step-deck, and RGN trailers for heavy equipment. They also offer insurance coverage for all shipments, so customers can have peace of mind knowing that their valuable assets are protected during transport.

Estimated costs for transporting different boat types via Intercoastal Shipment

9. Executive Auto Shippers offer one of the best boat shipping services

Executive Auto Shippers is a vehicle transport company that specializes in the transportation of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. They also offer boat transport services for small boats and personal watercraft. They have a large network of carriers and can transport vehicles and boats of all sizes, from small cars to large yachts. Executive Auto Shippers is known for their professionalism and reliability.

Estimated costs for transporting different boat types via Executive Auto Shippers

If you're transporting a 40-foot powerboat, here's how much you can expect to pay for the overall transport costs.

10. All Day Auto Transport is a professional boat shipping company

All Day Auto Transport is a boat transport company that specializes in transporting boats and other watercraft across the United States. They offer both open and enclosed transport options, as well as expedited shipping for customers who need their boats transported quickly.

The company has a team of experienced drivers who are trained to handle boats of all sizes and types, and they use specialized equipment to ensure that each boat is transported safely and securely. They also offer insurance coverage for all boats during transport.

Estimated costs for transporting different boat types via All Day Auto Transport

Thank you for the list of shippers! It would be a good idea to remove or update pricing information in the article. I was so disappointed to find the prices are 2x-3x the amounts shown in the article for each of the six companies I called from this list (April 20240. Might be better to have no pricing information than to set expectations unrealistically low. Again, I appreciate having a list of shippers to work from.

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Yacht shipping: How to prepare your boat for a trip on a transporter ship

• February 24, 2020

Shipping your yacht may seem counter-intuitive, but putting wear on someone else’s hull can make more sense than you think, writes Will Bruton

Transocean yacht shipping is becoming increasingly popular. Photo: Sevenstar Yacht Transport

Bypassing seasonal weather restrictions and being able to relocate quickly are among the factors making yacht shipping more popular than ever.

Cargo ships cruise well in excess of the speeds of even the fastest racing yachts and are rarely delayed due to weather that would make a passage under sail untenable.

But while there is much less wear and tear on your yacht than a 3,000-mile ocean crossing will cause, there are still preparations you need to make sure your yacht is unloaded in good shape. We take a look at the process and how to prepare for it.

Once the strops are in position the owner and crew disembark for lifting. Photo: Tor Johnson

The beat back across the north Atlantic to Europe via Bermuda and the Azores is, despite its course to windward, a rewarding trip to make. But there’s a good reason many shy away: it’s often hard on the yacht, as well as the crew. Some 3,000 miles of wear on sails, engine and rigging has a significant impact.

For those who have travelled further, maybe across the Pacific, the trip back to Europe also involves significant weather challenges and time demands. Jeremy Wyatt, director of the World Cruising Club, has noticed a steady increase in the number of WCC event participants using yacht shipping services.

“Many are time-poor and unable to take the long periods of time necessary off work to complete ocean crossings. Also, production yachts proportionally suffer greater stress and wear and tear on the north Atlantic route to Europe than traditional heavy displacement boats. So the cost/benefit of shipping over sailing the route swings more towards shipping.”

Article continues below…

Yacht shipping versus yacht delivery under sail – which method really costs more and why?

A transocean passage can be a cruising delight, but it can also represent a logistical challenge. Owners who are constrained…

Could a floating shipping container sink your yacht? How real is the danger?

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Preparations

Preparing a yacht to be shipped should be undertaken with a similar level of attention to detail as getting ready to complete an ocean passage, or riding out a storm season, in order to minimise the chance of damage.

“The best preparation to get your boat ready for shipping is to think of it as winterising it,” explains Sevenstar loadmaster Geert de Krom. “If you stop for a season at home, you’d take the sails off, make everything nice inside, empty your tanks.”

The other thing he advises is to bear in mind that the yacht may well be exposed to the elements. “The big ship is also moving. If it is blowing 25 knots and the ship has its own speed, it can be 40 knots or more over the deck for days.

The ship’s loading crew will control the yacht during the lifting process. Photo: Tor Johnson

“The best thing to do is try and get rid of all the sail covers; they’re best stored inside. If a sail cover or other wrapping is blowing off it can also damage their neighbours’ yacht.”

The loading process

Yachts need to have their fresh and grey water tanks emptied (before approaching the ship as there will be divers working in the area) but to make sure that there is a little fuel left on board for offloading at the arrival port.

Owners (or their representatives) are responsible for driving their yacht up to the ship. There are good reasons for doing it yourself if you are able. “I always prefer it if the owner is doing it himself,” explains de Krom, “because they know their yachts best.

“For example, you have to remove your backstay, because we have a spreader beam for the lift, and the backstay is always in the way. On some yachts that’s five minutes work, on other yachts where it hasn’t been removed for the past eight years it takes longer.

“But if it is your own yacht, you know where the tools are and it’s more easily done. In the Caribbean a lot of times the delivery skippers will bring the boat alongside, but they don’t always know where the right screwdriver is.

“Normally you have a contact a couple of days before loading, and you’ll be assigned a loadmaster like me. We agree a loading time, and tell them where to come alongside, which side to put the fenders on. We try to prepare all the clients so we don’t have to shout down from the big ship.

Sevenstar Yacht Transport loadmaster Geert de Krom

“They just come alongside and then we have a crew who climb down the ladder and prepare the yacht for lifting. The lift rig will be lowered down, and we have one or two divers – always on every yacht – to double-check where to put the belts.”

Then we start lifting. The divers can also give us some information on the level of the yacht, if she is too bow down or stern down,” de Krom explains. “When everything looks safe we disembark, and lift the yacht into position on deck.”

Once the yacht is in position on the ship, it will be secured on its stand with lashings, and the stands are welded onto decks. For some yachts the loadmaster will ask for advice on the best strong points to lash the boat from.

The yacht is lowered onto a cradle in position and secured with tie-down points. Photo: Tor Johnson

“We always ask owners to send us pictures or drawings of previous lifts. But we ship 2,500 yachts a year, so we have quite a good database of how we’ve lifted previous yachts.” Even though the yacht process is a very well oiled machine, de Krom says owners shouldn’t feel rushed at this stage.

“They have plenty of time to prepare the yacht for the voyage. They can close everything down, put fenders inside, lock everything up, take your time. If you are the first yacht and I still have 45 yachts to loads, you have three days! But even if you are the last yacht, I still always offer the owner time.”

Key things to remember before stepping off for the last time are to disconnect the batteries and turn off the AIS . The process for loading onto a semi-submersible ship is slightly different. “Owners should approach it like going into a big lock,” he advises.

“So you’re waiting for the lock with 20, 25 yachts, and you stand by on Ch21, and one by one the loadmasters will call the vessel’s name, and then we have a lot of crew on board to catch the lines and help the skipper moor.

“Once the yachts are on the ship we start deballasting, and we have between 12 and 22 divers in the water. They have underwater stands they put in place so the yachts will not tip over.

“Loading takes place on one day, so if all the yachts are on by 1000, by 1700 the decks will be dry. The clients can stay on board, do some paperwork – or leave when the yacht is ready.

To prepare for unloading, remove the backstay, put out fenders and long mooring lines, and double-check you have enough charge to start the engine. Photo: Drone Caraibes

“Then by the evening the deck is dry, and the crew put all the sea fastening stands on to prepare for the voyage, which are also welded to the deck.”

How the yacht is secured is crucial. The loss of the 40m superyacht My Song , which fell from a ship last year , is at the centre of a legal case. When yachts ride on deck, they are held in a cradle supplied by either the yacht shipping company or sometimes the yacht owner.

However, if you supply your own cradle you should check it has been designed for use on the deck of a ship as well as for static storage ashore.

The owner (or owner’s representative) is responsible for driving the yacht up to the ship. Photo: Tor Johnson

While seeing your yacht hoisted atop a giant ship is spectacular, de Krom pleads that owners bring only essential crew who are able to climb the ladders. “It’s not a family party. I’ve had babies onboard coming alongside.”

He also advises that anyone at loading or unloading wears a good pair of deck shoes – not flip-flops. “We will provide the safety vest and helmet. But at least wear decent shoes to protect yourself. We work on a big steel vessel and there are so many ways to hurt yourself.”

One of the chief complaints made by owners after yacht shipping is that of dirt from the ship’s exhaust system causing staining to the hull and mast, particularly for yachts positioned downwind of the exhaust.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to wax the hull as well as to take down all canvas and as many lines as possible. Some owners prefer to have the yacht shrink-wrapped for even greater protection.

Andrea Lezzi organised the movement of the 82ft Southern Wind Feelin ’ Good from Thailand to Palma and, unusually, he also accompanied the yacht on the shipping stage of its voyage.

“No one wanted the yacht to go through the Gulf of Aden so it was decided shipping was the best option early on. The ship we were allocated was not a specialist yacht transport ship but a heavy lifting cargo ship that can carry almost anything with its own cranes on board.

“One early miscommunication meant that the loadmasters didn’t realise how big our fixed keel was, assuming it to be retractable.

“The guidance to remove all canvas, indeed anything you can, is worth heeding. On our passage we had 30 knots on the nose of the cargo ship and she moves at 20 knots; that’s 50 knots over the deck.

“So, shipping can still be quite harsh on the yacht in a different way. In total we used 43 lashings onto the deck and 23 inside the yacht for various furnishings.”

While the cradle is being welded onto the deck owners have some time to make final checks. Photo: Tor Johnson

Lezzi travelled as a passenger on the ship. “I was on board for 40 days in total. At first the shipping line wasn’t keen to accommodate me but we negotiated a rate for a cabin for the passage.

“I polished the yacht before we left – not to a shine, but to protect from dirt. But one big advantage of being on board is that I was able to rinse the yacht off every day with freshwater from the ship.”

Yacht shipping tips  

• Check your insurance for every stage of the operation in advance. Are you covered at every point in the process?
• Strip everything you can from the yacht. Canvas work should be removed and lines moused out.
• Is your yacht watertight? Yachts are exposed to the same weather as on passage and sometimes worse.
• Is your interior secure? Yacht shipping companies recommend using trucking straps to secure anything below that might move.
• Empty all water tanks. Fuel tanks should only carry the minimum of fuel necessary to get to and from the ship. Gas bottles should also be removed.
• Check your yacht shipping contract. Some do not guarantee a delivery date and weather delays do happen, even to big ships.
• Shop around. Prices for shipment vary significantly based upon many factors, including how full the ship is at the time of quotation. Check if there is a scheduled service as they are often cheaper.
• Think in terms of winterising your yacht – shipping via northern Europe can expose the yacht to cold. Will anything freeze?
• Leave the mast up. S pecialist yacht shipping companies will ship almost all yachts with the rig stepped.
• Leave a spare key. I f the ship pulls into another port, Customs may want to get on board your yacht

Insurance should be an early consideration. Robert Holbrook of Admiral Marine says: “We insure a lot of yachts which are shipped to Europe from places like the Caribbean.

“We have found over the years that the shipper often provides cargo cover which is well priced and so the normal practice is to cease cover on the yacht from the time that the yacht is loaded (usually when the slings are attached), and cover remains suspended until the yacht is safely offloaded onto the water or onto the quay at the destination.

“It is not possible to cover the yacht as cargo under a normal yacht policy. The cover offered while the yacht is being shipped is Institute Cargo Clauses (All Risks).”

If it’s not you loading and unloading, you should also be careful to check there are no blurred lines in liability with who you put in charge of the yacht.

First published in the February 2020 edition of Yachting World.

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Inside the Shocking Sicily Yacht Tragedy: 7 People Dead After Rare Luxury Boat Disaster

There was a violent storm, but even then, luxury yachts are built to weather such events. so why did this boat sink off the coast of sicily, leaving seven people dead.

Nobody was trying to reach the lowest depths of the ocean or otherwise test the boundaries of human endurance .

But what was supposed to be a routine pleasure cruise aboard a superyacht turned deadly all the same on the morning of Aug. 19 when the 184-foot Bayesian got caught in a storm and sank off the coast of Sicily .

"I can't remember the last time I read about a vessel going down quickly like that," Stephen Richter  of SAR Marine Consulting told NBC News . "You know, completely capsizing and going down that quickly, a vessel of that nature, a yacht of that size."

Of the 22 people onboard, including crew, seven people died. The last of the bodies was recovered Aug. 23, an expectedly sad coda to what had already been a tragic week as the search for answers as to how this happened got underway.

And to be sure, every minute of the Bayesian's ill-fated outing is being fiercely scrutinized, starting with the general seaworthiness of the vessel itself.

Because, frankly, this was a freak occurrence.

"Boats of this size, they’re taking passengers on an excursion or a holiday," Richter explained. "They are not going to put them in situations where it may be dangerous or it may be uncomfortable, so this storm that popped up was obviously an anomaly. These vessels that carry passengers, they’re typically very well-maintained, very well-appointed."

But in this case, a $40 million yacht sank, seven people are dead—including a billionaire tech mogul and his 18-year-old daughter—and morbid fascination doesn't need a second wind.

Here is how the story of the Sicily yacht tragedy has unfolded so far:

What happened to the yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily?

The Bayesian had set off from the Sicilian port of Milazzo on Aug. 14 at capacity with 12 guests and 10 crewmembers aboard.

The aluminum-hulled vessel was built in 2008 by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi and registered in the U.K. Cruise sites listed it as available for charter at $215,000 per week, per the Associated Press.

On the morning of Aug. 19, the superyacht was anchored off the coast of Porticello, a small fishing village in the Sicilian province of Palermo (also the name of Sicily's capital city), when a violent storm hit.

The vessel "suddenly sank" at around 5 a.m. local time, seemingly due to "the terrible weather conditions," the City Council of Bagheria announced shortly afterward, per NBC News .

At the time, only one person was confirmed dead—the ship's chef—but six others were said to be missing. The 15 survivors—who managed to make it onto an inflatable life boat, according to emergency officials—were rescued that morning by the crew of another yacht that had been nearby when the storm hit.

"Fifteen people inside," Karsten Borner , the Dutch captain of the ship that was able to help (the Sir Robert Baden Powell), told reporters afterward, per Reuters. "Four people were injured, three heavily injured, and we brought them to our ship. Then we communicated with the coast guard, and after some time, the coast guard came and later picked up injured people."

When the storm hit, his boat ran into "a strong hurricane gust," Borner said, "and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position."

They "managed to keep the ship in position," he continued, but once the storm died down, they realized the other boat that had been behind them—the Bayesian—was gone.

The wreck ended up settling 165 feet below the surface, according to Italy's national fire department.

Fire officials said that divers, a motorboat and a helicopter were deployed to search for the missing.

Meanwhile, footage was captured of the ship capsizing on closed-circuit TV about a half-mile away from where it was anchored.

In the video obtained by NBC News, the illuminated 250-foot aluminum mast of the ship appears to list severely to one side before disappearing completely. Survivors recalled having just a few minutes to literally abandon ship.

"They told me that suddenly they found themselves catapulted into the water without even understanding how they had got there," Dr. Fabio Genco , head of the Palermo Emergency Medical Services, told NBC News Aug. 22. "And that the whole thing seems to have lasted from 3 to 5 minutes."

Genco said he got to Porticello about an hour after the Bayesian capsized.

Survivors "told me that it was all dark, that the yacht hoisted itself up and then went down," he said. "All the objects were falling on them. That’s why I immediately made sure, by asking them questions, if they had any internal injuries."

Why did the yacht sink?

Italian prosecutors are investigating to determine what transpired before the boat went down, according to NBC News.

Meanwhile, the CEO of shipbuilder Perini's parent company The Italian Sea Group defended the vessel itself as "unsinkable."

Perini boats "are the safest in the most absolute sense," Giovanni Costantino told Sky News Aug. 22 . What happened to the Bayesian "put me in a state of sadness on one side and of disbelief on the other," he continued. "This incident sounds like an unbelievable story, both technically and as a fact."

Costantino said it had to have been human error that led to the boat sinking, declaring, "Mistakes were made."

"Everything that was done reveals a very long summation of errors," he told newspaper Corriere della Sera  Aug. 21, in an interview translated from Italian. "The people should not have been in the cabins, the boat should not have been at anchor."

The weather was "all predictable," he continued, adding that the storm "was fully legible in all the weather charts. It couldn't have been ignored."

The yacht's captain, identified as James Cutfield of New Zealand, was taken to Termini Imerese hospital for treatment. From there, he told  La Repubblica , per Sky News , that he didn't see the storm coming.

Borner, the captain of the ship that rescued the 15 Bayesian survivors, told NBC News that he noticed the storm come in at 4 a.m. local time, and saw what looked to him like a waterspout, a type of tornado that forms above water.

The International Centre for Waterspout Research posted on X Aug. 19 that it had "confirmed 18 waterspouts today off the coasts of Italy. Some were powerful waterspouts, one of which may have been responsible for the sinking of a large yacht off of Sicily."

Borner said he didn't know why the Bayesian sank so quickly, guessing "it may have something to do with the mast, which was incredibly long." (A tall mast, even with its sails down, means there's more surface area exposed to wind, which can result in tipping.) 

Confirming that one person was dead and six unaccounted for immediately following the wreck on Aug. 19, Salvo Cocina of Sicily's civil protection agency told reporters that a waterspout had struck the area overnight.

"They were in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said.

Who were the seven people who died when the yacht Bayesian sank?

The tragedy initially became headline news because billionaire tech mogul Mike Lynch —"Britain's Bill Gates ," some U.K. media called him—was among the missing. His body was ultimately recovered Aug. 22 .

The 59-year-old founder of software firm Autonomy had been on the trip with his wife Angela Bacares and their 18-year-old, Oxford-bound daughter Hannah  to celebrate his recent acquittal in the U.S. on fraud and conspiracy charges stemming from the $11.7 billion purchase of his company by Hewlett-Packard in 2011.

In a bizarre turn of events, Lynch's co-defendant at trial, Stephen Chamberlain , the former vice president of finance at Autonomy, died after being taken off life support following a road accident on Aug. 17. Chamberlain's attorney told Reuters Aug. 20 that his friend and client had been out for a run when he was "fatally struck" by a car.

Meanwhile, multiple people who contributed to Lynch's defense were on the cruise with him and his family.

The bodies of Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer —who testified on Lynch's behalf—and his wife Judy Bloomer , as well as lawyer Chris Morvillo , a partner at the U.S. firm Clifford Chance, and his wife Neda Morvillo , a jewelry designer, were recovered on Aug. 21 .

In a LinkedIn post thanking the team that successfully defended Lynch, Morvillo wrote, per Sky News , "And, finally, a huge thank you to my patient and incredible wife, Neda Morvillo, and my two strong, brilliant, and beautiful daughters, Sabrina Morvillo and Sophia Morvillo . None of this would have been possible without your love and support. I am so glad to be home. And they all lived happily ever after…"

The first casualty confirmed Aug. 19 was the ship's Canadian-Antiguan chef, later identified as Recaldo Thomas . 

"He was a one-of-a-kind special human being," a friend of Thomas told The Independent . "Incredibly talented, contagious smile and laugh, an incredible voice with a deep love of the ocean and the moon. I spoke to him nearly every day. He loved his life his friends and his job."

Hannah's body was the last of the missing six to be found , with divers bringing her remains ashore on Aug. 23.

Lynch and Bacares, who was rescued, also shared a 21-year-old daughter, according to The Times.

While awaiting trial, Lynch—who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings—had spent 13 months under house arrest in San Francisco. Back home in London afterward, he admitted to The Times in July that he'd been afraid of dying in prison if he'd been found guilty. (He faced a possible 25-year sentence.)

"It's bizarre, but now you have a second life," he reflected. "The question is, what do you want to do with it?"

(E!, NBC News and Sky News are all members of the Comcast family.)

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Lynch Yacht Sinking Off Sicily Proves as Baffling as It Is Tragic

As bodies were recovered, the authorities and experts wondered how a $40 million, stable and secure vessel could have sunk so quickly.

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By Emma Bubola and Michael J. de la Merced

Emma Bubola reported from Porticello, Italy, and Michael J. de la Merced from London.

Two months after being cleared in a bruising legal battle over fraud charges, the British tech mogul Mike Lynch celebrated his freedom with a cruise. He invited his family, friends and part of his legal team on board his luxury sailing yacht, a majestic 180-foot vessel named Bayesian after the mathematical theorem around which he had built his empire.

On Sunday night, after a tour of the Gulf of Naples, including Capri, and volcanic islands in the Eolian archipelago, the boat anchored half a mile off the Sicilian coast in Porticello, Italy. It chose a stretch of water favored by the Phoenicians thousands of years ago for its protection from the mistral wind and, in more recent times, by the yachts of tech billionaires. The boat was lit “like a Christmas tree,” local residents said, standing out against the full moon.

But about 4 a.m., calamity unfolded. A violent and fast storm hit the area with some of the strongest winds locals said they had ever felt. Fabio Cefalù, a fisherman, said he saw a flare pierce the darkness shortly after 4.

Minutes later, the yacht was underwater. Only dozens of cushions from the boat’s deck and a gigantic radar from its mast floated on the surface of the sea, fishermen said.

In all, 22 people were on board, 15 of whom were rescued. Six bodies — five passengers and the ship’s cook — had been recovered by Thursday afternoon, including that of Mr. Lynch, an Italian government official said, adding that the search was continuing for his daughter.

It was a tragic and mystifying turn of events for Mr. Lynch, 59, who had spent years seeking to clear his name and was finally inaugurating a new chapter in his life. Experts wondered how a $40 million yacht, so robust and stable could have been sunk by a storm near a port within minutes.

“It drives me insane,” said Giovanni Costantino, the chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which in 2022 bought the company, Perini, that made the Bayesian. “Following all the proper procedures, that boat is unsinkable.”

The aura of misfortune only deepened when it emerged that Stephen Chamberlain, 52, a former vice president of finance for Mr. Lynch’s former company and a co-defendant in the fraud case, was killed two days earlier, when he was hit by a car while jogging near his house in England.

Since June, the two men had been in a jubilant mood. A jury in San Francisco had acquitted both on fraud charges that could have sent them to prison for two decades. There were hugs and tears, and they and their legal teams went for a celebratory dinner party at a restaurant in the city, said Gary S. Lincenberg, a lawyer for Mr. Chamberlain.

The sea excursion was meant as a thank-you by Mr. Lynch to those who had helped him in his legal travails. Among the guests was Christopher J. Morvillo, 59, a scion of a prominent New York family of lawyers who had represented Mr. Lynch for 12 years. He and his wife, Neda, 57, were among the missing.

So, too, was Jonathan Bloomer, 70, a veteran British insurance executive who chaired Morgan Stanley International and the insurer Hiscox.

The body of the ship’s cook, Recaldo Thomas, was recovered. All the other crew members survived. Among them was Leo Eppel, 19, of South Africa, who was on his first yacht voyage working as a deck steward, said a friend, who asked not to be identified.

Since the sinking, the recovery effort and investigation have turned the tiny port town of Porticello, a quiet enclave where older men sit bare-chested on balconies, into what feels like the set of a movie.

Helicopters have flown overhead. Ambulances have sped by with the sirens blaring. The Coast Guard has patrolled the waters off shore, within sight of a cordoned-off dock that had been turned into an emergency headquarters.

On Wednesday afternoon, a church bell tolled after the first body bag was loaded into an ambulance, a crowd watching in silence.

The survivors were sheltering in a sprawling resort near Porticello, with a view of the shipwreck spot, and had so far declined to comment.

Attilio Di Diodato, director of the Italian Air Force’s Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology, said that the yacht had most likely been hit by a fierce “down burst” — when air generated within a thunderstorm descends rapidly — or by a waterspout , similar to a tornado over water.

He added that his agency had put out rough-sea warnings the previous evening, alerting sailors about storms and strong winds. Locals said the winds “felt like an earthquake.”

Mr. Costantino, the boat executive, said the yacht had been specifically designed for having a tall mast — the second-tallest aluminum mast in the world. He said the Bayesian was an extremely safe and secure boat that could list even to 75 degrees without capsizing.

But he said that if some of the hatches on the side and in the stern, or some of the deck doors, had been open, the boat could have taken on water and sunk. Standard procedure in such storms, he said, is to switch on the engine, lift the anchor and turn the boat into the wind, lowering the keel for extra stability, closing doors and gathering the guests in the main hall inside the deck.

12 guests occupied the yacht’s six cabins. There were also 10 crew members.

Open hatches, doors and cabin windows could have let in water during a storm, according to the manufacturer.

Open hatches, doors and

cabin windows could

have let in water

during a storm,

according to the

manufacturer.

Source: Superyacht Times, YachtCharterFleet, MarineTraffic

By Veronica Penney

The New York Times attempted to reach the captain, James Cutfield, who had survived, for comment through social media, his brother and the management company of the yacht (which did not hire the crew), but did not make contact.

So far none of the surviving crew members have made a public statement about what happened that night.

Fabio Genco, the director of Palermo’s emergency services, who treated some of the survivors, said that the victims had recounted feeling as if the boat was being lifted, then suddenly dropped, with objects from the cabins falling on them.

The Italian Coast Guard said it had deployed a remotely operated vehicle that can prowl underwater for up to seven hours at a depth of more than 980 feet and record videos and images that they hoped would help them reconstruct the dynamics of the sinking. Such devices were used during the search and rescue operations of the Titan vessel that is believed to have imploded last summer near the wreckage of the Titanic.

After rescuers broke inside the yacht, they struggled to navigate the ropes and many pieces of furniture cluttering the vessel, said Luca Cari, a spokesman for Italy’s national firefighter corps.

Finally, as of Thursday morning, they had managed to retrieve all but one of the missing bodies, and hopes of finding the missing person alive were thin. “Can a human being be underwater for two days?” Mr. Cari asked.

What was certain was that Mr. Lynch’s death was yet another cruel twist of fate for a man who had spent years seeking to clear his name.

He earned a fortune in technology and was nicknamed Britain’s Bill Gates. But for more than a decade, he had been treated as anything but a respected tech leader.

He was accused by Hewlett-Packard, the American technological pioneer that had bought his software company, Autonomy, for $11 billion, of misleading it about his company’s worth. (Hewlett-Packard wrote down the value of the transaction by about $8.8 billion, and critics called it one of the worst deals of all time .) He had been increasingly shunned by the British establishment that he sought to break into after growing up working-class outside London.

He was extradited to San Francisco to face criminal charges, and confined to house arrest and 24-hour surveillance on his dime. In a townhouse in the Pacific Heights neighborhood — with security people he jokingly told associates were his “roommates” — he spent his mornings talking with researchers whom he funded personally on new applications for artificial intelligence. Afterward, he devoted hours to discussing legal strategy with his team.

Despite his persistent claims of innocence, even those close to Mr. Lynch had believed his odds of victory were slim. Autonomy’s chief financial officer, Sushovan Hussain, was convicted in 2018 of similar fraud charges and spent five years in prison.

During Mr. Lynch’s house arrest, his brother and mother died. His wife, Angela Bacares, frequently flew over from England, and she became a constant presence in the San Francisco courtroom during the trial.

After he was finally acquitted, Mr. Lynch had his eye on the future. “I am looking forward to returning to the U.K. and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” he said.

Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting from Pallanza, Italy.

Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome. More about Emma Bubola

Michael J. de la Merced has covered global business and finance news for The Times since 2006. More about Michael J. de la Merced

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Yacht Sank in Sicily Due to ‘Endless Chain of Errors,' Ship Maker's Owner Speculates: ‘Everything Was Predictable’

"A series of activities should have been done to avoid finding oneself in that situation," argues Giovanni Costantino, who owns the firm that built the vessel in 2008

• Giovanni Costantino — who is the CEO of The Italian Sea Group, the company that now owns Perini Navi, which built the  Bayesian  in 2008 — blames an "endless chain of errors" for the luxury yacht’s sinking on Monday, Aug. 19
• "Everything was predictable. I have the weather charts in front of me here," Constantino told Italian newspaper  Corriere della Sera  of the storm the boat was caught in
• "An unsinkable ship but from the crew an endless chain of errors," the CEO claimed to the outlet

The sinking of the luxury Bayesian  yacht off the coast of Sicily this week  resulted from an "endless chain of errors" by the crew, the ship maker's CEO is speculating.

"This episode sounds like an unbelievable story, both technically and as a fact," Giovanni Costantino — who leads The Italian Sea Group, the company that now owns Perini Navi, which built the  Bayesian  in 2008 — said,  according to CNN .

While speaking to  Italian newspaper  Corriere della Sera , Costantino said he believes those on board should not have been in their cabins, as he claims they were, when the Bayesian sank in the early hours of Monday, Aug. 19. 

Many details of why the yacht went into the water so quickly remain unclear and it's not yet known what the passengers and crew were doing before tragedy struck.

PERINI NAVI PRESS OFFICE/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The 183-foot British vessel sank around 5 a.m. local time on Monday after a "violent storm" while near Porticello, the Italian coast guard said in a statement that was previously obtained by PEOPLE.

"Everything that has been done reveals a very long sum of errors. The people should not have been in the cabins, the boat should not have been at anchor. And then why didn't the crew know about the incoming disturbance?" Costantino said in his interview, translated from Italian.

"The passengers reported an absurd thing, namely that the storm came unexpected, suddenly. It's not true. Everything was predictable. I have the weather charts in front of me here. Nothing came suddenly ... Ask yourself, why was no fisherman from Porticello out that night? A fisherman reads the weather conditions and a ship doesn't? The disturbance was fully readable in all the weather charts. One could not not know," he argued.

"An unsinkable ship but from the crew an endless chain of errors," the CEO asserted.

The coast guard has said 22 people were aboard the  Bayesian  when it sank — 12 passengers and 10 crew — and that 15 of those were subsequently rescued.

The body of the yacht's chef, Recaldo Thomas, was recovered nearby. 

ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty

Costantino's comments came as it was reported that five bodies had been found in the search for the missing six people as of Wednesday, Aug. 21, a source close to the rescue operations confirmed to PEOPLE. Authorities have said that their work is ongoing. 

An Italian government official, Massimo Mariani, reportedly named one of the dead as British tech tycoon Mike Lynch . The other bodies have not yet been publicly identified by authorities. 

Lynch was celebrating with family and friends on the yacht following his acquittal in a fraud trial in June, PEOPLE previously reported.

Costantino offered his view of how the tragedy could have been avoided: "To begin with, in a weather alert situation it was inappropriate to have, as I read, a party. Not that evening. The hull and deck needed to be secured by closing all doors and hatches, after putting the guests at the ship's meeting point as per emergency procedure. Then start the engines and pull up the anchor or release it automatically, put the bow to the wind and lower the keel.

"The next morning they would have departed with zero damage." 

Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty

When discussing whether the crew were at fault, Costantino reiterated to the Italian outlet that he believes "errors were made."

"A series of activities should have been done to avoid finding oneself in that situation," he said. "I as the ship's captain would have moved, but even if for some reason I had to stay there, I would have managed those weather conditions which then, let's face it, weren't so crazy."

Never miss a story — sign up for  PEOPLE's free daily newsletter  to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.  

Costantino contended that there would have been "a zero risk if the correct maneuvers had been made and if situations that compromised the ship's stability had not occurred," adding to the newspaper that reports that the boat went down in seconds is "nonsense." He believes the yacht would have "went down" after water "started to enter" within "six minutes."

The remaining missing  Bayesian  passengers are Lynch's daughter Hannah as well as Chairman of Morgan Stanley International  Jonathan Bloomer, his wife, Judy , and New York City-based lawyer  Christopher Morvillo and his wife, Neda , sources have said.

Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, was among those rescued, PEOPLE previously reported.

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Ship captain who saw Mike Lynch’s yacht sink blames ‘extreme mast’

An eye witness to the sinking of British tech entrepreneur  Mike Lynch ‘s yacht on Monday attributed the tragedy to the extremely tall mast, which made the vessel more vulnerable to the violent storm that was lashing the area.

Dutch ship captain Karsten Börner, whose own boat was anchored near Lynch’s Bayesian , told the Financial Times that the superyacht appeared to have stability problems.

“The center of gravity is too high with this extreme mast,” he explained, while also dismissing the Italian coast guard’s initial view that the Bayesian was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“I was on the same spot,” Börner added. “I have two masts and they are 28 and 29 meters above deck, she has one, 73 meters (239.5 feet) above deck.”

Authorities are looking into  possible reasons Lynch’s yacht quickly sank , when other boats nearby seemed to weather the same storm without issue.

The 56-meter long superyacht had been carrying 22 passengers and crew. Börner rescued 15 passengers and said they told him the ship sank in less than two minutes.

He also described the wind as “violent, very violent,” telling the FT that the wind speed likely reached hurricane strength as “tons of water” came down.

“I never saw that before, there was a water tornado,” he said.

The CEO of the Italian Sea Group, which owns the company that built the Bayesian , previously told the FT that it was designed to be stable with its tall mast and suggested the crew didn’t carry out proper safety measures.

But Börner said the crew told him they “closed the ship,” according to the FT .

The Italian Sea Group didn’t immediately respond to Fortune’s request for comment on Börner’s remarks and declined to comment to the FT .

Meanwhile, prosecutors in Italy have launched a probe into the shipwreck and multiple counts of culpable homicide, which are equivalent to manslaughter charges.

The Italian coast guard also confirmed Friday that it had recovered the body of Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah. In addition to Lynch and his daughter, the other victims included  Morgan Stanley  International chair Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy Bloomer; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, American jewelry designer Neda Morvillo; and chef Recaldo Thomas.

On Saturday, Italian prosecutors told reporters that the emergency began at 4:38 a.m. local time , when a red flare was launched and seen by the coast guard, adding that the passengers were likely asleep at the time.  

Deputy prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano told reporters that a crew member had been on duty, as required, when the “truly sudden” storm struck.

Chief prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio   said ship-tracking data showed the yacht started to drift from anchor just before 4 a.m., then traveled about 360 meters over five minute to the spot where it eventually sank some 15 minutes after that.

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