LadyInBed
Well-known member
Now that we have left the EU, as I read it, there should be no problem having Red in our tank when visiting Belgium as we are no longer governed by the EU Directive.
Belgium and Red
- Thread starter LadyInBed
- Start date
st599
Well-known member
As the Chancellor of the Exchequer banned the sale of red to leisure craft and fishermen in last year's budget, with an implementation date sometime this year, I doubt it will be much of an issue.
JumbleDuck
Well-known member
We are governed by EU directives when we are in the EU. What you suggest would be like a Dutch yacht visiting the UK with a box of cannabis on board and expecting to get away with it on the grounds that it's legal in Amsterdam.
Rafiki
Well-known member
So how would that work with Cruise ships or container ships arriving in Europe, do the French, German, Spanish authorities insist that they pay EU duties on the fuel in their tanks
awol
Well-known member
It is very simple - non-commercial leisure vessels are not allowed marked fuel. Most cruise ships are commercial as are fishing boats, sailing school yachts and a whole variety of other vessels that are permitted marked fuel. Whether tax has been paid or not is immaterial.
Badvisor
N/A
Absolutely! Fill her up with red, what can they do about it?
I know they fined a USA yacht a few years ago, but that was quashed later.
So go for it! Let us know how you get on.
tillergirl
Well-known member
You have your mirror upside down. If a Belgium chap had some cannabis and arrived in the UK where it was legal, that would be ok. The problem of red in our tanks in Belgium, the Customs would require us to show that every drop had been lawfully obtained in the UK and none at all from the EU AND we only obtained all the red since we left the EU. After all they regard us using red while we were in the EU as breaking the Directive.
st599
Well-known member
TernVI
Well-known member
Unfortunately that's basically wishful thinking.
Momac
Well-known member
Only a year to go until UK boats will be required to buy white diesel.
Meanwhile red diesel has been festering in boat tanks and in marina tanks for months if not longer. Diesel bug may be developing faster than Covid.
I the meantime Brexit brings no boating advantages for UK boats travelling to the EU since the law in the EU has not changed.
Meanwhile red diesel has been festering in boat tanks and in marina tanks for months if not longer. Diesel bug may be developing faster than Covid.
I the meantime Brexit brings no boating advantages for UK boats travelling to the EU since the law in the EU has not changed.
ratbag
Active member
i dont understand why anyone would want to go to Belgium ??
Gibeltarik
Active member
Good - it is a fantastic country and we are trying to keep a secret
Alicatt
Well-known member
Too late I'm here
JumbleDuck
Well-known member
My understanding is that having marked fuel in your tanks in the EU is illegal, regardless of whether it was legally obtained - just as having cannabis in your lockers in the UK is illegal, even if it was legally obtained.
I can legally buy red diesel at my local filling station. Ain't no excuse if HMRC catch me with it in my car ...
Momac
Well-known member
I went to Bruges once - it was okay for a couple of days . They have nice beer. Belgium may look better from the waterways .
However the way they have treated UK citizens with regard to red diesel in boats does not make Belgium an attractive destination.
.
Daydream believer
Well-known member
I have now been to Ostend 78 times. I have often spent up to a month at a time. I go for the The Paulusfeesten in August. It is a great place with lots to do. The people are friendly & some of the events are - well - who would have a 3 day European B B Q championship with the European spare ribs champions on display, along the sea front, complete with carnival. Lots of music, boat & beer festivals. Markets & fairground. Then there is the RNSYC & the Dutch visitors to the harbour who will always stop for a chat. Good shopping & eateries to suit all tastes. Cycling round the parks. Blankenburg makes a good pedal or Brugge for a day by train, The Atlantic wall by tram or bike for for WW1 &2 historians. Beaches for the kids. Seafront & harbour walks. Mercator museum ship. Napolean fort, Crystal maze walk
I have been on Belgium TV twice, once on a programme about the fuel issue.
I suspect that many yachtsmen go there & miss much of what it has to offer.
Plus , for me, it is a 14-15 hour sail from Bradwell in my 31 ft yacht, so it is easily reachable
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st599
Well-known member
Not to mention the bike ride through the countryside to the monastery that produces the beer voted best in the world.
Alicatt
Well-known member
Bier kenners regularly vote St. Bernardus ABT12 better than the Westvleteren in blind tests, though they are both made to the same recipe.
The waffles in the Silversand Café on the promenade in Blankenberg are to die for, A4 in size and come with a mountain of fruit, it has been a favourite stop off when we are in the area and especially when we were catching the ferry to Rosyth.
I live on the other side of the country close to the Dutch and German borders, partying is part of the Belgian culture here, was quite a shock to the sheltered Scotsman here, I've been coming over here for 15 years and now seeking residency in Belgium with my Belgian wife.
Tomahawk
Well-known member
good beer
st599
Well-known member
I'd happily cycle to both to do an A-B comparison.
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