how will we survive in greece

[john cowley]

me and my wife carol intend to retire to greece from england, on board our 36 ft moody in 2012 .we have a pension of approx ten thousand pounds per year. we have the boat fully fitted out with all new gear 125 watts solar powe,r diesel heater, gas coocker and gaswater heater plus \ calorifier we know the budgets tight but what are your thoughts will we be ok .

 

[rivonia]

me and my wife carol intend to retire to greece from england, on board our 36 ft moody in 2012 .we have a pension of approx ten thousand pounds per year. we have the boat fully fitted out with all new gear 125 watts solar powe,r diesel heater, gas coocker and gaswater heater plus \ calorifier we know the budgets tight but what are your thoughts will we be ok .

You will do OK. Your in the same budget/income as us and we live comfortably. Now and then we do have to draw down from our small savings pot. Just be carefull shop around and learn quickly "HOW TO HAGGLE"

Merry Christmas

Peter

 

[tonybannister]

Boat sounds just fine and with rising costs not too big is good. Budget is what we allow ourselves. Extras is up to you - like how often will you need flights home, how much will you use marinas, how often will you eat out.

 

[NornaBiron]

We manage fine on a smaller pension than that, although we never go to marinas, choosing to spend all our time on the anchor. You'll soon learn how to eat more cheaply etc. We've found that we enjoy the challenge of living on a tight budget although we do splurge occasionally!

 

[jimbaerselman]

You've probably done lots of homework on fitting out your boat for Greece. If so, I apologise in advance for teaching Grandma to suck eggs. But do have a look at http://www.jimbsail.info/drupal/preparing/fitting-out-mediterranean

Lots of that is "nice to have", rather than "must have" - but I hope that difference is made clear.

 

[little_roundtop]

Yes, you'll be fine. We run a 45ft yacht on not too much more than that.

Tips: Don't buy familiar UK brands of food, look for the local equivalents. Plan how you will get cash without paying huge currency or ATM fees (we use a CaxtonFX card http://www.caxtonfxcard.com). If you plan to stay aboard all-year pick a winter marina with lots of other liveaboards also staying there (they'll know the cheapest chandlers, shops deals etc.). Don't eat out too often in the summer - you'll be paying tourist prices. Get your EHIC (formerly the E111) it does work - we don't carry any health insurance and I've had a broken wrist, a minor heart arrhythmia and colon cancer treated out here using the EHIC. Join the Cruising Association (http://www.cruising.org.uk) they have lots of cruising guides to Greece (and elsewhere) pilot updates and local reps in many ports & islands, plus you'll often get a discount on marina fees and chandlers etc. with your CA membership card.

Most important tip: Don't worry! You'll soon meet up with the rest of us out here and you'll get all the help and advice you could ever need!

Tony C.