Changing flag... Spain to UK?

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Frank Holden

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Does anyone know what is involved in changing from Spanish flag to UK register?

British built yacht, remote location.

I've read all the paperwork and notes here... https://www.gov.uk/register-a-boat/the-uk-ship-register

However I am currently renewing - for another five years - registration on my present boat .... seems to be taking forever. Sent check and paperwork airmail to UK 2 months ago... still waiting for new certificate to turn up....

Any recent experiences? Essentially how long from change of ownership to being able to sail under British flag. Can she be sailed by a UK citizen under Spanish flag ( internationaly ) in the mean time?

Asking for a friend :)
 
Minn said:
Captain Holden’s location is ... remote ... as in Patagonia
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Last time I was there, circa ten years back, Pto Montt, Patagonia had telephones which worked. Has something changed?
Great place, btw.
 
As I understand it, you need a Spanish qualification to sail a Spanish reg. vessel. However, whether anyone is going to check that in Patagonia is another matter.
 
Straight through this afternoon around 14.30 (after going through the various options) - out of 4 recent calls only once did I get in a queue and that lasted ages. So there's a good chance Frank might get through first time.

PS Always found them very helpful.
Minn said:
Phoned the MCA recently? How long hanging on the phone to Cardiff?
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Yes, I can get good internet as I sail past Puerto Eden.... most remote settlement in all of South America ..... although I am surprised to hear the MCA has 'phones....

I was thinking of sending them a postcard.....

What I had hoped for was some real life experience from this side of the fence ... from people who may have done this. ... not what the MCA receptionist thinks happens. Last time I did it was over 25 years ago in Thailand but that was a boat already on the British register and was quite simple..

Thats said I think it is about time I sent them an email to find out what has happened to my current boat's paperwork... I suspect their courier is lost in the high Andes.....
 
So... about an hour ago I emailed the MCA...... what with my paperwork expiring in a week.... asking what was up?

A speedy response just in...

'I’ve checked the progress of the renewal, we received your documents at our office on the 1st July, we’re currently completing work that has arrived with us on 29th June and we should be completing your work very early next week.''
Two things at work here..... it appears airmail currently takes about 4 weeks each way between the UK and foreign parts...
For mail from MCA to my home QTH in Australia and return to Cardiff it has just taken from 24th April to 1st July....

They are just processing renewals received on 29th June today.... so another week before mine is done and then another month in the post....

Leaves me certificateless for about 3 weeks...... luckily 5 weeks to next ETD

So anyone else renewed Part 1 lately? or have recent experience reflagging to UK?
 
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