The Truth About Sailing On The Algarve

[GrahamM376]

Re: Then And Now.

Seems to be more police activity around the Ria Formosa recently because of the trouble at Ferol where houses built too near to the water are to be demolished. We were boarded on the mooring late evening this week for the first time in 10 years, for paperwork inspection including checking we had paid light dues - Taxa de Farolagem e Balizagem. Not interested in safety equipment.

 

[nortada]

Re: Then And Now.

Seems to be more police activity around the Ria Formosa recently because of the trouble at Ferol where houses built too near to the water are to be demolished. We were boarded on the mooring late evening this week for the first time in 10 years, for paperwork inspection including checking we had paid light dues - Taxa de Farolagem e Balizagem. Not interested in safety equipment.

Hi Graham,

Thanks for this reassurance.

We had been hearing that Portuguese Customs have been taking a greater interest in visiting vessels. What other paperwork did they want to see?

Checking light dues (perfectly reasonable) but understand some vessels, here (Lagos) and in Faro are being chased for confirmation of VAT status (T2L - not so reasonable).

With Brexit on the horizon, hopefully not a sign of future times.

As if this isn't bad enough, there has been a recent case where a local boat was scammed hundreds of euros to confirm T2L status (which it didn't need). For those who do not know, on demand, HMRC will provide all of the paperwork required free of charge. If required there is loads of background at http://lagosnavigators.freeforums.org/form-t2l-again-t1532-10.html.

Graham, returning to Brexit; have you managed to make any of the public meetings being chaired by the British Ambassador?

As one would expect loads of speculation but not surprising, rather than lose the British Community post Brexit, Portugal hopes to increase the number of expats and visitors (long and short stay). One suggestion was, that if they have not already done so, expats should apply for Portuguese Residencia.

OK for those with property in the UK but never heard of the owner of a British flagged vessel requesting Portuguese Residencia and rather suspect it could compromise the vessels flag and require the skipper to conform to all Portuguese maritime documentation, including Portuguese sailing qualifications.

Any thoughts?

 

[GrahamM376]

Re: Then And Now.

Hi, Rather a lot to answer. When inspected, they only wanted standard docs. Passport, SSR, Insurance and Light Dues. I suspect those asked for T2L are newer and expensive boats, not come across anyone personally who has been asked for that. No, I haven't attended any meetings about Brexit, not interested.

We are in a different position to most as we are not marina based so not so easy for "officialdom" to check on. We tend to duck and dive a bit, declaring different status to different officials as necessary. I have permanent residence in Portugal as well as UK and we have property in both. I don't declare my residence status except when renewing parking permit, just produce UK passport. My wife has dual nationality but only produces her Citizen Card when dealing with the property or bank. For all dealings with the boat she produces UK passport - we're just tourists Maybe life will be more difficult after Brexit, we'll just have to wait and see.

 

[nortada]

Re: Then And Now.

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...Fear-reporting-by-ybw-undermining-the-country.

See the Brexit Subforum has burst into life over the future of British yachts in the EU.

As always hype rather than substance so I share the common view - wait and see. Not much else we can do!

 

[25931]

Re: Then And Now.

[QU

As one would expect loads of speculation but not surprising, rather than lose the British Community post Brexit, Portugal hopes to increase the number of expats and visitors (long and short stay). One suggestion was, that if they have not already done so, expats should apply for Portuguese Residencia.

OK for those with property in the UK but never heard of the owner of a British flagged vessel requesting Portuguese Residencia and rather suspect it could compromise the vessels flag and require the skipper to conform to all Portuguese maritime documentation, including Portuguese sailing qualifications.

Any thoughts?[/QUOTE]

I´ve been here since 1980 and have dual nationality but have never had any problem because of my ssr vessels. I always pay the light dues and fishing licence being the items that seem to interest the PM most.

 

[GrahamM376]

Re: Then And Now.

I´ve been here since 1980 and have dual nationality but have never had any problem because of my ssr vessels. I always pay the light dues and fishing licence being the items that seem to interest the PM most.

As a matter of interest, why did you choose nationality over permanent residence? I avoided nationality to stay out of the tax system as much as possible as I don't have any income/work there.

 

[25931]

Re: Then And Now.

My Portuguese ID card ( the size of a credit card ) cost €12, contains various items health, tax etc and enables me to travel in the Shengen area and, for the time being, UK without a ridiculously expensive British passport.

 

[colhel]

Re: Then And Now.

A of bit a long shot, we're coming down on the m/bike (leaving tomorrow night for St Malo), we'll be spending time between Almodovar and the Algarve if anyone wants to meet for a beer?

 

[Sandyman]

Re: Then And Now.

A of bit a long shot, we're coming down on the m/bike (leaving tomorrow night for St Malo), we'll be spending time between Almodovar and the Algarve if anyone wants to meet for a beer?

If you make it to Faro pop into Bruces Yard and just ask for me. Dont ask for GrahamM376 he's a miserable bugger

 

[colhel]

Re: Then And Now.

Just ask for Sandyman?

 

[Sandyman]

Re: Then And Now.

Just ask for Sandyman?

That or just Sandy or Sandy & Lizzie We are in refit mode but always happy to greet visitors. Come say hello.

 

[colhel]

Re: Then And Now.

Will do if we can. I sent you a pm but I'll say it here too, if or when we get there largely depends on how far we can ride each day before it becomes too uncomfortable.

Cheers

Colin (and Helen, my Wife and pillion )

 

[Sandyman]

Re: Then And Now.

Colin you need to clear out your old messages as I am unable to reply to your PM.

 

[colhel]

Re: Then And Now.

Tis done Sir.

 

[GrahamM376]

Re: Then And Now.

If you make it to Faro pop into Bruces Yard and just ask for me. Dont ask for GrahamM376 he's a miserable bugger

And a long way from Faro for a while. How's your arm, heard the op' cancelled?

 

[Sandyman]

Re: Then And Now.

Jolly good.
Mr & Mrs Sorebum
Friends do the same trip regularly by bike & when they have had enough just camp for the night.

 

[colhel]

Re: Then And Now.

Unfortunately with having to carry shoes for going out, shoes for staying in, trainers for walking, trainers for running and shoes for dancing, we don't have room for a tent so its B&Bs this time..
How long did it take your friend?

 

[Sandyman]

Re: Then And Now.

And a long way from Faro for a while. How's your arm, heard the op' cancelled?

Yep afraid so Graham. Got as far as the operating theatre and just happened to mention to the nurse that I was surprised no one had taken my blood pressure. Not even in the pre-op assessment. So they took it, and................................................240:130. Op cancelled.
Never knew or suspected I had Hypertension before but that certainly explains many things.
Now on medication to bring BP under control. We have a BP machine onboard so Nurse Lizzie is doing morning & evening monitoring duties
Yet more delays as if I need more

 

[Sandyman]

Re: Then And Now.

Unfortunately with having to carry shoes for going out, shoes for staying in, trainers for walking, trainers for running and shoes for dancing, we don't have room for a tent so its B&Bs this time..
How long did it take your friend?

I believe they usually do it in 2 days with an overnight stop. They go fully loaded with the only thing missing being the kitchen sink how they balance I never know
Graham will know. Wont you Graham ??

 

[GrahamM376]

Re: Then And Now.

I believe they usually do it in 2 days with an overnight stop. They go fully loaded with the only thing missing being the kitchen sink how they balance I never know
Graham will know. Wont you Graham ??

If we're thinking of the same couple, I'm amazed the police don't pull them for overloading the bike. It's only a 125cc and I think it takes longer than 2 days and, as they found out last year, it hurts and delays them by a few days when they fall off