Buying a Boat Overseas: How an Australian Couple Started the Great Loop on Their Greenline 39

How does buying a boat overseas with Eyachts work?

Buying a boat overseas is a unique ownership experience that Eyachts has helped many owners achieve. While Greenline yachts are built in Slovenia and commonly delivered directly into the Mediterranean, allowing owners to spend months or even years exploring Croatia, Italy, Greece, and beyond, Eyachts can also coordinate delivery, commissioning, and support in destinations around the world, before shipping the boat back to Australia.

For John and Sharon, that meant taking a different path entirely.

Working closely with the Eyachts team, their Greenline 39 was shipped to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, professionally commissioned, and prepared for their arrival. Just two days after retiring, they boarded a flight to Miami and stepped aboard their new yacht.

“We’ve been thinking about America’s Great Loop for a number of decades and it’s been a thing on our bucket list,” John explains. “We had the opportunity to purchase a Greenline and that enabled us to take on the Great Loop as part of our cruising goals and part of our retirement plan. It’s just been so much fun.”

Their journey began in Florida before heading north along the Intracoastal Waterway, through Canada, across the Great Lakes, and eventually down America’s inland river systems. By the time they return to Florida and continue on to the Bahamas, they will have travelled thousands of nautical miles through some of North America’s most spectacular waterways.

Why John and Sharon Chose Eyachts

While the Greenline 39 was the perfect boat for their plans, John and Sharon say the confidence to purchase a vessel on the other side of the world came down to the team behind it.

“Eyachts was a fantastic support for us,” says John. “Their knowledge and experience in getting the boat delivered to the United States, getting it commissioned, and getting it ready for us in a very short period was fantastic.”

For the couple, the process was about much more than simply buying a boat. It was about having an experienced team manage every step of a complex international project.

“The team at Eyachts really made it easy for us because when you’re purchasing a boat, there’s a lot of decisions,” Sharon explains. “Everything from the actual purchase and selection of what we wanted, the guidance we had in choosing the right configuration, through to the purchase itself and the timing.”

John’s technical background meant he paid particular attention to the knowledge and support available from the team.

“A big part of our decision was about Eyachts and the people,” he says. “The experience of the staff around boating and professional care of boats was incredible. They were very forthcoming with how all the systems worked and how the boat would operate. To have that support afterwards in such a remote location has been fantastic.”

For owners considering buying a boat overseas, that ongoing support can be just as important as the initial delivery itself.

“So hats off to the guys and girls at Eyachts,” John adds.

Why Buy a Boat Overseas?

While many owners choose to have their new boat delivered directly to Australia, an increasing number are taking advantage of international delivery options.

For some, that means collecting their boat in Europe and spending a season exploring destinations such as Croatia, Italy, Greece, or the French Riviera. Others are using their boat as a platform for bucket-list adventures like the Great Loop before eventually bringing it home to Australia.

In John and Sharon’s case, the Great Loop is only the beginning. The couple plans to spend future seasons exploring the Bahamas, revisiting parts of Canada, and potentially cruising the historic Rideau Canal.

They’re even considering moving their Greenline 39 to the Mediterranean for another chapter of international cruising. “We’re thinking about potentially getting some help from Eyachts again and moving the boat to the Mediterranean,” says John.

This is all yet to happen before the eventual return to Australian waters.
“We had Australia in mind when we purchased the boat,” says Sharon. “It has Australian plugs so it’s all ready for when we bring it back to Australia to share with the grandchildren.”

Overcoming Challenges – Greenline 39 Review from the Great Loop

One of the biggest challenges for any new owner is learning a new boat in an unfamiliar cruising environment.

“The systems on a boat are quite complex and the Greenline has some really excellent integrated systems,” says John. “Learning all those from scratch was a challenge, but Ben from Eyachts and the team were just amazing. We felt very comfortable after the handover process in Miami that we could manage it.”

That confidence was put to the test almost immediately.

“The first time we moved the boat was a little challenging,” Sharon laughs. “But we made it all the way up New River to our next marina. We both looked at each other and high-fived and thought, we’ve done it.”

Since then, every day has brought a new challenge and a new experience.

“Every day that we’ve travelled there’s been a new dock, a new waterway, a new tie-up process, new weather and waves. It’s been a continual learning experience,” explained John.

Throughout the journey, the Greenline 39 has proven itself as an ideal cruising platform for long-distance adventure.

“The Greenline’s just been perfect for that,” says John.

What They’d Do Differently

Like many first-time Great Loop cruisers, John and Sharon admit they started out moving too quickly.

“We pushed ourselves maybe a little bit harder than what we needed to because we weren’t exactly sure how to pace ourselves,” Sharon says. “We were all the way up to Canada before we realised that we could stay somewhere for four days and just enjoy.”

Her advice to future cruisers?

“If I was doing it again, I’d try and slow down a little bit along the way.”

Advice for Anyone Considering Buying a Boat Overseas

After six months cruising thousands of miles from home, John’s advice is simple.
“Don’t wait.”

“It’s such a great experience to cruise on a wonderful boat in a place where you’re very well accepted. Australians are so well received in the US and Canada. It’s easy to find great friendships and become part of a cruising community.”

“It really is a great experience. You really will enjoy it.”

Turning Global Cruising Dreams Into Reality

John and Sharon’s Great Loop adventure is just one example of what’s possible when you combine the right boat with the right support network.

While many Greenline owners choose to begin their journeys in the Mediterranean, Eyachts can arrange international delivery and commissioning in destinations across Europe, North America, and beyond. Whether your dream is cruising the Croatian coastline, exploring the Greek Islands, completing America’s Great Loop, or spending seasons in multiple regions before eventually returning to Australia, the process can be tailored around your plans.

In fact, many owners continue their adventures long after the initial delivery, relocating their vessel between cruising grounds before finally bringing it home. From international shipping and commissioning to ongoing technical support, Eyachts remains involved throughout the ownership journey.

As John’s advice, “Don’t wait,” suggests, sometimes the hardest part is simply getting started.

If you’re considering buying a boat overseas, planning an extended international cruising adventure, or exploring the possibilities of a Greenline yacht, contact Eyachts to discuss your options. Our team can help you choose the right model, the right destination, and create a delivery plan tailored to the adventure you’ve always imagined.