Mediterranean Cruising guide

[speedfiend]

Dear all,
I am just completing my purchase of a V53 in the med (south of France) and wondered what the best cruising guides are for the area?
I would like something that lists all the marinas with cruising notes and another guide with good overnight anchorages.
Can anybody recommend any?
Also best paper charts for the areas, please?

My aim is to head to Mallorca for the last part of summer after getting to know my new boat.
I can't wait.

Looking forward to sun,clear warm seas and fun!
Thanks
Stuart aka speedfiend.

 

[Hurricane]

Dear all,
I am just completing my purchase of a V53 in the med (south of France) and wondered what the best cruising guides are for the area?
I would like something that lists all the marinas with cruising notes and another guide with good overnight anchorages.
Can anybody recommend any?
Also best paper charts for the areas, please?

My aim is to head to Mallorca for the last part of summer after getting to know my new boat.
I can't wait.

Looking forward to sun,clear warm seas and fun!
Thanks
Stuart aka speedfiend.

Good plan

Actually, although I read and use the Imray pilots, they never tend to have the detail required.
It will be interesting to hear what others say, but we also pick up information when visiting marinas etc.

This forum will show you places to go
I could dig out some links on here for you if you are interested
Other than that, the current Motorboat and Yachting June issue has a great write up and I did one on Alcudia and the north of Mallorca in MBY (April issue) earlier this year.

You were probably looking for a more formal response pilot books and cruising guides etc
Apart from Imray, charts and weather we just go.
The only paper charts I carry are printouts of my electronic ones which tend to be more detailed than the usual ones you buy in the chandlers etc.

If you are out there in the middle of Aug, keep an eye out for us - the plan is the south again this summer - es Trenc and Cabrera etc.

Mike

 

[speedfiend]

Mike, thanks.
Will indeed keep alook out for you.
I will post before I head out.
Just need a cruising guide book to give me a start.
I have been uk boating for 15years and SWMBO has decided its time for some warmth!
S

 

[Pinnacle]

Step forward the Antibes mafia...........

 

[Portofino]

Try this guide -it's all in there
Mediterranean France & Corsica a Sea Guide Rod Heikel hardback .
Where will you be birthed initially ?
How long are you intending to be in the Cote d Azur. / Var ?

 

[speedfiend]

It's in Marseille at the moment. I will be there until August then head over to Mallorca. I will probably leave it in Mallorca over the winter then head back to SoF next year.
I've heard Antibes is nice.

 

[Pinnacle]

I've heard Antibes is nice.

All true!

 

[Hurricane]

I know you said you are looking for a more formal cruising guide but I've just dug out some old threads on this forum.
IMO you just need some time on this forum, the Imray Pilot and your usual nav charts
As always, the plotter's electronic charts will be the most useful.

This was Alcudia last summer
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?364822-Alcudia-Thoroughly-recommended

And during the same cruise, a short mini cruise round Menorca from Alcudia
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?363830-Short-cruise-round-Menorca-lots-of-Pics

This is our return from Mallorca to Sant Carles on the mainland but we "took in" Calobra on the way home
Again, this was one of the anchorages mentioned in this month's MBY
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...-early-season-cruise-via-Calobra-lots-of-pics


And some pics from es Trenc (Rapita)
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?329532-Where-am-I


The last 4 links are of a few years ago
We started cruising to Barcelona and then returned ro Sant Carles via a circumnavigation of Mallorca
It is in 4 parts
The first part is mostly Barcelona - Mallorca in the last three though.

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?219116-October-Med-Cruise-lots-of-pics-Part-1

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?219216-October-Med-Cruise-lots-of-pics-Part-2-Flatland

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...ics-Part-3-Might-need-some-help-with-this-one

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...ed-Cruise-lots-of-pics-Part-4-The-End-At-Last

So, my advice is to search these forums to find where you want to go and just use the pilots and cruising guides to supplement things.

 

[Portofino]

All true!

Anties - As a place ,we have property there bit I would not keep my boat there Marina is filthy - plenty of beggars and tramps + active drug scene with all that €€ and young people mix..
It's handy for the airport .
Stuart - only your wife + yourself know your taste . Read Rod Heikels guide its all in there .
Turn to port pop round to the Calanques first day / night .
Fuel up at Cassis ( call in for a snoop at 12-30 -lunch -reopens @ 2 pm )
Simply head east -Bandol ,Sanary sur Mer , Iles d issambres ,
Poquerolles - week at least here -north of here a must bay Estangnol .
List is endless read the guide
Have a great summer

 

[speedfiend]

That's some great stuff guys. Thanks.
I was looking at Rod Heikels guide as a starting point and will trawl through the forum for other posts.
Indeed a left turn for a week sounds great.
Hopefully half term week in a couple of weeks,!

 

[Hurricane]

A few seasons ago, we did a run to the SoF
A big loop
Crossed Lyons to the Poquerolles which were fantastic and eventually to meet with others from this forum in Antibes
Our return was back via Corsica and Menorca.

So, my advice if you are planning a trip to Mallorca from the SoF would be to go the pretty way.
I'm afraid that this suggestion misses out the Poquerolles but I would suggest crossing to Corsica and doing a mini cruise down its west coast.
If you have time, explore the Maddalenas on the north east of Sardinia
Before crossing to Mahon in Menorca and then on to Mallorca
There is just so much to do on a trip like that
You have to decide - do you want to get to Mallorca or enjoy places on the way
A big decision and will depend on other commitments that you have.
I know what I would do in your place.

Here is another report on our round trip
Probably brings back memories for some people on here.
You will have to skip to the end of post number #3 to get to the Corsica to Menorca bit
Corsica is fantastic

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?273037-A-long-cruise-Spain-France-Corsica-loads-of-photos

 

[davo99]

Wasn't a thread full full of links to other cruising threads going to be made a sticky? Had quick trawl but couldn't find it :-(

 

[speedfiend]

Great stuff everybody.
The reason for a trip to Mallorca is we have friends holidaying there in the last 2 weeks of August and they have been instrumental in helping me find and buy this current boat. also the winter is milder in Mallorca ,I believe .
There is obviously a lot of the Med to explore and the SoF will feature significantly.
I am limited to school holidays as my crew are school age boys - age 10,13,15 plus swmbo.
The half term in 2weeks looks extremely unlikely so I will head out for some orientation end June .
Family will join me early July for 1st cruise then August cruise and October .
Heading to Italy then Greece over the next few years.

 

[Hurricane]

Great stuff everybody.
The reason for a trip to Mallorca is we have friends holidaying there in the last 2 weeks of August and they have been instrumental in helping me find and buy this current boat. also the winter is milder in Mallorca ,I believe .
There is obviously a lot of the Med to explore and the SoF will feature significantly.
I am limited to school holidays as my crew are school age boys - age 10,13,15 plus swmbo.
The half term in 2weeks looks extremely unlikely so I will head out for some orientation end June .
Family will join me early July for 1st cruise then August cruise and October .
Heading to Italy then Greece over the next few years.

So, it seems that the big problem you will have will be "time"
There is so much to see and do.
If you have to get to Mallorca this season, maybe the strategy should be - get there quick and go back to these other beautiful places later.
BTW - we are still a long way off finishing with the Balearic islands but like you, the eastern Med sounds very attractive to us

 

[Hurricane]

Just as an added point
This news on Greece was posted on our marina forum
So, remember that there are issues going east in the Med
I believe that Italy is also getting greedy on its fees at the moment.
Sardinia seems to have been through the mill and come out the other side
Spain do seem to have learned the hard lesson of not taxing movable assets.
Didn't I read somewhere that Croatia are now starting to clamp down
But my point is there needs to be careful research


Here's the Greek bit


http://www.cruising.org.uk/news/greektax

Greek Tax (TPP); Relaxation of Port Police Procedures (as at 28 April 2014)

The new Greek Tax, often referred to as TPP, will not be collected until procedures are fully defined. This will not take place until, at the earliest, some time in May. There will be a transition period during which no penalties will apply.

Meanwhile, law 4256 came into effect on 14 April 2014. This introduces a considerable relaxation of procedures anticipating TPP.

Port Police (PP, more correctly called "Hellenic Coast Guard") throughout Greece have been told of the new procedures. We are still clarifying detail, but most simplifications we suggested have been implemented. So far, the following is clear:

All EU boats cruising Greece have to have a DEKPA (Cruising Bulletin) and that DEKPA remains permanently valid for that boat (we're checking on the case for non-EU boats, and the under 10m case). If a boat arriving in Greek waters doesn't have a DEKPA, a new one will be issued for a fee.
Once TPP is in force, the DEKPA will be used to register the boat, and payments of TPP. (We don't yet know how this will work, except that there will be a central on-line registry)
While the boat stays in Greece, the DEKPA only has to be presented to PP once a year (we're checking what happens when only a month's tax has been paid)
PP permission is no longer needed (a) when arriving in harbour (b) to haul out (c) to re-launch (d) to leave harbour
To fish from a boat, licences are no longer required
The port police should otherwise only be contacted if there is accident or injury at sea.
Port police have the right to visit the boat for the purpose of ensuring dues are paid, and for immigration and customs checks.
Apart from local fees for electricity, water, and lines ashore, it is not yet clear what other fees will be due, or who will collect them

New arrivals in Greece no longer have to use a port of entry, but must notify PP. Effectively this means entering at a PP manned port.

For a variety of reasons, if leaving Greek waters for another country, we think it will still be prudent to check out, especially for non-EU crews to exit the Schengen zone.

TPP Details

The LOA defined in your registration documents will be used in calculations, rounded up to the nearest tenth of a metre.

The aim is to introduce TPP by the end of May, but that is uncertain. A period of transition will follow during which penalties are very unlikely.

Multiple methods for paying TPP are being arranged: on-line; through port police, tax offices and agents; and possibly through banks. Cash, credit or debit cards can be used by most collecting methods.

Boats stored ashore do not have to produce receipts for this tax – they are treated as if they were not in Greek waters. We have also asked if boats can be laid up (“put out of use”) afloat, and therefore not have to produce receipts. This may be possible if boats hand in their papers, and are moored in specified locations, such as registered marinas. The idea has been welcomed, but we wait for further news.

This tax applies to all boats, including non-EU boats. The intention is that non-EU boats will no longer pay the 3 month transit log fee.

There are no rebates for boats leaving Greek waters, whether hauling out, or by going to another country.

Boats 12.1m or More

The full rate of tax for these boats will very rarely have to be paid. For a full calendar year it is €(100 x LOA) - or €1,240 for a 12.4m boat. Two options exist to reduce this payment:

Pay per month at €(10 x LOA) or €124 for 12.4m. This is recommended for boats spending less than seven months a year in the water. Seven months in the water (April to October) would then cost €868. It is not clear if it is possible to pay for 3 or 4 months ahead, or whether one payment each month will be needed.
If the boat spends more than 11 months a year in Greek territory, (afloat or ashore) it pays 30% less than the full rate. That is the same as paying for 7 separate months (€868 for 12.4m) but more convenient and flexible. This may be a suitable option for full time live-aboards
Boats over 12m which try to evade paying this tax face a harsh penalty if caught – they have to pay twice the full annual rate due.

We asked if “month” can be defined as a 30 day period from payment, rather than a calendar month. This is to avoid start of month/end of month queues for launch or lift out. This is being investigated, but may not be feasible with the current payment software and system.

Boats 12m or Less

Boats of 12m and less pay a single fee on arrival in Greece or on launching. This will permit them to cruise for the rest of that calendar year in Greek waters. There are three bands: 7.1m to 8m, €200; 8.1m to 10m, €300; and 10.1m to 12m, €400.

The Greek ministry of Maritime Affairs and Aegean is aware that this rate may make some 12m boats avoid visiting Greece.

 

[SwedeSkipper]

Dear all,
I am just completing my purchase of a V53 in the med (south of France) and wondered what the best cruising guides are for the area?
I would like something that lists all the marinas with cruising notes and another guide with good overnight anchorages.
Can anybody recommend any?
Also best paper charts for the areas, please?

My aim is to head to Mallorca for the last part of summer after getting to know my new boat.
I can't wait.

Looking forward to sun,clear warm seas and fun!
Thanks
Stuart aka speedfiend.

Congratulations to you Speedfiend!
I made a similar move one year ago and spent last summer in Mallorca. Boating in the Med is really fantastic! I haven't regretted a second.

About charts/cruising notes for the Balearics, Imray is good, but Tula's Handy Charts have much better detail and is easier to use. Highly recommended!
Check out http://tulas-handy-charts.de

I look forward to seeing reports on crossing from/to SoF/Balearics, maybe next summer I will try to get to SoF.

Best of luck, remember your sunscreen!
Swedeskipper

 

[speedfiend]

Brilliant, thanks Guys, some sound info and advice.
Hurricane your trips look fantastic , I can't wait to get stuck in.
Will keep you posted as to progress of purchase, half term looking unlikely at moment , so a 3 week early summer cruise in order, then a later summer cruise.
S

 

[jfm]

Hi SF. Sounds great. sorry to be slow to reply. There are stacks and stacks of photo-posts on here showing the areas you're looking at, especially Balearics, SofF and Italy. Search function isn't great though, but worht a shot maybe

Here are some more links to illustrated reports...



N Mallorca Deleted User
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...-from-the-Balearics-Part-4-(long-boring-pics)

Menorca 2009
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?206657-Weekend-trip-to-Menorca-whalewatching-(lots-of-pics)

SofF - posts 1460-69 on this thread
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?240351-Boat-in-build-pics-(Squadron-78)/page49

Spain/France/Corsica Hurricane 2011
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?273037-A-long-cruise-Spain-France-Corsica-loads-of-photos

Corsica and Elba 2007
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...rt-pictures-Antibes-Elba-Corsica-Antibes-2007

Filming of Top Gear in st Tropez 2013
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...cial-2013-5-mins-filmed-on-Match-now-released

Vid I took of St Florent and Salecci beach, NW Corsica


Antibes short night sail vid


Corsica vid in my last boat, 2011, Bonifacio area



JTB's targa 40 in Antibes and Cannes 2012

 

[jfm]

Oh and I totally wouldn't bother with Rod Heikel's guides. They belong in another era when we might have used a pilot book to tell us to line up the tower with the flag pole and mind the rock on the left. That's all irrelevant with electronic charting. What you now want is a picture book that shows you the beauty (or not) of the many anchorages you have to choose from, and what you don't get in Rod's books are pictures

You're better buying the W Med "bloc marine" guide so you have the phone and VHF channels for all the ports, then using the internet and forums like this to find the beautiful anchorages

 

[jfm]

Here are assorted SofF and Corsica pics. If you want to know exact location just quote the picture number (1-20)