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rabbidoninoz · 01-11-2017, 10:21

I lost my job in Australia a few years back and had to sell my boat. I'm now retired, living in Israel, and finally rejoined the ranks. I've bought a lovely Colvic Watson 23'9" motorsailer. She's currently on the River Hamble, Hampshire, UK. When warm weather returns next year, I'm going to return to England for a few weeks' familiarization sailing with the previous owner. Then I'm going to cross the English Channel, transit the French canals, and coastal hop along the north shore of the Mediterranean to Greece. I'm planning to base the boat in Greece, at least for the first few years, as there's not much cruising along the Israeli coast and it's a quick flight from Tel Aviv to Athens.

My citizenship is US and Israeli, but I'm not going to cruise full-time, just maybe three times a year for a couple-three weeks each time, so I don't think I'll have Shengen issues. The boat is UK-registered and plan to keep that. I have to find out if the VAT has been paid, but then if Brexit goes through I don't know what the ramifications will be on the boat staying in Greece.

The boat's in great nick; she needs an electric windlass, a composting head and an AIS receiver, but she's otherwise ready to go with excellent sails, rigging, and a fairly-new engine!

Glad to be back in this forum as a boat owner!

Don

Stu Jackson · 01-11-2017, 10:26

Welcome back. Shalom!

wolfgal · 01-11-2017, 10:48

Hi! congratulations!

The French canals are quite fantastic, from what I've heard. I plan on doing it when i'm in my late years, myself. Are you going to ship your mast down or bring it along horizontally?

There is a relatively inexpensive boatyard/marina with lots of English-speakers who do the work there (very international) at the mouth of the Rhone called Port Napoleon. It is a bit isolated from the trains, etc., but is a good place for getting the boat ready for a good sail. You can ship your mast there from your starting place (Le Harvre?).

I'm based in Paris, am very close to the Seine river (near the Arsenal port). If you stop in on your way through, please let me know.

Also, if you need assistance communicating in French along the way, just ask.

Enjoy!

rabbidoninoz · 01-11-2017, 14:22

Thank you, WolfGal! Yes, my plan would be to cross from the Solent to LeHavre and take down the stick there. If sending it by road to Port Napoleon is not too expensive, that sounds like a good strategy; I'll have to look into that as the time gets closer. And if I pass through Paris without stopping, well I can imagine Madame Mahieu (SP?), my high school French teacher, wagging her finger at me. (It was 45 years ago, but every time I've set foot in France, I imagine her watching me...)

Don