From our loft to your marina — what to expect on delivery times, duties, and tracking.
SurgeSails operates a sophisticated global fulfillment network. Whether you are refitting your yacht in the South of France, preparing for a Caribbean crossing in Antigua, or berthed at your home marina in Sydney, we deliver your bespoke sails directly to your dock.
Because every sail is custom-manufactured to your exact specifications, our logistics process is tailored to ensure your investment arrives safely and predictably.
1. Production & Shipping Timelines
Our production sequence begins after your configuration and boat rigging measurements are reviewed and confirmed in the SurgeSails Portal.
Standard Production: The 4-Week Cycle
- Week 1 (Engineering & Plotting): Your confirmed configuration is transferred to our production workflow. The sailmaker review verifies aerodynamic loads against your boat’s displacement and prepares the cutting files.
- Week 2 (Laser Cutting): The selected fabric (Dacron or Laminate) is precision-cut using automated laser beds, sealing the edges to prevent fraying.
- Week 3 (Assembly & Stitching): Our master sailmakers hand-assemble the panels, apply the UV covers, reinforce the corners with heavy-duty webbing, and install the hardware (battens, sliders, cringles).
- Week 4 (Quality Control & Dispatch): The sail undergoes a rigorous 20-point inspection, is folded or rolled into its custom sail bag, and handed over to our international logistics partners (DHL, FedEx, or specialized marine freight).
Shipping Duration
- Depending on your global location, airfreight typically takes 5 to 10 business days from dispatch to your marina.
- Please Note: During peak sailing seasons, production times may extend by 1-2 weeks. My Sails and Order Center show the current delivery estimate when available.
2. Real-Time Transparent Tracking
We believe the anticipation of a new sail should be exciting, not stressful.
Through the Order Center in your SurgeSails account, you can follow the status timeline. You will see when your sail moves from review to cutting, assembly, final QC, and dispatch, and you will receive the courier tracking link when shipment is released.
3. Customs, Duties & Taxes (DDU vs. DDP)
International shipping of high-value marine goods involves customs clearance. How taxes are handled depends on your delivery country.
Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) - The Standard
For the majority of international destinations, we ship DDU.
- What This Means: You pay SurgeSails only for the cost of the sail and the international airfreight.
- Your Responsibility: When the sail arrives in your country, the courier (e.g., DHL) will contact you directly to collect any local Import Duties, Value Added Tax (VAT), or Goods and Services Tax (GST) required by your government before they release the package to your marina.
- Pro-Tip for Yachts in Transit: If your yacht is documented “in transit” (Yacht in Transit) or entered under a Temporary Importation (TIE) permit in a foreign country, you may be legally exempt from paying local VAT on boat parts. Please consult a local customs broker or the marina office.
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) - Selected Regions
For certain regions (such as the European Union or the United States, depending on current trade agreements displayed at checkout), we offer a DDP option.
- What This Means: You pay all applicable taxes and import duties upfront at the SurgeSails checkout.
- Your Benefit: Zero friction. The sail sails through local customs without the courier ever asking you for another cent, delivering straight to your dock.
SurgeSails Custom Advisor: Shipping a large mainsail across the globe is not cheap, but our courier relationships help keep freight options clear. When reviewing your cart in the sail configurator, the shipping quote reflects the available destination and service terms.