Buying a boat to keep in Spain (BCN)

[colombo]

Hi all,


I've had a lengthy scan of the forum and picked up lots of info, so thanks to all for your general input.


I thought it was probably time to ask the questions specific to my situation.


I am looking to buy my first boat in 2020. I am a UK resident, but spend as much time as possible in Barcelona. The boat would be kept there, and I would want to sail it to Ibiza throughout the year.


I am wondering what flag it would be most beneficial to have in that situation. I have an apartment in BCN, but I do not spend more than 6 months of the year there currently, and hence I believe I could have a boat that is not spanish flagged? Is a UK flagged boat the best option given Brexit uncertainty, and my residential status? Or is there a benefit to having a Gibralter flagged boat? I believe if it is spanish flagged then I will have to pass tests in spanish on top of the ICC and day skipper I currently have. I'd rather avoid that if possible.


I also just want to double check whether I can have a UK flagged boat in BCN year round, as long as I don't live on it?



Additional info - Im looking to spend about 40k euros on the boat. I don't envisage living on it full time. I'm a novice sailor ( 3 weeks experience, including a long voyage from Indonesia to Thailand, skippering overnight) so I will be looking to keep things as simple as possible.

[psk125]

Seem to recall seeing somewhere that if the boat’s in Spain and you have domicile there, it needs to be registered there too. This apparently involved a Frenchman, but he seems to have gotten fined, or had other major problems. May be different if you’re only there 6 months per year, but worth investigating and being sure before you buy anything.