Planning a first trip to the Med

[liverpoold]

Hi There,
Posting on behalf of a friend who is planning to sail his Westerley Pageant over to the Med next spring, and then spend a few months island hopping (;living aboard).
Can anyone give any tips about what sort of preperation needs to be done, are there any legal issues etc
Thanks!
Selina

 

[temptress]

Do a search on thew LiVEABOARD thread. this sort of questions come sup all the time....

 

[Steve Clayton]

Can recommend this as one way to get from UK to Lagos.
http://www.worldcruising.com/portugal/portugal.html

 

[franky]

As you must know there are several options and they all will present different problems and solutions.The first question to ask is when is your friend planning to leave.Does he want a quick trip to Gib or a single leg across Biscay to N Spain or the inside Biscay Passage.Once you have answered this more relevant advice will no doubt be easily available from the "forumites".
I am also on my way to the Med ...I left Chatham in May 2004 and will not get there till next spring.There is so much to see and enjoy on the way.

 

[liverpoold]

Thanks guys!
Think the plan is pretty open but Biscay was mentioned, he will be leaving March/April.
Is it true that you need RYA Yachtmaster to stop in France?
Thanks again!
Selina

 

[Anonymous]

To skipper a British registered yacht on the high seas you don't need any qualifications at all. The only British yachting qualification that is officially recognised across the EU is the International Certificate of Competence, issued by the RYA after taking the appropriate test or having taken other RYA tests that exempt you from taking the ICC test. On inland waterways you might well need the CEVNI rating which is an optional part of the ICC.

So, to go round Biscay you don't need anything but to go through certain inland waterways you'd need the ICC with the CEVNI sections (pretty easy and straightforward to get - if you could safely get across the channel you will pass easily).

 

[Sea Devil]

Don't want to push it but all the routes and alternatives are listed on my web site together with qualifications etc. Go to the sailing section then Canal Routes.

Michael

 

[StoicWarrior]

Michael, I've sent you a PM ...

 

[chamac]

Just come back the Rhone-Saone-canals-Seine route with a 1.7mtr. draft Benny. Currently in Rouen. Give me a shout if you need any info.