Caribbean connection: an in-depth look at racing logistics
A deep dive into Racing Logistics with Sevenstar’s Sander Speet
As yacht owners worldwide prepare for another Caribbean season, Sevenstar Yacht Transport plays a vital role in safely moving their yachts across the Atlantic. From high-performance race boats to private cruisers, Sevenstar makes sure every yacht arrives in top condition. Ready to race, cruise, or relax.
One of the key figures behind this operation is Sander Speet, Sevenstar’s Caribbean specialist and an experienced professional sailor. With over 15 years of racing experience, Sander brings extensive industry knowledge and practical expertise to the team. His dual role, both on the water and behind the scenes, keeps him closely connected to the global yachting community. Many of the people he races with are also clients, giving him unique insight into where boats are headed, what events are coming up, and how Sevenstar can best support them.
Last week, for example, Sander returned to the racecourse to compete in the final event of the 2025 RC44 Cup season in Marina Jandía, Fuerteventura. As the offside trimmer aboard WARP 5, Sander joined a dynamic crew that mixes seasoned professionals with rising Dutch talent.
Coordinating the racing circuit
Within Sevenstar, Sander serves as the main contact for all matters related to the racing world and the Caribbean circuit. He monitors upcoming events, yacht destinations, and schedules. A key part of his role is coordinating logistics, not just for the yachts but also for containers, cradles, and support gear they transport. Many top-tier race programs ship two or three 40-foot containers filled with spare parts, sails, and equipment, which requires careful coordination among ports, marinas, and local agents.
This role becomes especially busy as seasons change. When the Mediterranean season ends in autumn, many owners and race teams start repositioning their yachts for the Caribbean winter circuit. That’s when planning ramps up, coordinating transport schedules with regattas, cruising opportunities, and weather patterns. Seasonality drives movement, and Sevenstar ensures yachts are in the right place at the right time, ready to take advantage of each area's ideal conditions.
Beyond racing: Trends in Caribbean yacht transport
While racing programs are a key focus for Sander, Sevenstar primarily serves private yacht owners and leisure cruisers heading to the Caribbean. Sailing schedules are crafted to coincide with major Caribbean events and the needs of owners who simply want to enjoy their winter in warmer waters. Some clients plan six or seven months ahead, especially race teams, while others reach out to Sevenstar just two months before departure. There are always last-minute requests, and thanks to the company’s large fleet, solutions are often found quickly.
Sevenstar is also experiencing a rise in round-trip bookings. Owners are becoming more aware that when they ship their yacht to the Caribbean, they need a reliable plan for the return trip. Whether heading back to the Mediterranean for summer or repositioning for another event, clients are planning ahead and booking both legs early. This suggests that yacht transport is becoming a more vital part of seasonal planning.
The overall pattern remains similar, but there’s a slight shift toward larger yachts. Smaller boats are being rented less often, while larger ones are seeing more bookings. Around the world, owners are keeping an eye on political and economic changes, but for now, interest in Caribbean sailing stays strong.
Strategic Caribbean ports
Sevenstar’s main Caribbean hubs are Antigua, St. Thomas (USVI), and Le Marin (Martinique). These ports provide the right balance of depth, facilities, and availability for Sevenstar’s ships. Other ports in the region often can’t accommodate vessels due to draft restrictions or cruise-ship schedules, making these three the most dependable options.
Responding to increasing demand, Sevenstar recently launched a new direct sailing route from La Rochelle, France, to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. Previously part of multi-stop journeys, this new service provides a faster, more efficient option for owners seeking to reach the Caribbean directly from the French Atlantic coast.
A transatlantic shipment usually takes about 10 to 12 days, depending on weather and port calls. From Newport to the Caribbean, it generally takes five to seven days. Sevenstar includes all-risk insurance in every shipment at a lower premium than most competitors, reflecting the company’s strong safety record. Sevenstar prefers to sail around bad weather rather than through it, even if it takes a bit longer.
Specialized handling and technical expertise
Sevenstar transports a variety of yachts, from 6.5-meter sailboats to 34-meter superyachts. Currently, about 60% of the fleet consists of motor yachts, while 40% are sailing yachts. Each vessel receives a custom stow-and-lift plan created by Sevenstar’s in-house technical team to ensure safe handling throughout the entire journey. Sevenstar collects detailed technical drawings from each yacht’s owner or builder, showing reinforcement locations. The technical team then develops tailored lifting and cradling plans for every yacht. Race yachts are more delicate and often have their own cradles. Sevenstar also maintains an internal database of hundreds of past lift plans, enabling the team to draw on previous experiences with similar boats. It’s a collaborative effort with the owner to maximize safety.
There are several reasons why yacht owners opt to ship their boats instead of sailing them across the ocean. • Preservation: Shipping avoids wear-and-tear on engines, sails, and rigging. • Time-saving: A delivery can take 10 to 20 days, depending on the weather, and not every owner or crew has the time. • Safety and convenience: Shipping gives the crew a break between seasons, and the yacht arrives in excellent condition, ready to race or cruise.
Supporting first-time Caribbean cruisers
For owners new to yacht transport, Sevenstar’s fleet of over 140 company-owned vessels truly makes a difference. It offers flexibility to adjust schedules or redirect vessels as needed. Other companies must charter ships on the open market, making them vulnerable to global shipping conditions. Since Sevenstar is dedicated solely to yacht transport, its crews are specialists, not loading steel one week and yachts the next. That expertise is reflected in the results and insurance record.
Sustainability in motion
Sevenstar is committed to greener operations through multiple approaches: • Improving fuel efficiency and lowering emissions • Equipping vessels with advanced air filters to reduce pollution • Optimizing deck layouts and routing to save fuel
After each voyage, Sevenstar reviews data to improve efficiency. As part of the Spliethoff Group, Sevenstar benefits from wider sustainability initiatives. All new ships are equipped with IMO Tier III-compliant engines, which significantly reduce nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions and enhance air quality in emission control areas. The ships are also fitted with ballast water treatment systems that meet the requirements of the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention, helping to protect marine biodiversity.
Sevenstar is also investing in antifouling innovations, such as silicone-based hull coatings that reduce drag and fuel consumption. One vessel, MV Singelgracht, was recently coated with this, resulting in lower CO₂ emissions and longer cleaning intervals. These upgrades are part of a long-term plan to operate a modern, sustainable fleet that respects the fragile ecosystems we navigate, especially in environmentally sensitive areas like the Caribbean.
Final advice for yacht owners
Plan ahead for your timing, budget, and safety. A well-organized transport helps you avoid long, rough passages and arrive ready to enjoy the islands. Whether you’re a racer heading to Antigua Sailing Week or a cruiser chasing the sun, yacht transport takes the stress out of getting there.
