Essential insights on yacht transport
Preparing a boat for shipping is much like getting ready for a long voyage and leaving it unattended for several weeks. Terysa Vanderloo and her partner Nick Fabbri recently faced this process as they prepared their 45ft Seawind catamaran for transport to Europe.
The couple chose the shipping company Sevenstar for the task, having taken delivery of their vessel in Thailand in August 2023. As the boat was craned onto the cargo ship, they watched with a mix of excitement and apprehension, knowing their home was being carried across the ocean.
The boat was secured, and the ship's crew took over handling it during loading. Rust damage was found on almost every exposed surface of the boat, particularly the underside of the hull and the back of the vessel. The shipping company is currently working with Terysa and Nick to resolve the damage.
Shipping a boat is an expensive endeavour, but it avoids significant wear and tear, the need to fit out the boat for ocean crossings, and potential breakages. Boat transport firms fill their vessels to spread the cost of shipping, with container shipping rates for similar sizes serving as a rough estimate.
For a 45ft catamaran, the average cost to ship from Asian waters to Europe in 2023 is not directly specified. However, based on container shipping rates for similar sizes and typical practices, the cost is estimated to range between $1,600 to $2,500 for a 40ft container, with prices varying by exact origin, destination, and service.
Since a 45ft catamaran is an oversized, valuable cargo needing special handling, actual prices might exceed standard container rates. RoRo shipping or yacht transport specialists typically charge anywhere from about $5,000 to $15,000 or more depending on service and route, though exact quotes are advised.
Additional fees such as container shifting, destination handling, insurance, and potential import tariffs may apply, especially for yachts, with import duties possibly ranging from 20%-30% depending on origin and destination regulations.
Sailing the Red Sea has been discounted as an option due to the outbreak of conflict and the impossibility of getting insurance. Divers ensured the correct placement of lifting straps during the loading process, and various tasks were carried out during boat preparation, such as removing headsails and main sails, securing the dinghy, stowing all loose items inside and outside, and attaching feeder lines to halyards.
Ultimately, Terysa and Nick decided to ship their catamaran to Europe, with unloading scheduled to take place in Marmaris, Turkey. During unloading, the boat will be lowered back into the water and cleaned every exposed inch due to salt and dirt buildup. Unforeseen and unavoidable delays in shipping schedules mean it's advisable not to book onward travel until the boat is actually loaded onto the ship.
References: [1] Container shipping rates from Philippines to France or Italy: https://www.seairshipping.com/shipping-costs [2] Container shipping surcharges for special container types or quality: https://www.maersk.com/customer-services/faq/container-shipping-surcharges [3] Container shipping rates from Asian ports to European ports: https://www.gulfnews.com/business/transport/container-shipping-from-asia-to-europe-costs-more-than-ever-1.1629412592735 [4] Import duties for yachts: https://www.boatyacht.com/import-duties-for-yachts/
The couple, Terysa Vanderloo and Nick Fabbri, are preparing for a lifestyle change as they ship their 45ft Seawind catamaran, likening the process to a travel adventure across the ocean. Despite the estimated cost of shipping, ranging between $5,000 to $15,000, they chose this method to avoid wear and tear during an ocean crossing and potential breakages, making it a better solution for their travel plans.
