A Japanese buyer living and working in New York wanted a sailing yacht for his family’s annual summer holidays in Japan. He selected a 45-foot sloop in Greece.
Alvea Yachts supported the purchase, preparation and shipment to Japan, providing one local point of contact throughout. The buyer never travelled to Greece.
Remote Viewing, Survey and Sea Trial
Communication began through email and FaceTime. The time difference required careful scheduling so that live discussions could fit around the buyer’s working commitments.
Alvea Yachts presented the yacht remotely and introduced experienced independent yacht surveyors and authorised engine specialists. The brokerage organised preparation for the inspections and helped the buyer follow the survey and sea trial through live video calls.
The specialists provided detailed written reports, giving him a documented basis for discussing the findings and making his purchase decision.
Legal Support and Ownership Transfer
Alvea Yachts introduced experienced maritime lawyers who assisted with the ownership transfer and transportation documentation. They also advised on registration and yacht insurance requirements relevant to the buyer’s circumstances and intended use.
Preparing for the Journey
Before shipment, modifications requested by the buyer were completed and new cruising and safety equipment was added. Alvea Yachts organised these works with the relevant service providers.
The mast was unstepped, wrapped in protective material and secured on a specially prepared support. Written instructions were produced for reconnecting the mast, rigging and associated electrical systems in Japan.
Inside the yacht, loose and vulnerable items were secured and protected to reduce the risk of movement and breakage. The vessel was shrink-wrapped, and a purpose-built transport cradle was prepared to support it aboard the transport ship.
Alvea Yachts arranged the yacht’s movement from the marina to the loading port, worked with the international sea transport company on lifting and loading, and coordinated insurance specifically for the shipment.
Arrival in Japan
The yacht reached Japan safely. Following its arrival, the buyer emailed Alvea Yachts to express his thanks and satisfaction with the support provided throughout the purchase and delivery.
Beyond Japan: International Yacht Sales and Deliveries
This was not an isolated case. Alvea Yachts has handled several other yacht sales to buyers who completed their purchases without travelling to inspect the vessels in person.
Working alongside independent technical specialists and maritime lawyers, we helped coordinate the technical, legal and logistical arrangements required for these transactions, including the subsequent transportation of yachts to distant destinations such as New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Argentina and the Sakhalin Islands, among others.
These experiences reflect the importance of reliable local representation and careful coordination when purchasing a yacht internationally.
Discuss Your Own Purchase
If you are considering a yacht from the Alvea Yachts portfolio, tell us where you are based, how you plan to use it and your preferred delivery destination.
We can discuss which remote purchase arrangements, preparation and transport options may be practical for your circumstances, with the scope of support agreed individually for your purchase.
Contact Alvea Yachts to discuss your plans.