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“There is no favourable wind for the sailor who doesn’t know where he is going.”
— Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Taking Charge of Your Vessel

Professional crew taking charge of yacht before departure

From the moment our crew steps aboard, a rigorous and documented process begins. Within the first 24–48 hours, the skipper compiles a detailed written report on the condition of all onboard systems — engine, sails, rigging, electronics, and safety gear. A copy is always shared with the owner before departure.

All vulnerable areas are protected with bubble wrap, foam padding, and purpose-made covers. The galley, navigation station, helm area, and soft furnishings are carefully shielded to prevent damage in rough sea conditions. Pre-existing damage is photographed and shared with the owner before departure — full transparency, every time.

The skipper also verifies all ship’s papers — registration, insurance certificates, radio licences, and safety certifications. If any document is expired or non-compliant, departure is postponed until everything is fully in order. We do not take a vessel to sea with invalid documentation.

✅ What We Check at Boarding

  • Engine systems & mechanical condition
  • Sails, standing & running rigging
  • Navigation electronics & instruments
  • Safety equipment (dates & certification)
  • Electrical systems & battery banks
  • Bilge pumps, seacocks & through-hulls
  • Ship’s papers & documentation validity
  • Full inventory cross-check with owner

🛡️ Protection Measures Applied

  • Bubble wrap & foam on all surfaces
  • Galley & upholstery fully covered
  • Helm & nav station protected
  • Deck fittings & winches wrapped
  • Pre-departure photographic damage report
  • Written handover report issued to owner

📋 Required Safety Equipment

  • 406 MHz EPIRB (valid & registered)
  • Certified & inspected life raft
  • Flares within expiry date
  • Radar reflector operational
  • SOLAS lifejackets for all crew
  • Fire extinguishers certified

During the Passage

Our skipper establishes and maintains a steady navigation rhythm towards the destination. For sailing yachts, weather and wind conditions inevitably influence passage planning — our team is experienced in balancing efficiency with timeline. The engine is used judiciously when needed, always operated with care to limit wear and fuel consumption.

Under optimal conditions, navigation continues 24 hours a day with only brief stops for fuel, provisions, or to avoid deteriorating weather. For passages lasting more than a few days, a minimum crew of two — often three — is deployed to maintain proper watch rotations, keeping everyone rested and the vessel always under a competent watch.

The skipper’s judgement at sea is final. If conditions are assessed as too severe, the vessel makes for the nearest suitable port and waits for a favourable window. Our skippers are qualified to handle challenging conditions — but never at the expense of crew or vessel safety. No shortcuts, no unnecessary risks.

<span class= Captains and Crew yacht underway during a professional delivery passage"/>

We operate a strict zero-alcohol, zero-drugs policy on all deliveries. Consumption of alcohol or narcotics by any crew member during a passage is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disembarkation.

📋 Our Delivery Process — Step by Step


1. Plan
Route, weather windows, crew allocation, and insurance confirmed before departure.

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2. Board & Inspect
Full systems check, inventory cross-check, and complete vessel protection.

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3. Sail
Professional crew executes the passage with 24/7 navigation and watch rotation.

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4. Communicate
Regular owner updates via our office throughout the entire voyage.

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5. Deliver
Vessel cleaned, checked, and handed over with a full written voyage report.

New Boat Deliveries

New catamaran delivery from French shipyard to Mediterranean destination

Captains & Crew collaborates with all major nautical shipyards across Europe, and several of them officially recommend our services for the delivery of their new builds. Our particular specialisation lies in the collection and delivery of brand-new catamarans — primarily from the northern coast of France, where the largest concentration of European builders is located — to Mediterranean destinations.

Each new build delivery includes the commissioning phase — sea trials, full systems testing, and detailed handover documentation — ensuring the owner receives their vessel in perfect condition and fully ready for use. Deliveries can be carried out with the owner aboard or on their behalf when they are unable to be present.

🏗️ Shipyards We Work With

Lagoon · Fountaine Pajot · Bénéteau · Jeanneau · Bali Catamarans · Nautitech · Hanse · and many more.

🌊 Main Delivery Routes

N. France → Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Turkey · Atlantic Coast → Balearics · Adriatic & Ionian.

Customs & Flag State Procedures

Moving a yacht across international borders involves legal and bureaucratic complexity that is often underestimated. VAT status, temporary importation regimes, transit log requirements, and port authority procedures vary significantly between countries — errors can lead to costly delays, fines, or vessel detention.

C&C has extensive experience managing yacht movements across multiple jurisdictions — EU member states, non-EU countries, and third-flag territories. Our skippers are well versed in presenting all required documentation at every port of entry. Where specific procedures must be arranged in advance — transit logs, local agents, import declarations — we handle this as part of our service.

📁 Documentation We Handle
  • Vessel registration & flag state certificates
  • Insurance & P&I cover verification
  • Crew lists & professional qualifications
  • Customs clearance & port entry/exit papers
  • Temporary importation declarations
  • Transit logs for non-EU flagged vessels
  • VAT status & exemption documentation
Skipper managing customs and documentation procedures during yacht delivery

Why Choose Captains & Crew?

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Qualified & Experienced

All skippers hold recognised professional qualifications and extensive offshore miles in the Mediterranean and beyond.

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Constant Communication

Our office stays in constant contact with the crew throughout the passage, relaying daily updates directly to you.

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Full Documentation

Every delivery begins and ends with a written report. No surprises — total transparency from boarding to final handover.

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Zero Alcohol Policy

Strict zero-alcohol and zero-drugs rule on all passages — enforced from boarding to handover, no exceptions.