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ShayK · 13-07-2011, 05:40

I'm planning to spеnd about half year sailing and travеlling in north-west mediterranean region. So I plan to buy monohull 21-28 sailboat and start the journey from Greece Islands and proceed to Italy, France and Spain. My budget is 15K $, and I have possibility to work remote to cover travel expenses.

So my questions is:
- do you have experience or knowledge about buying a boat in Greece? There is some brokers in Internet, but intresting hear about personal impressions.
- similarly about sailing: what should i know sailing around islands, mooring, food, water, repair services, etc. I don't plan to stick in marinas, prefer remote areas.
- skipper license: I hold coastal skipper license. It's enough to sail from Greece to Italy, France, Spain? There is some regulation issues for foreing sailors in this region?

All info (including links to relevant sources) will be welcome!

beneteau-500 · 23-07-2011, 13:10

what would you like to know

daddle · 23-07-2011, 13:15

I understand that if it is your own boat than your the country of your citizenship governs your qualifications...or maybe that of the yacht registration.

To buy a boat anywhere: First find one you like. Then pay for it. (That second part seems to elude most buyers.)

ShayK · 25-07-2011, 00:29

The question is about registration and further oversea sailing. In Israel, for example, the boat could be registred like coastal or blue water vessеl. To be "blue water" it have to be 7 meter and more long, and equiped with some safty and navigation gear. Is there same distingish in Greece and other EC countres? For example, if i buy Benetaue 21' in France, could I heading to Italy or Spain, and vice versa?

kokni · 25-07-2011, 13:29

If registered in Greece (thus carrying the Greek flag) you will have to abide to the Greek law, quite obviously. It can be quite frustrating if you don't speak the language, given the immense complexities of local law. Generally according to the type of boat and its equipment, it can be registered for sailing within 3nm, 6nm, 10nm, or without limitations. I am not aware of any site listing the requirements in English though.

I would not advise ignoring those regulations, given that the Greek coast guard can be surprisingly efficient and quite harsh, particulalry in between Greece and Italy, given the flux of illegal immigrants, transported with boats between the two countries. I think you'd better turn to a local broker, it will spare you a lot of trouble.

Finally, you should be aware that registering your boat in Greece automatically brings you in contact with the Greek taxation system. In case you haven't heard, there's a financial crisis over here and boats are heavily, very heavily taxed. Why don't you simply buy the boat in Greece but have it registered in your place of residence.