A UK Alternative to Oostende

benw

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6 May 2008
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Baston Lincs, Boat Royal Harwich YC
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Happy New Year all! I have enjoyed catching up on this thread, as Charisma is up for sale my thoughts of a nth sea trip are all but parked until we get a buyer. But..... I was lucky enough to get across to Oostende and Blankenberge twice last year and on one occasion boarded in Blankenberge by the douanes. Without wishing to stir things up the officials were not interested in even looking at my fuel receipts. Maybe Blankenberge is different but when we are afloat again I will certainly be paying a visit again.
There were a number of Brit yachts who had raced over on the Fri by the time we arrived on the Saturday may be a dozen Red/Blue ensigns - not aware anyone was fined in Roberts berths.
Anyways looks like the planning is well underway for an alternative so I shall put a sock in it!
 

Koeketiene

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Le Roussillon (South of France)
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There were a number of Brit yachts who had raced over on the Fri by the time we arrived on the Saturday may be a dozen Red/Blue ensigns - not aware anyone was fined in Roberts berths.

Robert is very protective of his customers (the ones he likes anyway).
More than once seen him intervene on behalf of a skipper being bothered by the Douanes.

In all these years only a few British boats have been fined for having red diesel in their tanks. All (bar one) had other things 'wrong' with them as well (paperwork). One got done because of his 'Master & Commander' attitude and he had to be reminded that he was not Nelson.
 
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Sixpence

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24 Aug 2005
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They know Robert very well from what I've seen, his bark is enough to put the fear of (insert choice) into them, never want to feel his bite :eek:
Very nice man and very helpful but keep on his good side :p
 

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