Alway great info!!! I have been watching this Marinas series and I have seen such beautiful and lovely places! Can't wait to be there and see everything live! Thanks again Michael!
Hi Michael, I was in Almerimar with my sailboat during the winter 2019-2020 and I was surprised you didn’t mention the wind?! We had an average of 9 days/month with winds between 40 and 60 knots. After all the Costa Del SOL once was called the Costa del VIENTO. The name has changed, but the wind didn’t!! The shelter in the marinas goes from poor to very bad!
Thanks for sharing Bart... It's so odd weather and different experiences - in the 10 years around the Costa del Sol but cruising south as far as Malta and Tunisia I did not have the same experience.. Yes bad weather and gales but not constant as you describe.. I had 60 knots in Tunisia but 2 days later set sail for Minorca and have waited in Almirimar for weather windows. I wonder if that was a bad weather summer and your right most of the marinas are open to the East. A good word of warning -
Another great video well described and presented. always enjoy to watch and listen to your valuable content. looking forward for more keep them coming please. stay safe and happy smooth sailing,
Outstanding Michael. My wife and I were planning to circumnavigate Ireland in 2022. Your videos are making us restless for Spain. So I’m off to buy your Gentle Sailing along the Coasts of France, Spain and Portugal and your book on Spanish Marinas. A little concerned about how to keep the boat cool in Southern Spain. Perhaps you could do a video on that?
I confess Robert, that in my younger days the heat didn't worry me but my previous boat a Westerly 43 came with built in air con and that certainly made a difference... The Med is a lovely cruising ground and Spain is very well equipped with excellent marinas....
Hi Michael, I just spent a few minutes looking your website up and found your story, career, and sailing log fascinating. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion, and congratulations on all you've achieved
So many thanks for every single information you do provide us here, also saving us a lot of guess work eventually troubles , marry Christmas Sir and look forward to seeing you soon. cheers from Zürich
Super informative video as always. Even though I don’t sale or have a boat I really enjoy listening to your videos. I used to know Spain very well so I can relate to the airports and travel facts. Well presented and put together in a genuine and honest manner. I heard you say Ronda. What a lovely place. I had many happy holidays on the coast in Sabinillas. Casares near Puerto Duquesa. Took the train up to ronda a few times on a day trip. Enjoy your time in Spain. Always look forward to your next video. Many thanks.
Thank you Foster - sounds as if you know Andalusia very well indeed - a very beautiful and interesting part of Spain - Yes I lived in Ronda for around 6 years but circumstances made me sell up and move to France although I still have an apartment in Marbella. Sailing is for me as much about the places you can visit in a boat as it is about the actual sea time... Have a wonderful 22
Hi Michael. Thanks for your very informative videos. Garrucha, we found has a problem with dirt and dust from the bulk carriers which are to seaward of the marina and consequently, prevailing wind. Some of the boats there are in very sorry state and quite literally smothered in dust and dirt. We were not unhappy when we left. We have spent the last two winters, living on our boat in Cartagena.
Thanks for the info Robert - I never had that experience in Garrucha because the wind was blowing offshore but I can imagine it's pretty awful with an onshore wind and why the marina has never really taken off... Cartagena is lovely
Terrific information thank you. Motril is just over an hour from my house in the Sierra Nevada. I haven't looked at Puerto Almerimar/Club Nautico de Almerimar. I shall have to rectify this. I'll put your book on my list
Brennig I am so glad it was helpful... You should visit Almirimar as it may not be to your taste but both are excellent places... Pity it rained in Spain on Saturday!
Another beautifully put together video with obviously a lot of hard work in it. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you a very Happy New Year ! Stay Safe & Fair Winds !!
Very useful video, however we had a very different experience in Motril 4 years back. Yes the club was fine, but the first clue caution was necessary was the seriously heavy duty lines and springs and large fenders on the boats. We had pulled in as the forecast was not good, winds from the east. Well, our fears were correct, the waves seemed to be funnelled down the port to the marina causing extreme rolling of the boats. We had to move out of the berth slightly to stop the top of our mast hitting out neighbours. The worst experience we have had in marina in 15 years sailing. No sleep that night.
John hello, That is really interesting information and looking at the chart I can see that the swell can come rolling in with the wind from the East... I had a terrible night in Benalmadena on the visitors quay breaking mooring lines and so on. Whilst the Med is 90% user friendly when blows come in they can be very destructive - Thank you for taking the trouble to post about your experience
Thank you Rex from down under - I just loved sailing from Port Jackson to Darwin - brilliant experience - Enjoy the festivities even if the lights are out
@@SailingGently hhaaha, what a hoot, Im actually a kiwi now living in OZ, you remind me of the chap who got me back into sailing some 33 years ago in Auckland. A real Salty dog.. Have a good one and stay in the loop, blessings my friend!!!
thank you, following your videos and living down here in south of Spain, very good information. you seem to skip Marina del este in la herradura which is one of the best around, however one of the expensive. Merry Christmas
Good information again, thank you for sharing. Incidentally, I bought the Caribbean vhs video of yours many moons ago when first got into sailing⛵️😊 Merry Christmas Warren s/y Legend
Enjoy and be happy in the festive season Warren - Strange looking back on that Caribbean video how little really has changed in this cruising lifestyle - maybe chart plotters but much of the rest is the same - just better and cheaper. Thank you for watching my latest efforts
Domenico hello, Almeria is similar to Malaga - really geared up as a commercial port. Aquadulce is of course a very good and well run marina - 12 mtr boat around 4,600 a year - I have only visited once and felt it was a bit overwhelmed by the housing but certainly a good place to leave a boat
Tom so pleased you enjoyed the video Thank you for watching... I do enjoy proper Spanish tapas with my wine but sometimes it is a pleasant change to have 'little eats' in British style... tiny fried eggs, garlic mushrooms, chips, etc Not very PC but good to eat!
Michael, Thank you. Very valuable input. I would appreciate your input on where in the south of Spain you would go if you have to do a major refit which I am planning for next year. I need good quality engineers to install a water maker, design and build a solar panel arch, davits and a complete set of Raymarine devices. Is Almerimar the place to go? I also liked your review on Benalmadena. Where would you recommend to go? Enjoy the festive season and happy new year.
Karl hello, Yes Almirimar is a good place to do all that work and the shop Alamar Centro that I mention in the video does very good deals on Raymarine, solar panels and other equipment to supply and fit - first rate - and there are all the trades there for the rest of the work.... Isla Verde in Algeciras, that I mention in Ep 1 has first rate workmen but I am not so sure about the deals - you would need to talk to Miguel but they are excellent as well in terms of workmanship but you might have to get the parts yourself - I'm not sure - it is a duty free zone so could be good - give them a bell. Enjoy the festive season and the re-fit
I look forward to your opinion regarding Javea and Denia as I used to live there in the 70's (73-76) . Back then Javea was not at all commercial with only a small expat community of British, French , Belgian, and one US couple . I fear it has since become much more touristy .
I was wondering if to get from the airport to your boat an option might be to hire a car rather than a taxi. You are bound to need to resupply the boat with heavy items like beer and wine and the car on the first day would come in handy.
Div hi, I thought about that and in cost terms probably about the same but you still have to return the car to the airport and get yourself to the marina - but admittedly without luggage
Are there any free and fully wind-protected anchorages in Southern France, Liguria or Balearic where one could leave the boat unattended during the winter?
These 3 are some of the most expensive and heavily boat populated areas in the Med. Big gales in winter... A marina which has cheap winter rates nearby is Almirimar - Spain
Thanks Michael, would Almerimar be suitable for a larger yacht ( 55ft/ 17m) with a draft of 2.1m) and what do you estimate the annual or monthly fees to be for her?
Nick there are stacks of bigger boats in Almirimar and they have a couple of quays more or less reserved for them. almerimarpuerto.com/tarifas-generales-de-atraque-y-varadero/ The above link is their tariff on the net - it's the daily rate for winter and another for summer - then at the bottom there are discounts for up front payment etc... In fact if you contact them by telephone or email they may well offer a better deal for an annual contract
In Caleta watch out if you get hauled out , you cannot always get to work on your boat yourself . Getting into the boat yard security can be an issue , €€€€€ , this is the case in many places around the med , They need as much of your cash as possible . Info via first hand experience.
Once again Michael, a very informative video which is much appreciated. Any chance of a video explaining the boat paperwork now required for leaving a boat long term in Spain post Brexit. I am currently in Greece and they are doing their best to make the process as complicated as possible regarding VAT.
Alenka hi, As far as I know just keeping the boat somewhere has not changed as you are still allowed 18 months for the boat then it needs to check out of Europe for 24 hours then return. It is your presence that the Spanish are interested in - the 90/180 day rule - Basically you sail into the Spanish marina and check in which involves a form which is passed that evening to the Guardia Civil.. Provided you are not a resident then there are no tax obligations on the boat... Clearly if coming from a non EU country then your passports need stamping at a port of entry - If you come from a Schengen country then be aware the 90 day clock will be ticking...
@@SailingGently Thanks. As we were in EU waters on the 31st Dec 2020 we retained our VAT status according to the Brexit settlement agreement. In short, we do not have to do the 18 month shuffle. However, the Greeks tried to ignore this EU directive and declared UK boats would lose their VAT paid status. The Cruising Association lodged a complaint with the EU Commission and the Greeks were instructed to comply with this EU law. Which they did until the case was closed then they changed their stance to "UK boats will keep their VAT paid status until the point they leave EU waters - As Greece is an isolated EU country and all boats have to cross international waters to get to it the outcome was much the same. I believe the CA are once again opening the case with the EU Commission. There are also stories emerging of boats in some in Italian ports being, allegedly, told to pay VAT again or be arrested for smuggling. All sounds a bit fishy. If we cast off for a new (boat) home in Spain we do not want to be met by a wall of paperwork which ignores the EU directive. Thanks again for the insight. Enjoy your Christmas in the sun.
The Greeks have always been a pain Alenka - completing my circumnavigation I popped out at Suez heading for France but needed to stop in Crete for fuel where they made me buy a cruising permit despite the fact I was simply transiting their waters. I have always found Spain heavily authoritarian - the Guardia Civil Maritime - track via marinas and obligatory paper work at marinas, all international boats. I have been 'inspected' a few times and for the last boat had a paper saying further inspection was not necessary. Basically Spain wants UK tourists and is no where near the aggression to boat owners as Greece. They do enforce the 90/180 day rule on UK passports but there is no problem with having a UK registered boat kept in the marina - although they will know when it's been in Spanish waters for 18 months and it should exit for 24 hours but it is too early to know how they will enforce this rule. They appear to be trying to find a form of extended visa for 2nd home owners in Spain like me and maybe that will extend to Brit boat owners but.....
Thanks, Michael. I immediately watch your videos when they show up. I like your honest and direct review of the Spanish coast marinas. Cheers.
So pleased they are interesting and useful - makes it worthwhile going through the production process. Thank you
I am very unlikely to ever sail in the Med but I find your presentation so charismatic that I love your videos. Thanks.
Wow, thank you Jude - I am sure you would enjoy the Med sailing or just visiting
Your experience is gold to an apprentice sailor. Merry Christmas.
Same to you Andy and a super 2022 - glad they are useful
Ty! Efficient and to the point. With such high quality shown here I expect your printed products are a true nugget of gold. I will soon find out.
Glad it was helpful David... Hope you enjoy the books as well! Thank you for watching
Alway great info!!! I have been watching this Marinas series and I have seen such beautiful and lovely places! Can't wait to be there and see everything live! Thanks again Michael!
Glad you like them Christian - You will enjoy the Med I know
Thanks. Almerimar is fab.
Your right English Sailor - I really like the place -
As ever, brilliant.
Thank you for watching - glad you liked it
Michael, thank you for all your the excellent videos. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
How kind Nigel - thank you - enjoy the festive season - then go sailing
Excellent Michael and a very good overview.
Thank you Norman -
Looking forward to hearing about Cartegena as we stopped there on a cruise and I was quite taken with the town
I like it a lot as well James - really nice town
Once more, excellent 👌🏻, thanks!
Thank you too!
Hi Michael, I was in Almerimar with my sailboat during the winter 2019-2020 and I was surprised you didn’t mention the wind?! We had an average of 9 days/month with winds between 40 and 60 knots. After all the Costa Del SOL once was called the Costa del VIENTO. The name has changed, but the wind didn’t!! The shelter in the marinas goes from poor to very bad!
Thanks for sharing Bart... It's so odd weather and different experiences - in the 10 years around the Costa del Sol but cruising south as far as Malta and Tunisia I did not have the same experience.. Yes bad weather and gales but not constant as you describe.. I had 60 knots in Tunisia but 2 days later set sail for Minorca and have waited in Almirimar for weather windows. I wonder if that was a bad weather summer and your right most of the marinas are open to the East. A good word of warning -
Hi I’ve just started watching your channel. I really enjoyed this series on Spanish marina’s . I’m hoping you do lots more .
Welcome aboard Paul, Glad you like the Channel.. Will upload ep 4 in a few minutes
Another great video
well described and presented.
always enjoy to watch and listen to your valuable content.
looking forward for more
keep them coming please.
stay safe
and happy smooth sailing,
Much appreciated! thank you for posting that... Just waiting to haul, antifoul and go sailing
Superb as were the previous 2 parts. So helpful. You are a great presenter as well - many thanks 🙂
So nice of you Russ - thank you for watching
Very enjoyable.
Thank you - Pleased you liked it
Outstanding Michael. My wife and I were planning to circumnavigate Ireland in 2022. Your videos are making us restless for Spain. So I’m off to buy your Gentle Sailing along the Coasts of France, Spain and Portugal and your book on Spanish Marinas.
A little concerned about how to keep the boat cool in Southern Spain. Perhaps you could do a video on that?
I confess Robert, that in my younger days the heat didn't worry me but my previous boat a Westerly 43 came with built in air con and that certainly made a difference... The Med is a lovely cruising ground and Spain is very well equipped with excellent marinas....
Merrry Christmas
Thank you Peter - and I hope you enjoy the festive season
Very nicely done :)
Thank you very much!
Thank you Michael. Happy Christmas. Enjoy the sunshine!
Thanks, you too James
Brilliant content Michael. Thank you and Merry Christmas
So pleased you liked it - have a terrific festive season
Amazing again. Thanks for sharing. It made me thinking again to start a boat life in the Med.
Merry Christmas!
Good - but be aware of the Brxit rules for live aboard
Hi Michael, I just spent a few minutes looking your website up and found your story, career, and sailing log fascinating. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion, and congratulations on all you've achieved
Thank you for watching and taking the trouble to visit my website... and the kind words...
Michael, a very good video. I learned a lot with you. Happy New Year !!!
Happy new year Javier. So pleased it was useful
exactly what new boaters need info on ports etc thanku
Lindy hi, really pleased you find the series informative and useful
So many thanks for every single information you do provide us here, also saving us a lot of guess work eventually troubles , marry Christmas Sir and look forward to seeing you soon. cheers from Zürich
Very glad it's helpful. Seasons Greetings for 22
Loved to see you again! Excellent video, thanks!
Thanks again Giovanni
Super informative video as always. Even though I don’t sale or have a boat I really enjoy listening to your videos. I used to know Spain very well so I can relate to the airports and travel facts. Well presented and put together in a genuine and honest manner.
I heard you say Ronda. What a lovely place. I had many happy holidays on the coast in Sabinillas. Casares near Puerto Duquesa.
Took the train up to ronda a few times on a day trip.
Enjoy your time in Spain. Always look forward to your next video.
Many thanks.
Thank you Foster - sounds as if you know Andalusia very well indeed - a very beautiful and interesting part of Spain - Yes I lived in Ronda for around 6 years but circumstances made me sell up and move to France although I still have an apartment in Marbella.
Sailing is for me as much about the places you can visit in a boat as it is about the actual sea time... Have a wonderful 22
Hi just a have a very merry Christmas Marty cheers n beers Australia
Have a super festive season Sue - envy you spending Christmas in the sun!
Another informative and helpful video. Thank you Michael and Season’s Greetings to you too
Thank you so much - have a wonderful 22
Hi Michael. Thanks for your very informative videos. Garrucha, we found has a problem with dirt and dust from the bulk carriers which are to seaward of the marina and consequently, prevailing wind. Some of the boats there are in very sorry state and quite literally smothered in dust and dirt. We were not unhappy when we left. We have spent the last two winters, living on our boat in Cartagena.
Thanks for the info Robert - I never had that experience in Garrucha because the wind was blowing offshore but I can imagine it's pretty awful with an onshore wind and why the marina has never really taken off... Cartagena is lovely
Terrific information thank you. Motril is just over an hour from my house in the Sierra Nevada. I haven't looked at Puerto Almerimar/Club Nautico de Almerimar. I shall have to rectify this. I'll put your book on my list
Brennig I am so glad it was helpful... You should visit Almirimar as it may not be to your taste but both are excellent places... Pity it rained in Spain on Saturday!
Another beautifully put together video with obviously a lot of hard work in it. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you a very Happy New Year ! Stay Safe & Fair Winds !!
Thank you Bob! Have a wonderful 22
Many thanks for all the work you put into these videos Michael. Best wishes for 2022!
Happy new year Graham - so pleased you like them
You missed out aguadulce just north of roqueta , not a bad place boat yard, close to town .
Not bad prices ,
Your right David - it was on my list and I just forgot - perhaps because I know of it but have never visited
Thanks Michael, I've just came across your channel and love your input. Loads of questions coming your way soon 😃
Thanks and welcome Billy - So pleased you like the videos
Very useful video, however we had a very different experience in Motril 4 years back. Yes the club was fine, but the first clue caution was necessary was the seriously heavy duty lines and springs and large fenders on the boats. We had pulled in as the forecast was not good, winds from the east. Well, our fears were correct, the waves seemed to be funnelled down the port to the marina causing extreme rolling of the boats. We had to move out of the berth slightly to stop the top of our mast hitting out neighbours. The worst experience we have had in marina in 15 years sailing. No sleep that night.
John hello, That is really interesting information and looking at the chart I can see that the swell can come rolling in with the wind from the East... I had a terrible night in Benalmadena on the visitors quay breaking mooring lines and so on. Whilst the Med is 90% user friendly when blows come in they can be very destructive - Thank you for taking the trouble to post about your experience
Great information Michael from down under in Sydney. Hope that you have a fabulous Christmas and a merry New Years, lol!!!
Thank you Rex from down under - I just loved sailing from Port Jackson to Darwin - brilliant experience - Enjoy the festivities even if the lights are out
@@SailingGently hhaaha, what a hoot, Im actually a kiwi now living in OZ, you remind me of the chap who got me back into sailing some 33 years ago in Auckland. A real Salty dog.. Have a good one and stay in the loop, blessings my friend!!!
Another informative episode Michael and we'll worth watching. Hopefully you'll be on the beach Christmas Day... Merry Christmas 🎄🎁🎉🍺..stay safe
Thanks Dennis - glad you enjoyed it - sadly the beach is out as it's raining - can't win the alll....
thank you, following your videos and living down here in south of Spain, very good information. you seem to skip Marina del este in la herradura which is one of the best around, however one of the expensive. Merry Christmas
Aruety you are right and it was my intention to include it. I did the research for it and then forgot! It is one of the few I have never visited!
Thanks for one more of your wonderful Videos and merry x-mas :-)
Happy holidays Probst - glad you liked the video
Good information again, thank you for sharing. Incidentally, I bought the Caribbean vhs video of yours many moons ago when first got into sailing⛵️😊
Merry Christmas
Warren s/y Legend
Enjoy and be happy in the festive season Warren - Strange looking back on that Caribbean video how little really has changed in this cruising lifestyle - maybe chart plotters but much of the rest is the same - just better and cheaper. Thank you for watching my latest efforts
What's your opinion on Aguadulce and Almeria?
Domenico hello, Almeria is similar to Malaga - really geared up as a commercial port. Aquadulce is of course a very good and well run marina - 12 mtr boat around 4,600 a year - I have only visited once and felt it was a bit overwhelmed by the housing but certainly a good place to leave a boat
Lovely video Michael, but Irish Tapas whilst in Spain? Why???? and .... now I've heard everything!
Tom so pleased you enjoyed the video Thank you for watching... I do enjoy proper Spanish tapas with my wine but sometimes it is a pleasant change to have 'little eats' in British style... tiny fried eggs, garlic mushrooms, chips, etc Not very PC but good to eat!
Michael, Thank you. Very valuable input. I would appreciate your input on where in the south of Spain you would go if you have to do a major refit which I am planning for next year. I need good quality engineers to install a water maker, design and build a solar panel arch, davits and a complete set of Raymarine devices. Is Almerimar the place to go? I also liked your review on Benalmadena. Where would you recommend to go? Enjoy the festive season and happy new year.
Karl hello, Yes Almirimar is a good place to do all that work and the shop Alamar Centro that I mention in the video does very good deals on Raymarine, solar panels and other equipment to supply and fit - first rate - and there are all the trades there for the rest of the work.... Isla Verde in Algeciras, that I mention in Ep 1 has first rate workmen but I am not so sure about the deals - you would need to talk to Miguel but they are excellent as well in terms of workmanship but you might have to get the parts yourself - I'm not sure - it is a duty free zone so could be good - give them a bell.
Enjoy the festive season and the re-fit
@@SailingGently Thank you, Michael. Very helpful.
I look forward to your opinion regarding Javea and Denia as I used to live there in the 70's (73-76) . Back then Javea was not at all commercial with only a small expat community of British, French , Belgian, and one US couple . I fear it has since become much more touristy .
I will start work on them after the new year Alex. Bit videoed out at the moment
I was wondering if to get from the airport to your boat an option might be to hire a car rather than a taxi. You are bound to need to resupply the boat with heavy items like beer and wine and the car on the first day would come in handy.
Div hi, I thought about that and in cost terms probably about the same but you still have to return the car to the airport and get yourself to the marina - but admittedly without luggage
Are there any free and fully wind-protected anchorages in Southern France, Liguria or Balearic where one could leave the boat unattended during the winter?
These 3 are some of the most expensive and heavily boat populated areas in the Med. Big gales in winter... A marina which has cheap winter rates nearby is Almirimar - Spain
Since when was Garrucha 165km from Almeria Airport? Google reckons it's less than half that! And I know who to believe.
Peter you are of course absolutely right and so is Google. 80 K is closer. I misspoke. Sorry. Thank you for pointing out the error...
Thanks Michael, would Almerimar be suitable for a larger yacht ( 55ft/ 17m) with a draft of 2.1m) and what do you estimate the annual or monthly fees to be for her?
Nick there are stacks of bigger boats in Almirimar and they have a couple of quays more or less reserved for them.
almerimarpuerto.com/tarifas-generales-de-atraque-y-varadero/
The above link is their tariff on the net - it's the daily rate for winter and another for summer - then at the bottom there are discounts for up front payment etc... In fact if you contact them by telephone or email they may well offer a better deal for an annual contract
@@SailingGently Thank you!
🙂👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Really pleased you liked it!
In Caleta watch out if you get hauled out , you cannot always get to work on your boat yourself . Getting into the boat yard security can be an issue , €€€€€ , this is the case in many places around the med ,
They need as much of your cash as possible . Info via first hand experience.
Your right David - it's a real problem in most spanish yards and you cannot stay on board whilst on the hard.. Isla Verde and Almirimar you can
Once again Michael, a very informative video which is much appreciated. Any chance of a video explaining the boat paperwork now required for leaving a boat long term in Spain post Brexit. I am currently in Greece and they are doing their best to make the process as complicated as possible regarding VAT.
Alenka hi, As far as I know just keeping the boat somewhere has not changed as you are still allowed 18 months for the boat then it needs to check out of Europe for 24 hours then return. It is your presence that the Spanish are interested in - the 90/180 day rule - Basically you sail into the Spanish marina and check in which involves a form which is passed that evening to the Guardia Civil.. Provided you are not a resident then there are no tax obligations on the boat... Clearly if coming from a non EU country then your passports need stamping at a port of entry - If you come from a Schengen country then be aware the 90 day clock will be ticking...
@@SailingGently Thanks. As we were in EU waters on the 31st Dec 2020 we retained our VAT status according to the Brexit settlement agreement. In short, we do not have to do the 18 month shuffle. However, the Greeks tried to ignore this EU directive and declared UK boats would lose their VAT paid status. The Cruising Association lodged a complaint with the EU Commission and the Greeks were instructed to comply with this EU law. Which they did until the case was closed then they changed their stance to "UK boats will keep their VAT paid status until the point they leave EU waters - As Greece is an isolated EU country and all boats have to cross international waters to get to it the outcome was much the same. I believe the CA are once again opening the case with the EU Commission. There are also stories emerging of boats in some in Italian ports being, allegedly, told to pay VAT again or be arrested for smuggling. All sounds a bit fishy. If we cast off for a new (boat) home in Spain we do not want to be met by a wall of paperwork which ignores the EU directive. Thanks again for the insight. Enjoy your Christmas in the sun.
The Greeks have always been a pain Alenka - completing my circumnavigation I popped out at Suez heading for France but needed to stop in Crete for fuel where they made me buy a cruising permit despite the fact I was simply transiting their waters.
I have always found Spain heavily authoritarian - the Guardia Civil Maritime - track via marinas and obligatory paper work at marinas, all international boats. I have been 'inspected' a few times and for the last boat had a paper saying further inspection was not necessary.
Basically Spain wants UK tourists and is no where near the aggression to boat owners as Greece. They do enforce the 90/180 day rule on UK passports but there is no problem with having a UK registered boat kept in the marina - although they will know when it's been in Spanish waters for 18 months and it should exit for 24 hours but it is too early to know how they will enforce this rule. They appear to be trying to find a form of extended visa for 2nd home owners in Spain like me and maybe that will extend to Brit boat owners but.....
I often hear u say 'we.' Who is 'we' ?
My partner when she was alive.
4.500 € a year that is a rip off
Yes it's a lot Sam but UK marinas around the Solent are often much more than that - market forces I suspect!
I pay in Norway 1900 Norwegian kroner from first November to first April electricity is separately weather in the water or hard about same price
Very enjoyable.
Thank you Paul. Glad you liked it