[Mann]

This summer, I paid 200€ for our entry into Turkey using the services of the Canakkale Marina (Dardanelles), but the price seems to vary depending on the client. An Englishman only paid 150€ for a larger boat. It wasn’t possible to handle the formalities ourselves in this marina because it’s prohibited to leave without the passport stamp, which is only given when the boat’s entry is completed.

There was no charge for the departure in Kusadasi since we did the formalities ourselves, but since you have to keep your boat in a marina, you end up paying for at least one or two nights.

It seems that foreign interest in Turkish marinas is declining due to high prices and political context. There may therefore be opportunities for wintering. Still, be sure to check what’s included in the quoted price.

 

[Mann]

I know almost all the brokers in Marmaris. There are some very reputable agencies, and others less so… If it’s Gino (for example), everything should be fine. As for the survey, I’m not too up-to-date on who does what in Marmaris. It might be best to contact Nokta Yachting (a French agency helping boaters based in Marmaris) to get the contact details for the best surveyors there and, perhaps, to oversee the survey.

Finally, I think any good survey assumes the boat is out of the water. If not, it’s better to drop the idea right away.

[Mann]

To give useful information, I would need more details. For example, what type of boat is it? Sailboat, motor yacht, gület, or another type? What is its size? Is it a production boat or custom-built? How old is it? Is it registered under a European flag? Is it being sold through an agency, and if so, which one?

The only question I can answer at the moment is that I have never bought a boat in Turkey, but I know several people who have done so (or sold theirs there). The only one to have had some administrative issues is a French woman who was selling a boat in Marmaris that she had inherited from her deceased father. It was a bit complicated, but it eventually went through. Another friend of mine bought a 47′ sailboat there about 8 or 9 years ago from a French charter company in judicial liquidation. No survey, a not very honest deal from the base manager (French, whom I also knew well), and he ended up with his sabbatical ruined, the boat on the hard for major structural repairs (broken and poorly fixed frames), and 30,000 Euros worth of repairs at his own expense. For everyone else, no problem.

 

[Mann]

In Italy, port fees range from expensive to very expensive, and like everywhere, there are high and low season rates. Starting July 1st, prices go up significantly, but they drop in September.

As for anchorages, you can generally anchor within 200 meters without any problems. What you need to avoid is anchoring too close to the beaches with umbrellas; it’s the beach managers who tend to call the coast guard in those cases.

 

[Mann]

Thanks for your response!

So, if I understand correctly, the tax is paid online. Does that mean going through the (friendly) customs officers is completely unnecessary? Or is it still required, just not immediately upon arrival? Of course, assuming I’m arriving from Italy and not Montenegro.

And the opposite question: If I sail Croatia → Montenegro → Albania and then return to Italy (under the French flag), does that require any specific declaration or formalities?

[Mann]

In 2016, I talked with a guy who managed about twenty buoys in a cove. He explained the system to me.
The state grants them the concession of a bay, and they are responsible for equipping and operating it. But at the time, out of 20€, he only received 4€ per night, and the rest was paid to the state. In fact, he found himself tied hand and foot to his buoys for a miserable income.
I’ve never encountered extortion, but finding yourself permanently stuck if you don’t want to systematically pay is quite annoying.
I’ve been to this country three times, and each time I’ve seen the mercantile aspect taking over more and more on the water, while on land it’s very different with modest and welcoming inhabitants.

[Mann]

Yes, we shouldn’t encourage this kind of behavior – he probably thought he was dealing with a weekly boat renter. There are 3,000 sailboats for rent in Croatia, so the market for these kinds of scammers is enormous.

[Mann]

Hi,

We set off from Saint Martin to the BVI two years ago for two weeks of sailing. Here are a few suggestions, though not exhaustive:

• Virgin Gorda: This is where you need to handle your entry paperwork. It’s a must-see spot!
• Saint Thomas Bay: For anchoring, no need to enter the marina. It’s a quiet spot, perfect for a layover.
• The Baths: Obviously, a highlight! It’s just 5 minutes south of the previous anchorage. Be sure to go early to grab a spot, though. Overnight stays are not allowed here, so it’s a day trip.
• The bay north of the island: There are plenty of great anchorage options here, definitely worth checking out.
• Marina Cay: This tiny postcard-perfect island has a few mooring balls. We were stuck here for two days due to strong winds, and some mooring lines even drifted away.
• Norman Island: The Bight Bay. It’s a bit crowded but perfect for one night. Don’t miss the “Caves” for some fantastic snorkeling, located at the southern end of the bay.
• Anegada: We couldn’t make it there due to the strong winds that lasted 2–3 days, but it’s definitely worth visiting.
• Peter Island: South Bay. A small anchorage with a rather wild beach. It’s a lovely spot to relax.

Those are just a few ideas. We didn’t visit the USVI, but I have great memories of the BVI!

Hope this helps, and happy sailing!

[Mann]

My last visit to Sóller was on November 25, 2004. A few days earlier, there had been a terrible storm in the Mediterranean, with a strong low-pressure system over Italy and a high-pressure system over southern France, creating a very steep gradient. It was an exceptional event—pure madness between Nice and Corsica, and a Tramontane nightmare! The NE and NW currents converged north of the Balearics. Between Marseille and Toulon, it was completely calm!!!

I’ll try to share a photo of a stunning Dutch boat that was anchored in Sóller’s bay. The anchor held, but the deck was torn off! A sad sight.

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[Mann]

Thank you for the info

[Author]

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