Lockdown and keeping the boat VAT paid in the EU.

[RupertW]

Why would any local customs officers know what will happen? The rule books haven't been written yet, never mind published and our UK VAT officers have frequently said "we don't know yet" when I've phoned for information.

The rules were written decades ago hence the advice given everywhere 2 years ago that unless some special deal was made then we would be either 3rd country VAT paid or EU paid and this would happen on transition day. But ignore HMRC, your own national organisation and all other facts if you wish to. I hope you have decided which VAT regime you wish to be in and have placed the boat accordingly. You have had. very long time to do so.

 

[Resolution]

The rules were written decades ago hence the advice given everywhere 2 years ago that unless some special deal was made then we would be either 3rd country VAT paid or EU paid and this would happen on transition day. But ignore HMRC, your own national organisation and all other facts if you wish to. I hope you have decided which VAT regime you wish to be in and have placed the boat accordingly. You have had. very long time to do so.

Fine to say that, but for many it is difficult to enact on the decision made early in 2019. Covid restrictions on the one hand and Greece's refusal to permit entry from Turkey, have frustrated our ability to place our boats where we would like them to be.

 

[Koeketiene]

French marinas are all shut, and the borders are also closed. Until the French lift these restrictions, I'm afraid you are not going to be able to get your boat over there.

AFAIK, the borders are still open.
Though international travel is 'discouraged'.

 

[Sea Devil]

Whilst the RYA and CA have contact with ministers, both are independent private organisations run mainly to pay the staff

 

[Graham376]

The rules were written decades ago hence the advice given everywhere 2 years ago that unless some special deal was made then we would be either 3rd country VAT paid or EU paid and this would happen on transition day. But ignore HMRC, your own national organisation and all other facts if you wish to. I hope you have decided which VAT regime you wish to be in and have placed the boat accordingly. You have had. very long time to do so.

The current rules were written years ago but as we're seeing with RGR at the moment, some are going out of the window so, to suggest everyone should assume the old rules apply and carry on regardless is I think folly. Some third countries, which we will become, have varying rules applied and no-one know exactly what deals we may or not make so, my inclination is to plan for the worst. As you enquire, yes I'm sorted. I had EU residence well before Brexit reared it's head and boat there for 14 years so have a very good idea where I stand - unless the rules change.

 

[Bobc]

AFAIK, the borders are still open.
Though international travel is 'discouraged'.

My understanding was that travel from within mainland EU to France was "discouraged" but all international travel into France was banned (including from the UK). I'm sure I heard Macron say that the border would be closed.

 

[dunedin]

Whilst the RYA and CA have contact with ministers, both are independent private organisations run mainly to pay the staff

What libellous rubbish.
The RYA does have quite a few staff, but in my experience does work hard for its members and sailing in general.
The Cruising Association is run by its members for members, and most of its activities are done by member volunteers. I believe it has a handful of staff in CA House, but not many. You might have the wrath of Robin Knox-Johnston on you for that ill informed and unhelpful comment.

 

[Blue Sunray]

Whilst the RYA and CA have contact with ministers, both are independent private organisations run mainly to pay the staff

Good summary for the RYA at least, I've not dealt much with the CA but they do seem to be more member focused from what I've seen.

 

[Koeketiene]

My understanding was that travel from within mainland EU to France was "discouraged" but all international travel into France was banned (including from the UK). I'm sure I heard Macron say that the border would be closed.

Not quite correct: COVID-19: UK and French travel and quarantine measures

 

[Chris_Robb]

Whilst the RYA and CA have contact with ministers, both are independent private organisations run mainly to pay the staff

The RYA might be their for the benefit of its paid staff, but the CA has only a few necessary for Admin. All the campaigns that are done are organised by the members themselves. So an apology please!

 

[Seven Spades]

My understanding was that travel from within mainland EU to France was "discouraged" but all international travel into France was banned (including from the UK). I'm sure I heard Macron say that the border would be closed.

I called Cherbourg this afternoon and I can arrive on Thursday no problem. I just have to leave the UK on Wednesday afternoon which I may do. It is not ideal to single hand overnight but I can't go Wednesday morning as I have meetings.

 

[Sea Devil]

I called Cherbourg this afternoon and I can arrive on Thursday no problem. I just have to leave the UK on Wednesday afternoon which I may do. It is not ideal to single hand overnight but I can't go Wednesday morning as I have meetings.

I know you don't need this video but it provides an excuse for me to post it! I have just done Fecamp and St Vaast hits the YouTube screen next Saturday..

 

[Sea Devil]

The RYA might be their for the benefit of its paid staff, but the CA has only a few necessary for Admin. All the campaigns that are done are organised by the members themselves. So an apology please!

Yes I apologise re the CA .. Certainly all = most of the staff I encountered were volunteers... I just do not know about the top management - directors so I must assume you are right and I take it back... sorry

 

[Sea Devil]

I called Cherbourg this afternoon and I can arrive on Thursday no problem. I just have to leave the UK on Wednesday afternoon which I may do. It is not ideal to single hand overnight but I can't go Wednesday morning as I have meetings.

Interesting they will let you in but then as others have written the EU frontiers are still open; As a French resident I am not allowed to visit my boat in Boulogne Marina according to an email from the Marina staff; They are keeping a 24/7 watch on all the boats moored there... And of course there are liveaboards as in Cherbourg but I suppose that is their legal registered address