General Stores, Ostend

[Gargleblaster]

I've noticed mention of General Stores at Ostend in this forum before. I went online and found their stores list and prices for duty free goods. I followed the discussion where for European use we couldn't buy from there any more.

However what is the situation if you want to sail outside of Europe for an extended period? Will General Stores sell it to you? While I'm asking questions, does anyone know the situation if you buy duty free in Ostend, sail down to Falmouth without touching your duty free goods and then leave from there before opening your goods?

I have checked and I see there is a bonded Ships Chandler in Falmouth but they don't provide a price list the way that General Stores do. I occasionally like a sup of Whisky in the evening if things aren't going well and I notice that General Stores carry my favourite whisky, Whyte and Mackay for less than 8 euros a litre. I'm hoping to do a non stop circumnavigation and at 5 cl a day for 300 days, I think I would require 15 bottles. That is a considerable saving over Tesco's price of close to £17 a litre.

 

[Koeketiene]

I've noticed mention of General Stores at Ostend in this forum before. I went online and found their stores list and prices for duty free goods. I followed the discussion where for European use we couldn't buy from there any more.

However what is the situation if you want to sail outside of Europe for an extended period? Will General Stores sell it to you? While I'm asking questions, does anyone know the situation if you buy duty free in Ostend, sail down to Falmouth without touching your duty free goods and then leave from there before opening your goods?

General Stores will always sell to you.
The only thing that matters to them is that you take the stuff outside of Belgian territorial waters.

I have checked and I see there is a bonded Ships Chandler in Falmouth but they don't provide a price list the way that General Stores do. I occasionally like a sup of Whisky in the evening if things aren't going well and I notice that General Stores carry my favourite whisky, Whyte and Mackay for less than 8 euros a litre. I'm hoping to do a non stop circumnavigation and at 5 cl a day for 300 days, I think I would require 15 bottles. That is a considerable saving over Tesco's price of close to £17 a litre.

I think you might struggle to convince Belgian Customs of this (circumnavigation).
They operate on the following rule of thumb: 1 litre of alcohol (>22) and one carton of cigarettes per adult (over 18) on board per fortnight at sea.
I'm not saying it's impossible, but an order of 15 bottles of Scotch for a yacht will raise some eyebrows.

Why not contact General Stores (+32 (0)59 70 25 03) directly?

 

[Gargleblaster]

Thanks for that information. It all sounds a bit impossible, although I thought I would have more problems with British Customs than the Belgian. I will give General Stores a ring or even visit them in the Spring.