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by Pete Green
Following Brexit, Covid and our approaching eighties, my wife and I decided to arrange for our Westerly Oceanquest to be brought back to the UK from Lefkas Marina, Greece. After looking at the cost and requirements of road transport and ship transport, we decided to arrange for a crew to sail the yacht back.
On first contacting Phil Wood of Halcyon Yachts Ltd. and discussing our requirements, we felt extremely confident in his organisation and arrangements. This confidence was well placed.
After dealing with the paperwork formalities, Halcyon Yachts arranged for a competent skipper and two very able crew to meet us in Lefkas Marina for yacht handover. All three were a joy to work with. They were thorough, polite and competent in their safety checks of the yacht and equipment. We immediately felt that our yacht would be in safe hands and during our initial discussions it was clear that the safety of the delivery team and our yacht was priority and risks would not be taken.
Following an enjoyable and entertaining evening meal, we wished the crew bon voyage and flew to the UK the following day.
Delivery from Greece to the UK took just under a month, with approximately 50% sailing and 50% motoring.
We monitored wind conditions through the Predict Wind site as the yacht proceeded on route. The skipper’s professionalism in determining a route and maximising wind conditions was second to none. In doubtful conditions, the yacht was in a marina or anchored until wind conditions became favourable. Throughout the voyage it was clear that our yacht was in very safe hands.
Although we and the crew went through a thorough check before our yacht left Greece, there were a few teething problems on passage. Unperturbed, the crew dealt with them competently and professionally and informed us as the voyage progressed.
After our yacht arrived in Torquay Marina, the skipper completed document formalities, arranged for the crew to thoroughly clean the boat and informed us within a few hours of their arrival. The yacht was as clean and tidy as we had left it in Greece.
My wife and I have nothing but praise for Halcyon Yachts Ltd. We would highly recommend Halcyon Yachts Ltd for organising and arranging a professional and competent crew for any similar yacht or boat delivery.
