Ocean Outlook - Mediterranean

Mediterranean © Noonsite

Roditis Yachting Agency in Greece report on an urgent situation that is developing in Kos and soon all over Greece, in reference to Polish Flag Yachts. Greek Customs requires that every yacht which is entering in Greek Waters under Polish Flag should refer to Customs in order to prove its VAT Status (because Poland does not follow EU directives concerning yacht registration and especially VAT Matters). In the event that the yacht is not VAT-Paid, then it will be handled as Non-EU and will be issued a 30-day Transit Log.

Also in Greece, one non-EU yacht clearing into Greece from Turkey reports on being fined for not following the Transit Log rules. Non-EU boats visiting Greece should be familiar with all the Transit Log rules, and if unsure, ask Customs on clearing into the country. Since June 2022, the Transit Log officially has to be presented to the Port Master's Office to be stamped in every port visited. The PP are obliged to check if yachts have had their TL's/crew lists stamped and the standard penalty for not doing so is 500 Euros.

Located on the Eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Lebanon is not a typical cruising destination. Italian sailor Giorgio Clerici of SY Laurora spent last winter there and reports on fees, protocols and his impressions of this country that is suffering an economic crisis. He comments, "while Winter cruising outside of Beirut is not to be recommended, in the Summer there are some interesting places to visit and lovely anchorages along the coast".

A popular option for winter in the Med is Tunisia and the latest edition of the North Africa Pilot from the Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation explores why Tunisia makes such an ideal year-round base for Mediterranean Cruising. Imray's Commissioning Editor William Thomson highlights its perfect position, with easy access to Greece and Croatia in the east or Sardinia and the Balearics in the west. The weather is warm and generally moderate with pleasant winter cruising in the south as depressions tend to stay further north. The infrastructure for yachting is well established and varied with many harbours, small fishing ports and marinas to enjoy not to mention the rich history and culture on shore. See his full summary in Tunisia comments and more details about the Pilot in our Book of the Month further down.

We are constantly adding to our Wintering in the Med article - to help give an overview of all the possible options for spending the winter in the Mediterranean Sea. This article principally is a collection of feedback from Noonsite users and includes links to reports as well received from cruisers in over-wintering spots. Let us know" where you spent last winter in the Med and we can add it to the list of recommendations.

Reports of orca interactions with sailing boats have extended into the Mediterranean this month, with the latest south of Marbella, Spain. Keep up to date on interactions and locations at orcaiberica.org.

This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com.