- Blog
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by Pete Green
At Halcyon Yachts, we carry out yacht deliveries across the world every year. Some are straightforward, others demanding — but very occasionally, a voyage truly stands apart.
The winter transatlantic delivery of Restauration was one of those rare passages. This was not simply about moving a yacht from one continent to another. It was about responsibility, trust, and the privilege of helping to return one of Norway’s most historically significant vessels safely home.
SS Restauration “Coming home for Christmas!” – A Classic Yacht Delivery from New York to Norway
A Yacht with a Remarkable Story
SS Restauration holds a unique place in maritime history. The original vessel sailed from Stavanger to New York in 1825, carrying the first organised group of Norwegian emigrants to America. That crossing marked the beginning of a migration that would shape generations on both sides of the Atlantic.
In 2025, a newly built Restauration retraced that historic route as part of the Crossings200 project, commemorating 200 years since the original voyage. Following a ceremonial arrival in New York, the yacht needed to be returned to Norway, and Halcyon Yachts was entrusted with delivering her safely across the Atlantic.
From the outset, we understood this was no ordinary yacht delivery. Restauration is a classic vessel with enormous cultural value, and every aspect of the passage had to reflect that responsibility.
A True Winter Transatlantic Yacht Delivery
The return voyage from the US East Coast to Norway took place late in the season, with winter firmly established across the North Atlantic. This meant strong low-pressure systems, cold temperatures, shortened daylight hours and challenging sea states — conditions that demand experience, preparation and sound judgement.
Our skipper, Harold, and his highly experienced delivery crew approached the passage with professionalism and deep respect for both the yacht and the sea. Conservative sail plans, careful weather routing and constant monitoring were key to ensuring a safe and successful crossing.
This was a demanding Atlantic passage, but one the team embraced — drawing on the seamanship and offshore experience that underpin all Halcyon Yachts’ transatlantic yacht deliveries.
Skipper Harold explains:
“We meticulously planned and prepared for our journey across the North Atlantic from October to early December, factoring in prevailing weather patterns and currents. The boat’s classic rig limited our upwind capabilities, adding another layer to our strategy.
We departed at the tail end of hurricane season near Bermuda, having to escape from Hurricane Melissa, aware of potential heavy low-pressure systems between Bermuda and the Azores, as well as autumn and early winter storms on the final leg through the English Channel and North Sea to Norway.
However, all planning turns theoretical once we cast off the lines and confront the realities of the weather and the boat’s condition. We adapted as a team to whatever came our way. We improvised, adapted, and overcame every challenge together — and that was the true key to our success.”
More Than a Typical Yacht Delivery
Being asked to deliver Restauration was a genuine honour for our team. As a company specialising in yacht delivery, including long-distance and transatlantic passages, we understand the trust involved when owners place a vessel in our care.
As Pete Green, Managing Director of Halcyon Yachts, explains:
“It was an absolute honour to be able to help with this incredible journey. It was certainly not a typical yacht delivery. We were blown away by the reception we received in Stavanger. A trip and an experience we will never forget.”
That sense of pride was shared across the entire crew. This delivery was about more than miles logged — it was about becoming part of a story that began two centuries ago.
Crew member Mike reflects:
“Billed as a physically demanding delivery, it did not disappoint. A unique and memorable journey.”
And Glyn adds:
“Any sailing passage of more than three or four days is a leap of faith. But once I stepped on board and met Harold, Brian, Jesse and Mike, I knew that whatever the adventure would contain, we would pull together and get through it.
The adventure contained just about everything we could imagine — and after six weeks together, helped by the strength of the hull and our ability to adapt and support one another, we achieved the goal: to land on another continent safely.”
After an incredible final leg across the North Sea in December, the ship made first landfall in Norway on the stunning island of Kvitsøy. This gave the crew a chance to catch up on some well-needed sleep before the short cruise to her home port of Stavanger— the same region from which the original emigrant ship departed in 1825.
Arrival Home to Stavanger
The welcome she received reflected the importance of the project and the emotional connection many people feel to her story. For our skipper and crew, arriving safely after a winter Atlantic crossing and seeing that response was a powerful and unforgettable moment.
Pete Green, who joined the yacht for the final leg from Brittany to Norway, recalls:
“I was truly blown away by the warmth and kindness we received on arrival. There were hundreds of people lining the harbour — some waving flags, some singing. In all the yacht deliveries I have completed, nothing has compared to this one: the challenge of the voyage, the beauty of the vessel, and the extraordinary welcome from the people of Norway.”
A Challenge Embraced
Winter transatlantic yacht delivery is never easy. It requires careful planning, flexibility and a crew capable of responding to whatever the Atlantic delivers. This voyage was no exception.
We are immensely proud of skipper Harold and the entire crew for the professionalism, seamanship and teamwork they demonstrated throughout the passage. Their approach ensured that Restauration was delivered safely, respectfully and ready for her next chapter.
Learn More About Restauration
For readers interested in the remarkable history of Restauration and the Crossings200 project, more information is available on the official project website. The site explores the story of the original 1825 voyage, the modern reconstruction, and the wider cultural significance of this historic crossing.
Visit the official Restauration website at:
https://www.restauration.no/
Proud to Play a Part in Maritime History
At Halcyon Yachts, we believe yacht delivery is about more than logistics. Sometimes it is about stewardship — protecting a vessel, honouring its history and ensuring it can continue to inspire future generations.
We are grateful to the Restauration project team for trusting us with such an important yacht, and proud to have played a small role in an extraordinary maritime story.
If you are planning a transatlantic yacht delivery, a winter ocean passage, or the movement of a classic yacht, we would be happy to discuss how we can help.
Ann Irene Sem-Henriksen
Thank you so much for this wonderful post! Reading about the Restauration delivery really brought back the story of her historic journey. It’s clear this voyage was more than just a crossing — it was about care, trust, and honoring a vessel that holds such a special place in Norwegian history.
Being with you from the Friendship Association land team, and joining you for the final leg from Kvitsøy to Stavanger, makes knowing she’s safely home for the holidays even more meaningful. Your team did an amazing job — thank you for sharing the experience so vividly!