Choosing European Delivery to Buy a Lagoon Catamaran

Originally, Steve had planned to buy a Lagoon catamaran in Australia and live aboard in the Whitsundays. But in 2022, with boats selling within 24 hours, he turned to TMG Yachts after seeing they could secure a Lagoon 42 within 18 months. Conversations with Joe Fox made the decision clear—European delivery meant tax and delivery savings, and with an Italian passport, fluency in Italian and French, and family in Italy, Europe already felt like home.

Why Buy a Lagoon Catamaran and Choose TMG Yachts?

Steve spent considerable time researching different brands before settling on Lagoon. “With over 1,000 Lagoon 42s out there, I knew I could trust the boat—there are plenty of reviews.” But it wasn’t just about the boat; it was about the process. “TMG Yachts made everything easy. The local presence in Australia reassured me, and Joe was great—he facilitated everything.”

Preparation and Handover

Though Steve had a background in small dinghies and catamarans, he made sure to prepare for his new adventure. A year before taking delivery, he sailed weekly in twilight races and completed RYA courses to boost his confidence.

The handover in Les Sables d’Olonne with Joe Fox was seamless. “There was a lot to cover, but Joe was patient—no question was left unanswered. He knows his stuff. He’s even done the Greek islands himself, so he has tons of experience.”

Like many Lagoon owners, Steve opted for aftermarket installations, including solar panels, upgraded batteries, and a generator. “TMG liaised with Lagoon and suppliers, making the whole process smooth.” Having lived in France before, he knew the area well and appreciated Les Sables d’Olonne’s convenience for provisioning. “It’s like setting up a house, and doing it solo was a challenge—but the only limitation was how much I could take in my shopping trolley.”

The Voyage Begins

Steve’s journey started with professional skippers and crew from Halcyon Yachts, ensuring a smooth learning curve. From Les Sables d’Olonne, he sailed to Gibraltar, a nine-day journey close to shore to avoid orca encounters. “I never had a run-in, but I swear I saw splashes bigger than dolphins…”

He then sailed to the Balearic Islands before heading to the Ligurian coast, docking in Santa Margherita near Rapallo to visit his parents. From there, he island-hopped through Sardinia, Sicily, and Corfu before embarking on a grand Greek island tour.

His route took him through the Ionian Islands, the Corinth Canal, and the Cyclades. His first season ended in Montenegro, though the late closure of the Corinth Canal forced him to take the long way around.

The second season focused on sailing Greece, with occasional trips to Turkey to reset the clock for his boat’s time in Europe. “I mostly do day trips now—no more than 50-60 nautical miles in a day, with numerous days of relaxing and touring in between.”

Highlights of Sailing Greece

Unlike many who travel Greece, for Steve, the wind isn’t a challenge—it’s the highlight. “Coming from a kite and windsurfing background, I chase the wind. The windy places have fewer boats, and when it picks up to 20-30 knots, it’s perfect for me.” His favourite spot? A shallow lagoon between Paros and Antiparos. “It’s the best anchorage—6-7 meters deep, great for kiting, and easy to provision. I’ll spend 2-3 weeks there next season.”

One of the most unique experiences was sailing to Gyaros, an uninhabited island with a haunting history. Once a prison for political dissidents and communists, Gyaros is a place few visit. Steve had to avoid a storm to reach the island, making the arrival even more rewarding. “Walking through the prison was eerie—definitely one of the most unique and creepy places I’ve been to.”

Life Onboard While Sailing Greece

Steve isn’t alone on his adventure. Using FindaCrew, he has hosted guests from all over the world, typically sailing with four others at a time. “I didn’t want to do this alone. I love the teamwork, the variety, and meeting people from different cultures.”

He avoids marinas whenever possible, preferring the tranquillity of anchorage. “Marinas are noisy, hot, and smelly. Out at anchor, it’s peaceful.” For fuel, he uses an electric skateboard to transport 20L jerry cans from a nearby station. “It takes time, but I get better quality fuel and don’t get ripped off.”

Provisioning in the Med is effortless. “Unlike Australia, where some areas are remote, in Greece and Turkey, everything is accessible. My crew helps with provisioning every 2-3 days.” His must-have apps? Noforeignland.com and Navily. “They have user reviews, anchorage tips, and local regulations—essential for any cruiser.”

Keeping an eye on the weather is crucial. “Avoiding bad weather is easy if you have no fixed schedule. Greece is predictable, so I just keep an eye on the forecast.”

Future Plans

Steve has no intention of moving Libero from Greece. “It’s perfect. Endless Greek islands to explore, perfect wind and weather, wonderful vibe.” As for returning to Australia? “Originally, I thought I’d bring the boat back, but it’s a long trip, and I don’t think I have it in me. I love boat life in Greece  and miss it almost immediately after completing a season of cruising.”

Reflections on Buying a Lagoon Catamaran

Steve is thrilled with his choice. “It’s hard to compare since it’s my first boat, but I’m very happy with it. I love that it’s a catamaran—the layout, space, and sportstop is fantastic. I like being up high at the helm.” The systems and sails are straightforward to use, as with anything, practice comes perfect.

Reflecting on his journey, Steve feels lucky to own a Lagoon. “The experience and support both before and after sale have been fantastic—I’m looking forward to many more years ahead.” His advice for aspiring sailors? “Don’t be afraid—just go for it. I had very little sailing experience, and there were times when I thought I’d bitten off more than I could chew, but now? I feel very comfortable.”

We look forward to hearing more about future adventures with Steve. If you’re looking to buy a Lagoon Catamaran, TMG Yachts is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out, and our expert team will guide you through the process to see what model and delivery location will suit your individual needs.