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Boat Bajina Bašta, Serbia

Help us in our Lake House in Serbia! :)

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Come be a pirate on the world famous Golden Hind

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Spent the summer in Croatia as a Bartender on a boat party!

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Come help us promote parties and enjoy Split in Croatia

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Ayuda haciendo tareas de mantenimiento en un barco en Murcia :)

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Help me build the first ever wikihouse eco boat in central London

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Come help us and enjoy the boat life in Italy!

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Boat Draveil / Rotterdam - France / Belgium / Holland, France

Barge / Boat life in French, Belgium and Netherlands.

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What is it like to volunteer on a boat in Europe?

Volunteering on a boat with Worldpackers is a unique and exciting way to travel around Europe. Countries like Portugal , the UK , and Cyprus offer their ports of call to volunteers who want to develop new skills and learn from experienced boaters. You can explore beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes with new friends by exchanging your skills for a few hours a day. It is important to know that volunteering on a boat is not only about learning something, but also about contributing to the organization's mission.

What types of boats can I volunteer on in Europe?

There are many different types of boats you can volunteer on with Worldpackers in Europe, including mostly sailboats like tall ships and traditional sailing vessels. And there are even some opportunities to ride on a yatcht.

• Sailing ships: These boats are powered by the wind and are often used for educational or recreational purposes.
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Can I learn about boating on a work exchange in Europe?

Yes, volunteering on a boat in Europe can be a great way to learn about boating and gain hands-on experience. Many organizations that offer work stays on boats train and teach volunteers so you can learn things like navigation, sailing, engine maintenance, or other boating-related skills.

Some programs are designed as educational programs where you learn about the marine environment, sailing, navigation, and shipping. Others are more focused on boat maintenance, repair, and upkeep.

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A vacation on a boat in Europe can be an extraordinary experience. You can explore different coastal cities, visit picturesque islands and discover hidden coves and beaches. Living on a boat also means that you have the freedom to move around and see different places at your own pace. Depending on the organization's area of operation, you can opt for more luxurious and comfortable experiences, such as volunteering on a yacht or working on a sailboat where you get closer to nature. Some popular options for volunteering on boats in Europe are Portugal, the United Kingdom and Cyprus.

How can you live on a boat for free in Europe?

One of the best ways to live on a boat for free in Europe is to volunteer with Worldpackers. The platform matches travelers with boat owners who are looking for help with tasks like welcoming guests, housekeeping, cooking, and more in exchange for free accommodation on board. This is a great way to save money while gaining hands-on boating experience and exploring new places.

In the process, you will learn directly from the boat owners, who are usually experienced sailors and can teach you valuable skills in navigation, sailing techniques and vessel maintenance. Living and working on a boat gives you the chance to meet like-minded people and discover amazing European landscapes.

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• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Sailing in Europe: Your guide to 90 days of summer cruising

• June 7, 2023

Three months of sailing in Europe: where would you go? Janneke Kuysters plots dreamy 90-day itineraries from multi-country trips to island hopping

Whether you need to fit around work, school, or Schengen zone requirements, three months of sailing in Europe can make for a summer to remember. Exploring the many cruising areas in Europe within the 90-day Schengen limit requires some careful planning, but there are literally hundreds of scenarios to choose from.

Would your ideal cruising adventure see you head north to enjoy long days on the water where the sun never sleeps? Or does the warmth of the Mediterranean hold more appeal? We have six itineraries to show how it can be done for maximum cruising enjoyment with minimal paperwork.

Northern routes

If you decide to sail north from the UK, it pays to start from a port that gets you as close to your European destination as possible. This may involve sailing three or four days to the English east coast, but once you’re there you can maximise your 90 days from the best possible starting point on continental Europe.

Seven countries by day

Incredible though it might seem, with careful planning you can visit seven countries in 90 days while only sailing in relaxed day trips. This itinerary starts in Ramsgate, Kent, from where you cross to France via Calais. Follow the Belgium coast, enjoying all the Belgian culinary delights of moules-frites and more, until you get to Flushing in the Netherlands.

Here your track heads inland on the famous Staande Mast Route, which leads you diagonally through the Netherlands, where you pass some interesting cities like Gouda, Haarlem and Amsterdam. Try the delicious Dutch stroopwafels (syrup waffles) when you’re there. Then on to Germany, via the Wadden islands chain. In the north you can work your way to the entrance of the Nord Ostsee Kanal on the banks of the Elbe river.

After motoring 60 miles on the channel, you are in the Baltic and immediately spoilt for choice. You can go east to the northern German and Polish coasts with their very protected cruising areas, for instance near the island of Rügen. Beautiful cities like Germany’s Rostock or Polish Szczecin are within reach. Or you sail north to Denmark, to sail around in the stunning archipelagos and visit the modern city of Copenhagen. Another option is to head north-east to Sweden where Malmö and Gothenburg offer excellent facilities. The summer days are long, so it’s realistic to plan to cover up to 60 miles on a day sail – plenty of time to enjoy the region’s summer festivals.

The Staande Mast Route, or Fixed Mast Route, is a 115km-long canal from Amsterdam to Willemstad via three sets of locks and 40 swing bridges, suitable for yachts with draught of no more than 2.5m. Photo: Iana Chyrva/Getty

To get back to the UK, you have two options: to sail north in the Kattegat to Hals, Denmark, where you enter the Limfjord. Along the west coast of Denmark you can work your way south to the Netherlands, Belgium and France for a final crossing back to Ramsgate.

The other option is to loop back to the Nord Ostsee Kanal (often known as the Kiel Canal). This offers the choice of some interesting cities to visit: Antwerp, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Malmö and Gothenburg. The prevailing winds are south-westerly, so make sure you have plenty of time to wait for a weather window on the last legs of this trip.

Total miles This itinerary is roughly 1,800 miles, with an average of 20 miles per day.

Beyond the polar circle

This itinerary is for hardy cruisers who don’t mind making longer trips in the long daylight hours of the north, as well as some overnight passages. The focus is on Norway, with ample time to explore its magnificent west coast. If starting from the UK East Coast, make your way north as far as convenient – perhaps to Peterhead – then cross directly to Bergen, enabled by the prevailing south-westerly winds. After exploring Bergen’s spectacular historic city centre, you work your way north, visiting fjords and remote islands, until you reach the Lofoten archipelago.

The warm Gulf Stream makes the central Norwegian west coast, with its beautiful scenery, a very pleasant cruising area.

Once across the polar circle at 66°N the Lofoten Islands await: a spectacular cruising area with dramatic vistas from every angle. Try sampling fårikål, the national dish with mutton and cabbage.

Photo: Subodh Agnihotri/Getty

Once you’ve enjoyed cruising there, head back south. Don’t forget to climb Preikestolen (Pulpit rock) when you reach Stavanger.

Keep following the south coast of Norway until you reach the Blindleia archipelago on the south-east coast, with its thousands of islands. The waters here are very calm: you can moor alongside a rock if there’s room enough – it is a very popular cruising area. You can sail from here all the way to Oslo.

Getting back to the UK can be done in many different ways. Given the prevailing winds it’s easiest to cross the Oslo Fjord and sail south along the west coast of Sweden, or through east Denmark, to Kiel in Germany. There you enter the Nord Ostsee Kanal, which brings you to the northern German coast. Then sail west via the Netherlands, back to the UK.

This itinerary has some good alternatives if you’re delayed due to the weather, and it’s easy to leave and sail back from many ports along this track, including Fjällbacka, Thyborøn, Mandal, Cuxhafen, the Dutch and German Wadden islands, and Den Helder.

Total miles This itinerary is roughly 2,200 miles, an average of 24 miles per day.

Long, lazy light

This scenario is for cruisers who’d love to keep all their options open and see how far they get on long midsummer days!

Your itinerary starts in Thyborøn on the west coast of Denmark. From there, sail through the Limfjord to Hals in the east. Then you can cross to Sweden or sail south through the Danish archipelagos to Copenhagen. If you fancy some skiing in summer, take time to visit Copen Hill in Copenhagen – an incredible urban ski slope built onto a roof.

Then on to the south coast of Sweden, where the quaint cobbled town of Ystad is a pleasant stopover port. You could make a slight detour and visit the large island of Bornholm, or a smaller speck in the Baltic, the Christiansø archipelago. From there, your route will be north-east along the Swedish coast. The skerries are incredibly beautiful and make for excellent cruising in sheltered waters with ample choices for harbours, marinas and anchorages to dip into.

It’s easy sailing to visit the historic city of Visby on Gotland, or nip inland to the huge Lake Mälaren. You could even cross to Finland and visit the Åland archipelago.

Photo: 59° North Sailing

Again the best route back to the UK is via Kiel in Germany. From there, you can motor to Brunsbüttel at the mouth of the Elbe river. Depending on the weather, it’s a straight sail back to the UK, or take the Dutch Staande Mast Route (inland waterways) to the Dutch/Belgium border, before crossing the Channel.

Another option which is becoming increasingly popular is to leave the yacht on the east coast of Sweden during the winter. Nävekvarn has some good facilities to store the boat in a large boatshed; a growing international community makes this their base for cruising the Baltic.

Total miles This itinerary is about 1,650 miles, but with lots of options to stop and return earlier.

Sailing south

The distances between the UK and the Mediterranean – around 1,700 miles from the south coast of England to southern Spain – requires a different kind of planning and logistics for any non-EU cruisers. That’s because it isn’t feasible to sail down the Atlantic coast, into the Med, and back within the 90-day Schengen zone limit.

This means yacht owners will be looking for a place where they can leave their boat securely for a length of time, and with easy access to an international airport. Thankfully there are many places offering that, combined with idyllic cruising waters nearby.

Atlantic coast

If you want to spend lovely summers in the Med, you could sail directly to Spain non-stop, and start the Schengen clock when you arrive. But why would you? There’s so much to see on the way. If you can start early in the season you could begin exploring some of the stunning cruising areas of the south coast of the UK, then the Channel Islands and on to Brittany in France, where the Schengen clock will start ticking.

A relatively short hop across the Bay of Biscay takes you to A Coruña, an ideal place to begin your cruise of the sheltered waters of Galicia. Heading into the east of the bay, Santander, Bilbao or even La Rochelle are all interesting options, although less popular with cruisers as the prevailing south-westerlies mean you risk being caught on a lee shore waiting for a short weather window to continue west.

Galicia is rural and authentic Spain, unspoiled by tourism, and all the more interesting for it. The rias that cut deep into Galicia’s coast are stunning and offer excellent cruising options. Don’t miss the short train ride to Santiago de Compostela, where pilgrims culminate 500-mile treks at the massive cathedral. Another gem is Islas Cies, an almost tropical group of islands near Bayona in Galicia. They require a special permit to visit, but it’s worth the trouble of getting one.

Photo: Tor Johnson

You can spend a month on the Portuguese coast, enjoying the sights of Cascais, Lisbon and Porto. Then on to the Algarve, where you can leave the boat in Vilamoura, Portimão or Mazagón, or onwards along the Spanish costas until you reach Cartagena or Valencia, which both offer good facilities to store and maintain your yacht, as well as airports.

There is risk of an encounter with orcas along the Spanish and Portuguese coasts. Since 2020 hundreds of orca interactions have been reported, with many yachts suffering damage to rudders. The whales are now monitored closely, with up to date information available via the Orcinus app, Cruising Association and online to help skippers plan their passage and reduce the risk of an encounter.

Total miles The total distance from the Isle of Wight (with a few detours to explore) is 1,825 miles, an average of 21 miles per day.

Island hopping

Once your yacht has over-wintered in the Algarve or on the east coast of Spain, a vast cruising area opens up, where flying in for 90 days will give ample opportunities to explore some magnificent sights. It will involve some overnight sailing, but much of it can be done in day trips.

When you leave Cartagena or Valencia you can go straight to the Balearics: Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca. These well-known islands offer secluded anchorages, stunning nature and bustling harbour towns with all the restaurants and bars you could ever want.

Head west from Menorca to Sardinia, a 200-mile passage where the winds can vary wildly in both direction and strength. While the breeze will often be light, to the point of being unsailable, when it blows, it blows hard – from north-westerly to southerly– so timing will be highly dependent on the forecast.

Sailing in the western Mediterranean basin can be a challenge; conditions can change rapidly and there are many named strong summer winds like the Sirocco, Tramontana, Mistral, Libeccio and Bora. Photo: Andrea Pistolesi/Getty

Here you cross the border into Italy to enjoy its dolce vita and excellent food. Sardinia is a large island with historic sites and many interesting places to explore, from the glitzy superyachts of Puerto Cervo to the pink granite islands of the Maddelena archipelago, a marine park.

Keep going west and you’ll sail to Sicily, where you can find safe harbours or anchorages and can explore the rich history on land. Then your course takes you north-west, to Rome and beyond. You can stay on the Italian coast, or cross to French Corsica for a totally different cultural experience. After that, there are incredible cities to visit by yacht: north to Genoa, west to Marseille or Barcelona. Each has good, but expensive, marinas. After exploring the glamorous French Riviera, turn south-west to return along the Spanish costas to Valencia or Cartagena.

Total miles The distance of this itinerary is roughly 2,150 miles, so 24 miles per day on average.

The Schengen shuffle

After your first year in the western part of the Med, you can join the ‘Schengen shuffle’ by dipping in and out of the EU zone in the Eastern Mediterranean, which also makes for some really interesting cruising options.

Your first challenge is to sail from the east coast of Spain to Preveza in Greece, which is about 1,320 miles, non-stop. With that behind you, turn north and explore the coasts of Albania and Montenegro (both non-Schengen) and Croatia (now in the Schengen zone). All are beautiful cruising areas, some busier than others. Services for cruising yachts are available, more in some areas than in others – Croatia is well developed for yachting visitors, Montenegro has worked hard to attract superyachts, while Albania is more off the beaten track.

Once you’ve had your fill of cruising in Croatia (with over 1,000 islands, the possibilities are almost endless), you can double back on your track and visit other destinations on the Greek coast. Or cross to Italy, on the western side of the Adriatic Sea, where it is tempting to sail all the way north to Venice.

Photo: Getty

As you head further south, there are many options for ending your season. You could keep cruising the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea and finish your 90 days there. Or continue on to Crete and Cyprus – both interesting destinations with lots of cultural heritage. There are many marina options to leave your boat for the winter, for instance on the islands of Corfu, Lefkada, Leros, Preveza, Kalamata or Piraeus. Some have good airports close by, others will require a ferry ride to a nearby island.

Alternatively you could finish your cruising season outside of the Schengen zone by sailing on to Marmaris, Turkey, then either leave your boat there and fly home to the UK or spend a winter on your boat. When autumn weather is benign, you could keep sailing for at least one or two months along the Turkish islands before you give the boat some rest in the winter.

Total miles: This itinerary is roughly 2,200 miles (not including the 1,300-mile crossing of the Med), an average of 24 miles per day.

Cross-Channel options

Whether saving your Schengen days or simply seeking a beautiful cruising ground, adding the Channel Islands to your cruising itinerary is a great choice, writes Annabel Finding

Alderney is only an eight-hour hop from The Needles and provides an ultra relaxed atmosphere to get into the holiday mode without the ticking of the ‘Schengen clock’. Pick up a mooring in Braye Bay and take advantage of the harbour water taxi to come ashore. Checking in is a straightforward exercise completed by popping a form into a box at the top of the gangplank.

The tiny island of Alderney is delightfully maintained in an era where everybody has time to chat. Bike rides, scenic train trips, gannet watching and exploring forts are highlights, and there is a range of excellent eateries both in the town of St Anne’s and down in the harbour.

Guernsey is only a short sail away. Leave Braye two hours after high water and The Swinge should be kind to you as you catch the tide down to St Peter Port. Visitors are well catered for both in the marina and on summer jetties in the main pool of St Peter Port. You’ll find yourselves moored right in the centre of town, rubbing shoulders with Guernsey-clad sailors and the suited and booted banking brigade. Sea swimming is a big thing in the Channel Islands and in Guernsey you can enjoy a seawater pool at the free Havelet bathing pools, walking distance from the marina.

Sark and Herm are both worth a visit, whether by ferry from St Peter Port or under your own steam. Herm is known for its oysters and beaches, while Sark has a rich and varied history with impressive cliff walks – and correspondingly very deep anchorages, so take plenty of chain.

Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands and has an excellent recently extended marina at St Helier, while the Minquiers and Ecrehou Islands are amazing places worthy of exploration for the more adventurous – but check your tides carefully. From Jersey you can check out for France.

Cruising sailor Annabel Finding lives on Alderney and has recently updated a new edition of the RCC Pilotage Foundation cruising guide to the Channel Islands, Cherbourg Peninsula and North Brittany. Price: £47.50, from imray.com

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European Sailing Cruises

Top 10 sailing cruise of europe for 2024-2025, italy, montenegro & croatia, mediterranean gems: from dubrovnik to naples, amalfi & sicily, jewels of the cyclades, sailing the greek isles, croatia & montenegro, antiquity to byzantium, take a breather, 7 best luxury sailing cruises in europe for 2024-2025, 9 best sailing cruise ships in europe for 2024-2025, guide to european sailing cruises, european cruise: when to go, italy overview, greece overview, introduction to the mediterranean.

• CroisiEurope . A French independent family business for 45 years, has established itself as the European leader in river cruises and specialized in intimate-sized cruises on rivers, canals, and seas since 1976.
• Ponant   takes you to discover exceptional European destinations within an entirely 5-star setting while offering you a travel experience that is both authentic and high-end.
• Silversea Cruises   explores the elegant lifestyle of all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising across European destinations aboard its intimate luxury cruise ships.
• AMA Waterways   celebrate 19 years on the river, family-owned and operated. Builders one-of-a-kind ships with added comforts and conveniences ranging from signature view-enhancing twin balconies to the one-and-only Chef's Table specialty restaurant, redefining the European river cruise experience.
• European Waterways . Based in Berkshire, England, operates   barge cruises on luxury vessels and discovers the best Europe's   canals and rivers. 
• Star Clippers Americas . The acknowledged specialist in sailing cruises for more than 30 years, has been sharing the European dream with thousands of passengers from all over the world onboard its three legendary tall ships.
• Lindblad Expeditions . Built on a legacy of over 50 years as a leader in responsible travel and sustainability, it is a 100% carbon neutral company committed to green business operations and preserving our planet for future generations.
• Sea Cloud Cruises   sail passion by tradition, where the sails are traditionally set by hand – is a real workpiece. It is always a spectacular moment when the sailors climb the rigging, loosen the heavy cloth, and then powerfully tension the lines on deck.
• Emerald Waterways   is a cruise line headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, that cruises Europe's most beautiful rivers & coastline. 
• Variety Cruises  e mbarks on life-enriching European journeys, ample leisure time in each port including overnights, engage with local cultures, and get involved in social responsibility.
• Aurora Expeditions . Make the most of its size advantage to create intimate European expeditions. The world's best expedition specialists accompany you on each journey. Remote area specialists, their onboard lectures entertain and expand your knowledge.  
• Hurtigruten   sailed the Norwegian coast since 1893, faithfully serving communities and showing international guests their home for almost 130 years. 

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Best Sailing Destinations In Europe

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

August 30, 2022

‍ Europe boasts a rich history, beautiful architecture, and some of the most significant landmarks in the world—and so does its vast coastline.

The best sailing destinations in Europe are the coasts and rivers of the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Finland, Germany, Greece, Cyprus, and Portugal. St. Petersburg, Russia, and Amsterdam, Holland, are also great places to explore

In this article, we’ll go over some of the best sailing destinations in Europe and the top attractions they have to offer. We’ll also go over the local sailboat and marina facilities in these locations, along with what to expect when you travel there.

We sourced the information used in this article from European travel guides. We also considered the testimony of sailors who frequently travel around the coastlines and inland waterways of the region.

Table of contents

‍ Sailing in the European Union

Sailing around Europe is a lot easier than sailing around other equally geographically congested parts of the world. This is especially true if you have a European passport. But even if you don’t, there are still benefits.

The primary plus of the EU is that these countries all use the same currency. That means you exchange your money once—and you’re done. Also, it’s easier to travel between them as many of the customs and declaration rules are similar.

Laws tend to follow a typical western standard as well, so you’re not likely to have any ‘oops’ moments with the police if you behave yourself. This is in stark contrast to just a few decades ago, when many of these small republics were part of the Eastern Bloc, and sailing around their waters was out of the question.

Ten Best European Countries to Sail To

There are 27 separate countries in the European Union, and many of them have at least one prominent coastal city or coastline area.  Here, we put together the top 10 sailing destinations in Europe, both inside and out of the European Union.

1. The United Kingdom

The UK is one of the most storied and beautiful countries in the world—and it’s also responsible for many of the sailing innovations we take for granted today.

Over its history, the island nation developed advanced shipbuilding techniques and naval tactics and went on to dominate the world by sea for centuries. Today, the nation remains one of the most historic and interesting locations for anyone with a passion for boats.

One of the greatest sailing destinations in the UK is London. This English city is the most populous in the nation and home to some of its most historically significant sites. You can sail right up the Thames river through the heart of the city and dock with a view of the historic cruiser HMS Belfast.

There’s plenty to do in London once you’re off the dock and even more to see throughout the rest of the country. One of the most interesting marine excursions is through England’s many canals, which cut through the countryside that once served as the lifeblood of the nation.

France is another top destination for European sailing, and it also hosts one of the most favored mooring spots in the sailing community. The breathtaking French coastline is just part of the story, as you can spend days or weeks exploring the country’s vast network of channels and rivers.

Paris is, of course, a favorite destination for tourists—maritime or otherwise. But there’s much more to see in the area, and there’s sure to be something for everyone.

A notable example is Omaha Beach, where the Allies began one of the most vicious battles of World War Two. The scars of war remain in the form of massive shell craters and busted-up concrete bunkers, which still dot the landscape as if the battle happened yesterday.

But if war isn’t quite your speed, there’s another French coastal destination that might suit you well. It’s the isle of Corsica, and it’s the gorgeous birthplace of famed French leader Napoleon. The isle sports crystal-clear water, beaches, and ancient architecture.

Who can think of a sailing vacation in Europe and not picture Italy? The country, located on the Mediterranean Sea, is one of the most beautiful sailing destinations in Europe. The food, the music—it’s all there and ready for you to immerse yourself into.

Much of Italy hasn’t changed much in centuries. Of course, that also includes Venice. The waterlogged city of Venice is the most famous canal city in the world, and it has remained largely untouched for years.

And though you can’t technically take your boat through the canals, you can hire a local to row you through for an authentic experience. And if Venice isn’t your speed, try the breathtaking Amalfi coast and its picturesque buildings. Monaco is another beautiful city to visit, and it has plentiful modern marina space.

4. St. Petersburg, Russia

A short trip up the Neva River leads you to Russia’s most ‘European’ city. With architecture and geography more on par with Sweden than Moscow, this city is a gem and a great destination for sailing.

Often considered Russia’s most beautiful city, St. Petersburg survived much of the nation’s turbulent history and retained its stunning Czarist Russian architecture. The river, which has modern marina spaces, is the gateway from the EU to Russia.

St. Petersburg is also a highly affordable place to visit, as prices there are often half of what you’d pay in an EU country. The locals are friendly, and the city is extremely safe, even by Western European standards. Additionally, there are numerous tourist attractions, including the historic Russian cruiser Aurora.

St Petersburg is also a short jump away from Finland by sea, so you can tour countries such as Sweden and Norway on the same trip. Just be sure to follow all the declaration and visa rules, as Russia can be tricky due to the currency and language barriers.

If you’re already in the area (for example, headed down the Neva River from St. Petersburg), it’s a great idea to stop in Finland and see the stunning landscape and architecture. This Northern European country is known for its beautiful riverside architecture—which you can pull your sailboat right up to in many places.

Finland is also one of the few destinations where you can see the Northern Lights without taking your boat through, particularly treacherous waters. That said, the Baltic Sea isn’t known to be particularly friendly during the winter.

Upon arrival in Finland, you’ll be greeted by rows of colorful houses and some of the friendliest people in Europe. During the summer, the days are extremely long, and the sun never sets completely. This is an incredible experience, and you can have it from the deck of your boat in one of Finland’s many coastal hideaways.

Germany is one of Europe’s most interesting countries, and it’s home to world-renowned food, drink, and annual festivals. How cool would it be to throw an Oktoberfest party on your sailboat? Just head up the Rhine river to Duisburg or Frankfurt, and you can.

Germany has beautiful landscapes and historic architecture, along with some of the most advanced shipbuilding in the world. The country also hosts ancient ruins, and who can forget the world-class beer and chocolate?

Germany also has a tumultuous past—the scars of which, such as the Berlin Wall, remain and are a must-see for any history buff. Germany usually isn’t a top destination on sailing vacation lists, but it should be because modern Germany has a whole lot to offer to sailors and plenty of sights to see.

7. The Netherlands

Specifically, we’re referring to Amsterdam. This beautiful city in Holland is the most picturesque and interesting coastal city in Europe. You can access it directly from the water, with no complex rivers to navigate. Additionally, Amsterdam is home to modern marinas and amazing accommodations.

Amsterdam is divided by an intricate series of rivers and canals. It’s a very boat-friendly city, but you can’t bring your full-size cursing sailboat everywhere. Nonetheless, it’s a popular destination for sailors from all over the world.

During the summer, the weather is perfect for exploring the city’s endless streets and historic buildings. After enjoying dutch food, drink, and entertainment, you can walk all the way back to your boat for the night or simply hop on the city’s fantastic public transportation system.

And while you’re in Holland, you can see the world-famous windmills and rolling fields of wildflowers. It truly is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and also one of the most modern.

Are you looking for southerly warmth and endless history? Greece is the country to see, and there’s no shortage of either in the area. Greece is the cradle of western civilization, and the nation’s stunning ruins and beautiful scenery are unsurpassed anywhere else in the world.

The majority of Greece borders the water, which is great news for sailors. There are dozens of marinas and yacht clubs located around the country, including many ancient cities that are well worth exploring. The islands that surround the country are also the perfect Mediterranean vacation spots—out of the way and teeming with authentic Greek food and culture.

And while you’re in the region, don’t forget to check out the tiny island nation of Cyprus. This storied country is located in the eastern Mediterranean and home to some of the most beautiful sailing in the world.

Upon arrival to Cyprus, you’ll be greeted by ancient ruins of a once heavily defended territory. Beautiful Mediterranean architecture dots the landscape, and some of the most picturesque harbors await you along the way.

While in Cyprus, you can hang out on the yellow sand beaches and enjoy the sun or adventure off into the heart of the nation to view the landscape and historical sites. Cypress is also an ideal winter sailing destination, as the weather remains warm and favorable year-round.

10. Portugal

Welcome to the cork capital of the world and one of the most breathtaking European sailing destinations. Portugal is located on the western border of Spain, and the coast spans most of the country. This southerly paradise is also famous for its warm weather and beautiful coastal docking locations.

The rocky shoreline of Portugal is famous for its unique rock formations and long, sandy beaches. The unique architectural style in the country resembles that of Spain, though it has a Portuguese touch that’s easy to distinguish.

While in Portugal, be sure to check out some of the beautiful coastal sites of Lagos and Praia Dona Ana. You can enjoy the crystal clear waters from your boat or dock to explore the colorful and historic hillside towns.

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Sailing In Europe After Brexit 2024

Sailing in Europe after Brexit can be tricky to navigate. With its beautiful cruising grounds, warm weather and historic cities and towns, Europe is a dream sailing ground for many British sailors. A lot of cruisers are used to spending months here every year, making the most of their right to move freely between European countries.

But now that priviledge has ended, how can you sail in Europe hassle free? With all sorts of rumours on visas, loopholes, and shenghen shuffle plans, it’s hard to know if you’re playing by the rules. Luckily, there are many out there who have researched extensively and found the information for you.

Youtubers Iain and Kate (retired police officers) have explained all in this post, in the hopes of making sailing in Europe after Brexit that little bit easier. They’ve answered a range of questions for you, including things you might not have even considered, like how long you can leave your boat in the EU and some of the pros of sailing after Brexit.

Iain and Kate are a British couple in their early 50s who set off to cruise full-time on their sailboat, Intrepid Bear, in March 2021. They sailed the south coast of the UK before making their way across Biscay to Portugal.

They have documented their adventures so far on their YouTube Channel and you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram in real-time.

Sailing In Europe After Brexit – Quick Menu

The schengen shuffle.

The Realities Of Sailing In Europe After Bre xi t

The Pros Of Sailing Europe After Brexit

The cons of sailing europe after brexit, does it cost more to sail after brexit , how long can i leave my boat in the eu , are there ways to travel longer in europe post brexit .

The Schengen Shuffle is a term used by those who wish to travel in the Schengen area (in our case liveaboard British Sailors) and who are not citizens of one of the participant countries of the area, to describe how they organise (shuffle) their travel movement around the Schengen visa allowance of 90 days in any rolling 180 day period.

The allowance is counted backwards over the preceding 180 days and must not exceed 90 days, including the day of entry and departure.  As the area (zone) has, and continues to, grow it’s become less of a shuffle and more of a dash!  

The Realities Of Sailing In Europe And Our Experiences Sailing After Brexit 

Sailing requires a strange mix of careful planning with being prepared to change plans. Usually, this is because of weather and safety considerations and, for us, with the overarching safety principle that you should never sail to a schedule.  

Prior to Brexit any schedule faced by a liveaboard sailor, as they cruised leisurely around Europe, was likely to be self-imposed by attempting to get somewhere to meet someone/collect something.  Now there’s Schengen dash scheduling to contend with! 

When we left the UK in early August 2021 and checked into the Schengen zone we had planned to spend our 90 days sailing across the Bay of Biscay, down the Atlantic Coast of Spain and Portugal into the Algarve exiting 90 days later in Gibraltar where we intended to spend winter. 

So long as we spent 90 days in Gibraltar (which still is, at the time of writing, outside of Schengen) we would “reset” and be free to re-enter with a new 90 days when spring arrived.  

Between the UK and the Balkan countries of Albania, Montenegro and (until they join Schengen in January 2023) Croatia the only safe, non-Schengen, countries are Gibraltar and Morocco. With Morocco still closed to sailors in 2021 due to covid, Gibraltar is where we headed.

Frustratingly as we made our way towards Gibraltar the marina berth we thought we had secured there evaporated.   With no anchorages in Gibraltarian waters, we were faced with trying to get from the Atlantic coast of Portugal to Albania some 2,000 nautical miles away. 

As we tried to decide what to do we were told about a potential Portuguese national visa that would allow us to winter there and, as it was a national visa, not count as time spent in Schengen and thereby effectively “stop” our visa clock at the point it was granted.

This would allow us to re-enter Schengen in the spring for a full new 90 days.  Much to our despair, and despite seeking advice from a Portuguese lawyer, researching and preparing a great deal of paperwork, along with the expense of flying back to the UK for appointments, it transpired that the advertised visa did not exist. 

We headed back to our boat with one week left of our 90 days considering whether to risk sailing to Gibraltar with no guarantee of a berth for more than a few weeks to find that, thankfully, due to covid backlogs, Portugal had decided to extend the validity of anyone legally in the country until the end of March 2022.  

This solved our problem in the short term however the extension did not stop our Schengen clock so when we left Portugal in early March 2022 we had been (legally) in Schengen since August 2021 and therefore could not re-enter the Schengen zone for at least 90 days – around early June.  

By now we were learning to be adaptable!  And resourceful! We knew that boats, big and small, often passed through the territorial waters of other countries but believed it unlikely that they would need to get visas and so we began to research.  

Article 17 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea allows ships of all States to enjoy the “right of innocent passage” through the territorial sea.  Article 18 states that passage shall be “continuous and expeditious”.  Passage includes “stopping and anchoring”, but only in so far as the same are “incidental to ordinary navigation or are rendered necessary by force majeure”. 

Armed with this information we headed for Gibraltar knowing that when we left we could make our way legally through the Schengen zone and that if we couldn’t find the weather to progress or if we had to take shelter, we could anchor off the coast of a Schengen state.

We intended to spend a week in Gibraltar but weather, illness, and waiting for boat parts, meant we spent a month there before we finally set off into the Mediterranean sea on a 1640 nautical mile passage bound for Montenegro using our newly found “right of innocent passage”.

Brexit has been at best, a challenge for us.  The challenge of going to places outside of Schengen has had its reward in that we are visiting places we may never have otherwise gone. 

Having to check in to countries, as we are now third country nationals, and the challenge that presents in finding and dealing with customs and immigration, finding currency and data for internet use, feels a bit more like we’re travelling to different countries and that’s a nice feeling – at times! 

When we began to plan our adventure it was to cruise a motorboat through the French canals and out into the Mediterranean and then to travel very slowly around, moving only as far as our income would buy us fuel that month. 

The 90/180 visa restrictions we are now subject to changed our plans quite dramatically.   We bought a sailboat because we just couldn’t afford the fuel to take a motorboat the distances needed to get “out” every 90 days. 

We thought, for example, we would “Schengen Shuffle” by spending 90 days “in” the western Med, 90 days “out” in the Balkans, 90 days “in” the eastern Med (ie Greece) and then 90 days “out” in Turkey or Cyprus.  

In reality, it seems that the Med sailing season is 6 months long, maybe 8 if you’re lucky.  After spending 90 days “in” the western Med and 90 days “out” in the Balkans the season would be drawing to a close.

We would either have to make haste and break our safety rule of not sailing to a Schedule and dash across the eastern Med in 2 months before winter really set in or stay put in the Balkans for perhaps 9 months.  Our Shuffle has now gone from a dash to a crawl.

Most non-Schengen countries will allow you to stay for 90 days visa-free with some offering easier than others, ways to extend it however as more and more countries join Schengen there are fewer places to get out and greater distances to travel between non-Schengen countries. 

Cruising the Med as a liveaboard sailor is becoming more and more difficult to the point of near impossibility.

The good news is that day to day, country to country, we’ve not seen specific Brexit-related costs.  However, there are some costs now appearing post-Brexit.

Visas – if you were eligible for and/or decided to apply for a national visa, be that a Category D Visa (residency), or a Digital Nomad Visa there are visa application costs and costs related to attending any personal appointments necessary in your country of residency.

Winter berthings – pre Brexit you could plan your sailing season and aim to arrive at a winter destination with a cost to suit your budget or to stop where you were. 

Now that most British sailors are looking for winter berths out of Schengen the demand has pushed up prices and berths are often booked up well in advance forcing you to plan your season well ahead or dash long distances to get across the Med to your winter destination.

If you intend to settle in the EU long-term then you may be liable for VAT on your boat (see below).

If your boat was in Europe on 31/12/2020 then you can leave it in Europe indefinitely.  It is considered EU VAT paid. 

If your boat was in the UK on 31/12/2020 then it is considered UK VAT paid and you can only leave it in Europe for 18 months before VAT becomes due. 

To avoid this however you have only to take the boat out of the EU for a day before you can return it with a new 18-month VAT clock.  Boats have an easier time than people! 

However, if you decide to settle in the EU and gain residency then, whilst you no longer have to take the boat out once every 18 months, the boat will immediately become liable for EU VAT. 

Brexit has had an impact on not only sailors such as ourselves but also British second homeowners who would previously have spent perhaps 6 months a year in their EU holiday home. 

This in turn has had an impact on these economies that have been already hit by covid.

Although there are indications of a political appetite for change in these countries and active campaign groups lobbying both EU and British politicians for longer-term visas (which would also benefit sailors) there is no sign of EU/Schengen-wide change at this time. 

Visas For Sailors In Europe

The French do offer a national tourist visa of up to a year enabling you to travel in France outside of Schengen time but they are the only country currently offering this.  Proof of a predetermined income level is required as is attendance at the Consulate in your home country and then a wait before you can enter France.

Many countries are now starting to offer visas for Digital Nomads enabling people who work remotely for a country based elsewhere to apply for a visa of up to a year. Younger, nonretired sailors and other travellers seem to be beginning to look at these visas. Proof of a steady remote income is usually required.

To my knowledge, the only other way is for those in it for the long haul.  Obtaining temporary residency for 5 years leading to permanent residency and subsequently, a passport from an EU/Schengen country will enable you to travel freely within Europe as if unaffected by Brexit. 

The requirements for temporary residency varies country to country but all include proof of a predetermined income and that the application is made in your home country.  It is also a requirement that you live in that country continuously for 5 years in order to gain permanent residency and that you only leave for limited periods during that time or risk losing your temporary resident status.

Without change and the introduction of something like a new, EU-wide, longer-term tourist visa, luck seems to be the only other way to stay longer in Europe post-Brexit. 

If you aren’t lucky enough to marry an EU Citizen and therefore able to travel freely within Europe either with them or when travelling to join them, you are left with the luck of the draw – if you are prepared to take the chance.

Rumours and Loopholes

During our first year on this journey, we have heard tales of, and met, many people who have found the rules relating to third country sailors being applied differently, not at all, or even made up/shoehorned to fit. 

Whilst it is encouraging to think that EU authorities are trying to find ways not to check British sailors into countries/stop their Schengen clock these are unwritten rules and they seem to vary depending on the country, official of that country, or their mood that day. 

As ex-police officers rules do matter to us and the consequences of breaking them and perhaps being fined, deported, and/or banned from the Schengen zone are too great for us.  

We have no home in the UK, our boat is our home and the prospect of being made homeless through a well-intentioned blind eye, or rule application, is not a risk we are prepared to take and it was for these reasons that we embarked on our mammoth passage across the Mediterranean. 

Sailing in Europe After Brexit Conclusion

As you can see, sailing in Europe after Brexit isn’t as straightforward as you might have hoped, but it is still totally possible and well worth the inconvenience to see these stunning cruising grounds.

If you have any more questions about cruising in Europe then Iain and Kate would love to hear from you. Head over to their YouTube channel and leave a comment with your questions and they will try to get back to you ASAP.

Heading off on a sailing adventure of your own? Check out our sailing tips and follow our adventures on social media for more information about life aboard a sailboat!

More about Iain and Kate

Iain has lived on boats since 2009 when he bought and moved onto a 40ft motorboat.  As a child, he sailed dinghies and later took opportunities to crew club race boats and friends’ sailing yachts.  During his career as a Police Sergeant, Iain spent 9 years as a full-time coxswain on the marine unit of Dorset police where he gained qualifications as an RYA Yachtmaster examiner and instructor for power boats.

Kate was a Police Officer in a different force when they first met online in 2012.  She had no prior boating experience so for the first 4 years she travelled to Dorset on her days off spending as much time as possible on Iain’s boat before transferring to Dorset police and moving on board in 2016. 

Together they explored the south coast of the U.K., occasionally crossing the English Channel to France or the Channel Islands gradually developing Kate’s skills and confidence.  They sold the motorboat and bought Intrepid Bear, a 40ft Swedish-built Najad 391, in 2019 spending their days off and holidays sailing and preparing for their adventure before untying the lines in March 2021.

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Sailing in Europe after Brexit: the essential guide

The Cruising Association

• July 10, 2023

Planning on sailing in Europe? The Cruising Association shares its advice on what you need to know for a stress-free cruise in the EU

Being so close, France – this is St Malo– is one of the most popular EU countries to cruise to from the UK. Credit: Alamy

Planning on sailing in Europe? There’s a lot to think about!

This guide, prepared by the Regulatory & Technical Services group (RATS) of the Cruising Association (CA), will help you navigate the post-Brexit waters and ensure you are fully prepared when you set your course for the other side of the Channel (or the North Sea).

The most important question, however, is where you want to go, because the rules differ a great deal from country to country and ‘Europe’ can mean many different things for different purposes.

Check with your mobile phone service provider to see if roaming charges are included in your contract while you’re in the EU. They usually are, but this cannot be assumed

In a short article like this it’s impossible to cover every possible destination, so we’re going to focus on the UK’s EU neighbours (including France, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal) but not Ireland, which is outside the ‘Schengen’ area, and has a Common Travel Agreement with the UK.

We will also assume that all crew members are UK passport-holders and the boat is UK-registered. If your situation does not fit this straightforward scenario then, obviously, you should seek specific advice.

Membership of the CA entitles you to email RATS to ask for this.

How long can I stay?

The basic rule, since Brexit, is that you can only spend 90 days in any rolling 180-day period in the ‘Schengen’ area as a whole – that is, in the area in which there is free movement of people ie Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland (unless you have an EU residency permit or a long-stay visa – see next question – or are travelling with a partner or spouse who has an EU passport).

The 90/180 rule means that if you enter the Schengen area and leave 90 days later then you cannot return to the Schengen area until you have been outside it for at least another 90 days.

You cannot simply put two 90-day periods in Schengen back-to-back in order to enjoy a full summer of cruising and then depart for 180 days over the winter.

Croatia joined Schengen in 2023. UK boaters can only spend 90 days in any rolling 180-day period in the Schengen Area. Credit: eye35.pix/Alamy

If you stay in the area for less than 90 days, or make multiple short trips in and out, then you can return sooner – but, on any day that you are in Schengen, you must be able to look back 180 days and have only been there for 89 previous days or less.

The EU provides a helpful Schengen calculator ( pbo.co.uk/schengencalculator ) to work out how long you can stay on any occasion.

Overstaying your 90/180 allowance makes you an illegal immigrant to the Schengen area, and you may be fined or be refused entry in the future.

Note, also, that the Schengen rule governs how long people can stay.

The rules for the boat itself are different – we’ll cover that later.

If I want to stay more than 90 days, what can I do? Can I get a visa for an extended stay?

Some EU countries will issue a visa which allows you to stay in that single country (NOT in the Schengen area as a whole) for longer than 90 in 180 days, as a visitor.

For example, France has a well-developed VLS-T system which has been tried and tested by many CA members, and Sweden also offers a six-month visitor permit which CA members have used.

The French visa application process must be completed before you leave the UK and requires filling out a form, paying a fee (around £300 for a couple), and submitting significant personal documentation which includes financial details to prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself without working, and details of your health insurance.

Visas are available for those who want to stay longer in France

You will also have to attend an interview at a visa processing centre, show that you have accommodation (a boat will do), and sign an undertaking not to seek employment.

Expect to spend several days filling forms, gathering documentation and travelling to the nearest visa application centre for your appointment.

The disadvantage of these visas is that they only apply to one country and are granted on the basis that more than 90 days are needed in that one country.

However, once you have entered the country with the visa then you will not be using up any of your 90/180 day Schengen allowance, leaving you with your full 90 days to spend elsewhere.

The CA has an explanation of the French visa application process in a webinar available at pbo.co.uk/frenchvisa .

What paperwork do I need to take on board?

Although not always mandatory, the paperwork to be carried on board should generally include:

Ship’s papers

• Original registration document and other proof of ownership eg bill of sale
• Proof of VAT status
• Ship radio licence
• Details of boat insurance cover (including a current receipt and, for some countries such as Italy, a translation) – insurance is mandatory in many European countries and is generally required by marinas
• Proof that full duty has been paid on any diesel fuel carried
• Crew list – for some countries such as Croatia and Turkey

Personal papers

• Passports for all crew members, with visa(s) if necessary or evidence of compliance with the 90/180 day rule
• Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) – or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if still valid
• List of medications, eg copy of prescription, and short medical history if appropriate
• Evidence of the captain’s competence, particularly if you are planning to use the inland waterways
• Authority to operate maritime radio

What UK formalities do I need to follow when I leave the UK (and return to the UK)?

Under UK law you must report your departure from and arrival in the UK, giving details of your vessel, your voyage, the crew and any goods on board.

You can do this online, between two and 24 hours before your departure, by using the Submit a Pleasure Craft Report (sPCR) service.

This covers both customs and immigration. If online submission is impractical for you then you can post a paper form or email an Excel version of the form (available at pbo.co.uk/sailtouk ).

When sailing in Europe, you’ll need to fly a yellow Q flag once you enter EU waters, which is a request for customs clearance

When you return, you must again complete an sPCR and fly the Q flag until you have been cleared for entry.

Your boat will technically be liable to VAT and import duty on its current value, unless you are entitled to relief – but, in most cases, a boat that had UK VAT-paid status on its departure will be eligible for Returned Goods Relief on its return, and nothing will be payable.

It is important, therefore, to carry evidence on board of UK VAT having been paid – HMRC does not hold central records of VAT payments.

How do I clear overseas customs and immigration when I arrive and leave?

In principle, a small boat arriving in the EU from the UK must go through the same procedures as an aircraft or ferry.

This means the crew must undergo the appropriate immigration procedures and the vessel must be checked to see if any customs payments or other duties/taxes are due.

For Ireland, the Common Travel Agreement simplifies customs and immigration so that UK citizens can travel freely to Ireland (although they should notify the harbour master on arrival).

UK citizens sailing to Kilmore Quay and the rest of Ireland just need to notify the harbourmaster of their arrival due to the Common Travel Agreement. Credit: Getty

At the moment the EU’s entry and exit procedures are still evolving, and although the EU has made plans for two new electronic systems – the Exit/Entry System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) – their implementation has been delayed.

In the meantime, sailors need to get their passports physically stamped on arrival into the Schengen area and, crucially, on departure.

You must also be prepared to prove that no VAT or import duty is payable on your vessel, either because it has been in the EU for less than 18 months (which would normally apply if you are visiting for a short cruise on a yacht that is usually based in the UK) or because it already has EU VAT-paid status.

In some countries (eg the Netherlands) you can obtain an official certificate of entry which will prove when you first arrived.

Do I need to go to an official port of entry? What happens if I don’t?

You must arrange to meet with customs and immigration officials at a designated ‘port of entry’ as early as possible on arrival into the EU to obtain the necessary clearance.

The port or marina staff should be able to advise on the best way to do this, but don’t be surprised if this means an expensive taxi ride to a nearby commercial port (or even to a separate part of the port you are in) – and don’t simply sit and expect officials to come to you.

The same applies to your departure.

In both cases, opening hours can be restricted.

It’s recommended you enter and leave France via an official port of entry, like Honfleur in Normandy. Credit: Benard E/Andia/Getty

You must fly your Q flag until you have been fully cleared in, except in France where the Q flag only needs to be flown if you have dutiable goods on board.

The port of entry will give you a form to complete, which varies from port to port. Some can be completed in advance; others can’t.

If you don’t sign in via customs and official immigration channels then you are effectively an illegal immigrant potentially subject to fines and deportation.

If you sign in but don’t sign out, then you may be recorded as having overstayed your Schengen limit and may be fined or face difficulties when trying to enter the Schengen area in future.

In France, the ports of St Cast, St Quay, Lézardrieux, Tréguier, and Trébeurden in Brittany will become temporary Ports of Entry from 1 June to 30 September 2023.

The ports of Binic, Paimpol and Pontrieux were also added to the above list in July 2023. They are expected to operate under the same rules as the above ports.

This will permit boats arriving from or travelling to outside of the Schengen area to be checked in and out, but only for onward travel to Brittany.

Those wishing to sail further afield within the Schengen area will need clearance at a permanent port of entry.

Is there any extra paperwork I need to be aware of?

It’s important to research the rules for each country you intend to visit before you travel, as some have very particular requirements.

In Greece, transit logs are normally issued to all non-EU registered yachts.

In general, yachts must report in and out to the port police at each port, but this is not applied consistently.

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Where are the French ports on the English Channel which yachts can check into?

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Also evidence should be held of the payment of the Greek E-TEPAI yacht tax.

This is paid for online and must be obtained immediately on (or in advance of) your arrival in Greek waters.

The CA provides extensive information on individual countries on its website.

What happens if I have to leave my boat in the EU (for repairs, for instance)?

Under normal circumstances, if a yacht without EU VAT-paid status stays in the EU for more than 18 months, then VAT becomes due when the 18-month temporary admission (TA) period expires (at the rate prevailing in the country it is in on expiry).

There are no ‘days of grace’ for this. If you do want to keep your UK VAT-paid boat in the EU for more than 18 months without paying EU VAT, then you can take it out of the Schengen area and re-enter for a ‘reset’.

Repairs to your boat in the EU may by considered an improvement to the vessel by HMRC and may incur a VAT charge when you arrive back in the UK. Credit: incamerastock/Alamy

This needs careful management and solid documentary proof, and you should seek advice first (for example from RATS). Some EU countries will extend the TA period by up to 6 months if a yacht is laid up and certain conditions are met, but it is not clear whether this would include a yacht being repaired.

Again, this is a complex area and specific advice should be sought.

Also, owners should be aware that they may have to pay VAT again when they return their vessel to the UK if the repairs can be regarded as improvements to the boat.

This is because Returned Goods Relief can be invalidated by improvements to the boat carried out outside the UK.

The VAT will be calculated by reference to the current market value of the upgraded boat on its return.

Should I be concerned that I have red diesel in my tank?

A non-EU private pleasure craft visiting a foreign port is permitted to have UK red diesel in its main tanks as long as the diesel was purchased outside the EU.

It is important to have evidence such as fuel receipts and a record of engine hours to prove this.

Make sure you keep all receipts for red diesel purchases and note your engine hours to prove you bought the fuel outside of the EU

If, under SOLAS V requirements, you need to carry additional diesel outside your main tanks in order to safely make the journey to the EU, then you should use secured approved containers and be able to show receipts for the purchase.

You should use the diesel in the containers to re-fill your tanks at the earliest opportunity.

More detailed advice and information from the CA on the use of red diesel is available at pbo.co.uk/reddiesel

Is there any mandatory equipment I need to carry for cruising in EU waters?

Apart from an ensign, a courtesy flag for each country you are visiting and a Q flag, there is no other mandatory equipment that you must have on board.

In France, French-registered boats (or boats owned by French residents) are required to have three red hand flares; visitors are not required to have flares or other safety equipment but if they do then everything must be in date.

See pbo.co.uk/safetykit

Do I need any proof of competence to sail in the EU?

You don’t officially need any qualifications to sail a boat under 15m in the northern coastal waters of the EU.

If your boat is over 15m or capable of more than 20km/h (around 11 knots) then you need an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) to cruise in the Dutch, Belgian and German inland waterways.

For French inland waterways, the ICC is strongly recommended, and for the coastal waters of some Mediterranean countries it is either recommended or essential (see pbo.co.uk/iccrequirements ).

You can obtain an ICC from the RYA at pbo.co.uk/icc .

What food can I take on board? Are there any restrictions?

Having food on board is not a problem if it remains and is eaten on board, but there are serious restrictions about what can and cannot be taken ashore when you have arrived in the EU.

All imports are subject to EU regulations which strictly control both plant (fruits and vegetables) and animal (meat and dairy) products (and products containing them), even in the very small amounts that an individual yacht may carry.

Any meat or dairy products bought outside the EU should remain on the boat, and not be taken ashore

You are allowed to take certain food products into the EU without problem – this includes some fish products, bananas, coconuts, dates and pineapples, and there are also exceptions for certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food or pet food required for medical reasons – but border officials have made a point about the regulations and anecdotes about checking for ham sandwiches in picnics are true.

If in doubt, you should leave any non-EU foodstuffs back on the boat and, if you are likely to take any EU-purchased food ashore then you should keep your receipts.

Can I take my pet on board with me when I cruise to Europe?

You can take your pet to all EU countries (except Ireland).

The pet will need to be vaccinated against rabies at least three weeks before your arrival in the EU and you will need to get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from your vet which will typically cost £150-£250.

Each AHC is valid for a single return trip of up to four months and must be obtained between one and 10 days of arrival, and you must enter the EU through an official port of entry.

You can take your dog to the EU but won’t be able to sail back to the UK with the animal on board. Instead, you’ll have to travel with your pet on an approved ferry route. Credit: Richard Langdon

For France, you’ll need to send electronic copies of the AHC to relevant French Customs office (douane) at your chosen point of entry 24 hours before your expected arrival, together with your pet’s microchip certificate (obtainable free online from several microchip registries) and a copy of their vaccination record.

Returning to the UK is more problematic – it’s not possible to legally re-enter the UK on a yacht with a dog or cat on board.

You must get a tapeworm treatment from a vet between one and five days before arrival in the UK and travel on an approved ferry route.

See pbo.co.uk/petsabroad for full details.

If I charter a boat, what do I need to take with me? Do I need proof of my sailing qualifications?

You will need a valid ICC to charter a boat in the EU

Each destination country will have its own requirements for qualifications, which you should check with your charter company before booking and travelling, but expect to need at least an ICC.

What about health insurance?

When travelling to an EU country, you should have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and travel insurance.

The GHIC and EHIC will enable you to get emergency or necessary medical care for the same cost as a resident in the country you’re visiting, but it won’t cover other costs such as repatriation.

Are there any requirements with regard to my passport?

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date when you intend to leave the Schengen area, and it must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you enter.

When sailing in Europe, make sure you have at least three months left on your passport beyond the date when you intend to leave the Schengen area. Credit: Andrew Paterson/Alamy

Many countries beyond the EU, including Turkey, require passports to be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry.

Note that most EU countries require identification to be carried at all times, and some officials will only accept a passport for this.

What about driving in the EU?

If you plan to hire a car when you’re in the EU, you should take your driving licence with you.

The hire company may ask to see your driving licence information when you pick up the car.

You can share this information via a ‘check code’ from the DVLA which you can apply for up to 21 days before the hire period starts.

See pbo.co.uk/driving for more details.

Founded in 1908 specifically to meet the needs of the cruising community, the Cruising Association (CA) is acknowledged as the leading organisation for sailors and motor cruisers with over 6,400 members around the world.

The CA is at the heart of the world’s boating community as a leading provider of trustworthy knowledge and information.

Whether you’re just starting out and cruising in UK waters or planning to journey under power along the inland waterways of Europe or maybe you are a seasoned boat owner heading for more distant shores and blue water sailing, the benefits of membership are many and varied.

The CA is your most valuable, knowledgeable and practical cruising asset, providing services, information, help and advice to members wherever you are.

Discover what the CA can do for you at theca.org.uk/public/benefits

The Regulatory & Technical Services (RATS) group is made up of volunteer CA members.

RATS works on behalf of cruising sailors to represent their interests and address issues of concern or interest on regulatory and technical aspects of cruising. www.theca.org.uk/public/rats

Enjoyed reading Sailing in Europe after Brexit: the essential guide?

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Europe Sailing Tours & Vacations

• Ways to travel
• Trip themes
• Europe Sailing Tours & Holidays

Sailing trips in Europe can feel a bit like you’ve stumbled into a Bridget Bardot movie: sleepy Italian hamlets perched on limestone cliffs, the sun-drenched glitz of Capri, lazing the day away on deck with a handful of Grecian olives. It’s one of the best ways to explore the continent, although you are faced with some tough decisions: spend the afternoon snorkeling that secluded cove, or sail Croatia’s favorite archipelago? Indulge in a family-run taverna banquet, or burn the calories on a bike ride through the hinterland? To take that evening cocktail before or after Santorini’s marmalade sunset? Ah, decisions, decisions…

Our Europe sailing tours

Greece sailing adventure: cyclades islands, 10 days from 2414.

See the best of the Cyclades on this 10-day Greece sailing adventure. From Athens to...

Montenegro Sailing Adventure from Dubrovnik

8 days from 2291.

Sail into the sublime waters of Montenegro, departing from Dubrovnik and exploring...

Croatia and Montenegro Sailing Adventure

15 days from 4215.

Experience Croatia and Montenegro’s coastline with this Split to Dubrovnik sail. Find...

Sail Greece: Mykonos to Santorini

8 days from 1783.

Embark on a sailing holiday to Greece. Explore the waters, islands, history and cuisine...

Sail Greece: Santorini to Mykonos

8 days from 1386.

Set sail across the Mediterranean exploring Greece's heaven-sent islands. The spoils of...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Greece Sailing Adventure: Corfu to Kefalonia

8 days from 2261.

Take a sailing trip on the Ionian Sea through the waters of Greece. Sail from Corfu to...

Croatia Sailing Adventure: Split to Dubrovnik

8 days from 2306.

A lively restaurant scene, drop-dead gorgeous beaches, lush forests, intricate old...

Sardinia & Corsica Sailing Adventure

8 days from 1774.

Set sail across the clear blue waters of Sardinia and Corsica, exploring the Maddalena...

Amalfi Coast Sailing Adventure

8 days from 2766.

Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Pompeii, Capri, Amalfi and...

Sail Italy: Amalfi to Procida

5 days from 1571.

Explore the Amalfi Coast on board a real yacht on this idyllic small group adventure in...

Sail Italy: Procida to Amalfi

4 days from 905.

Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...

Croatia Sailing Adventure: Dubrovnik to Split

8 days from 1680.

Explore Croatia's beautiful Adriatic coast on this aquatic adventure from Dubrovnik to...

Greece Sailing Adventure: Kefalonia to Corfu

Take a sailing trip on the Ionian Sea through the waters of Greece. Sail from Kefalonia...

Browse sailing trips by country

Highlights of sailing in Europe

Drop anchor in picturesque Capri

Ah, Capri. The Italians knew a good island when they found it. Hence the giant Roman palace was built on Monte Tiberio. These days Capri is known for royalty of a different kind, with celebs dropping in to do some boutique shopping or chill out in the aquamarine grottos nearby. A day or two exploring here as part of our Amalfi Coast sailing adventure and it might be hard to get you back on the boat…

Wander the cobbled lanes of Amorgos

Amorgos is a mountainous little island in the southeastern corner of the Cyclades. As far as Greek Islands go, this one is more concerned with activities and archaeology than perfecting a sun-kissed tan. White-washed streets, a burgeoning rock climbing scene, ancient ruins and one of the most spectacular monasteries in the Med – it’s a real gem and you get to explore it on our Greece sailing adventure . 

Sail the seas around the Bay of Kotor

Whether it’s the towering cliffs you can’t wait to run your eyes over or the stunning beaches filled with golden sand you’re dying to lay out on, the beautiful Bay of Kotor on Montenegro’s coastline promises to capture your heart (and lots of room on your phone’s camera roll). Bursting with World Heritage-listed villages, historic islets, and secluded coves, this is one destination you’ll never want to set sail on. 

Explore one of Croatia’s best – MIjet

Steeped in ancient legend, this extraordinary island vows to take your breath away (and probably won’t give it back) thanks to its flourishing national parks, charming villages, and rich forests full of fascinating flora and fauna. From a guided walking tour past natural wonders to discovering ruins from centuries ago, the memories you make and the adventures you have in MIjet will be some of your favourites.  

Life on the boat

We use classic monohull yachts for our European sailing adventures (it helps to get into that old-school Euro vibe). As a guide, a typical 50ft yacht for eight travelers is equipped with four twin/double cabins, two or three shared bathrooms and two showers. You’ll be led by one of our experienced skippers who knows these waters like the back of their hand.

Life on the boat goes at your own pace: help out on deck as much as you wish, or just lie back and enjoy the ride. The choice is entirely up to you. Just keep in mind: cabin arrangements can be quite cozy so as to leave more room for onboard communal areas.

When’s the best time to go sailing in Europe?

Peak season for sailing holidays in the Mediterranean is between June and August, when the sun is hottest and many Europeans have their summer holidays. But if you want to beat the crowds while still enjoying that trademark Med sun, try travelling in spring (mid-April to May) or autumn (September to mid-October): temperatures are more pleasant, the waters are still calm, and you won’t have to fight for that beachside sunbed.

Will I get seasick sailing in Europe?

The extent and severity of seasickness varies from person to person. Some may be lucky enough to experience no symptoms at all while others may suffer headaches, dizziness and vomiting. Usually all symptoms of seasickness resolve after some time to adjust to life onboard.

The Dalmatian Coast is protected from rough seas thanks to the belt of islands just off mainland Croatia. As a result, many passengers will not experience prolonged symptoms of seasickness in this area. While the Mediterranean Sea can be choppy, especially in the fall, sailing between the Greek islands is usually a peaceful voyage. 

Sailing conditions on and around the Amalfi Coast are typically mild with frequent periods of calm. Expect no more than a light 8-12 knot (8-13 miles) per hour south easterly wind in the afternoons; perfect for the experienced and novice sailor alike. While we can’t guarantee pristine conditions, you are unlikely to encounter any rough, open seas with the tidal range a minute 30-60 centimeters (1-2 feet).

If you are prone to experience motion sickness, we recommend consulting with your doctor before arriving to see what medical solutions might work for you.

You can also read our guide to beating seasickness for alternative methods of combating seasickness.

Can I learn to sail the boat?

Absolutely. The best bit about our small group sailing adventures is we cap our group sizes at 8 travellers. That means our skippers have more time to get to know you and, if you’re interested, teach you all about sailing. Our skippers have years of experience sailing and relish the opportunity to share their passion with their groups.

Are cabins above or below deck?

All cabins on our Europe sailing trips are located below deck.

What cabin configurations are available on the boats?

Each sailing vessel typically comes with three twin/double cabins, as well as a couple of single berths for staff. Your skipper will allocate rooms on arrival. Passengers travelling in pairs will be accommodated together while solo travellers will be placed with a fellow passenger of the same gender wherever possible. This may mean sharing a double mattress or twin mattresses side by side.

Solo travellers have the option of booking a cabin to themselves for an additional fee, please ask our team at the time of your booking for more details. 

If you do not identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking so we can make an adjustment to your sleeping arrangements.

Where does the skipper sleep?

The skipper sleeps in his/her own quarters, which are typically allocated at the front of the boat. Refer to the detailed deck plans of our boats for more information on bunk locations.

Can I charge my appliances onboard?

Yes, all cabins come equipped with electrical sockets. Travellers simply need to bring an adaptor with them. See below for electrical outlets by country:

France: Type C (European 2-pin), Type E (French 2-pin, female earth)

Italy: Type C (European 2-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth), Type L (Italian 3-pin)

Croatia: Type C (European 2-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Greece: Type C (European 2-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Is there internet access onboard?

WiFi is not available onboard our boats, but travellers may be able to access Wi-Fi while docked at ports and marinas. 

Is there air conditioning onboard?

Airconditioning isn't available on our boats but some boats do have fans in the cabins. All boats will have hatches that can be opened for ventiliation. During warmer months, travellers can even choose to sleep on deck under the stars.

What extra expenses do I need to pay for?

You will need to allow budget to pay for any additional meals that aren't included in the itinerary (see your Essential Trip Information for more details on meal inclusions), as well as money for souvenirs and alcoholic drinks. It is also recommended you contribute towards the group kitty at the start of your trip. See your Essential Trip Information for more information about group kitties.

Is there a security deposit required?

No, we do not require our travellers to pay a security deposit on any of our sailing trips. 

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Sailing Tours & Trips in Europe

Get ready to hoist the sails on a sailing adventure of Europe. Whether you are island hopping or gliding along the coast, with 329 sailing holidays lasting from 1 days up to 19 days, we have made finding the right sailboat tour a breeze! Click here to see all sailing holidays .

250+ Sailing trips in Europe with 1,784 reviews

Croatia Sailing Adventure

Ivan was a great leader, full of knowledge and lots of fun.

Sailing Greece - Athens to Mykonos

One of our favourite vacations ever. We got to sail the Greek Islands on a 51-foot mono-hull and enjoyed every minute

Sailing Greece - Mykonos to Santorini

An excellent holiday. Well planned and well executed. Thank you

Sail Greece: Santorini to Mykonos

We had a great time meeting lots of new friends who all got on from many nationalities. At a restaurant one evening another group asked if we were a family which is how we ended up but without the disputes! Our skipper, Rita displayed wonderful leadership & sailing skills telling many interesting stories. Twice we has difficult dockings in strong crosswinds & other boats were messing it up big time but Rita nailed it both times & I was informed she received applause at Mykonos from the people on the dock. She also spent lot of time producing a video of our trip that she gave to us all. If your other CEO’s are half as good as her you have a very good team. Please note that you may only use my first name publically for this review, Peter!

CROATIA SAIL - Split to Split (The Dalmatian Voyager)

Best way to see Croatia! I would highly recommend, especially for any “young professional” haha

• $120 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Sailing Greece - Santorini to Mykonos

Great country, excellent tour leader but very poor comfort...so think about it twice before taking the tour, little space in a boat, no real shower...and I won't comment the toilets. ..and in august, it's very windy so you will never be able to relax in the deck..just watch the others being sick...Just so you know.....but the country is nice and worth exploring.

• Island Hopping

Sail Greece: Mykonos to Santorini

Fantastic trip! Highly recommend

Croatia Sailing Adventure: Split to Dubrovnik

Best sailing trip ever! Good captain/guide, great sailing for experienced and beginners, great town/ports stopovers and overnights with incredible sights and food. I loved the night at anchor where we cooked food and had a few drinks under the stars!

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Best of Greece

There were a few glitches with communication and explanation of tour days but overall we were very happy with our tour and had a wonderful time

Sailing Greece - Mykonos to Athens

It was fabulous. Great skipper

Scenic Montenegro Cruise

I think my most memorable moment would be when we sailed on the gulet, and stopped by a small beach on one of the many bays in Montenegro. The water was so blue and the beach was so clean and sandy.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Sailing Croatia - Dubrovnik to Split

Ante was very good. Sharing as well a bit of knowledge about Croatia and the islands. As we had to change the boat in between: the first boat we had was super, the second boat was ok (old and narrow, not much space for people and less space in the shade which was bad for me as I tend to sunburn easily).

• Food & Culinary
• Wine tasting

Sailing Bay of Kotor

Excellent way to explore Montenegro aboard a gulet!

Sailing Greece - Mykonos to Mykonos

Had a wonderful sailing trip with Phil. Enjoyed and learned a lot from sailing and experience different islands hopping, Greek culture, history, food, music and others. Our CEO is very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. He was fixing the toilet by himself and figured which route to take based on the wind everyday. He always make sure our safety come first and gave us options. He is a great skipper and very good in what he is doing. I would highly recommend this sailing trip!

• Health, Spa & Wellness

1 week of Sailing & Yoga Practice + SUP usage in the SARONIC ISLANDS

I had such a wonderful week on this yoga sailing tour. We got to explore a new island each day, each one so so beautiful!! We had yoga in the morning and evening each day, in beautiful locations. Amongst the yoga and sailing we also had time to laze by the beach, explore the towns and while away the hours in a little taverna with tasty Greek quinine. I learnt so many new things from our lovely yoga teacher Lucy! She had so much knowledge to share. The captain Elias was really great too! He really looked out for us. The group became a little family for the week! The time flew by too quickly! I highly recommend this little paradise for a week!

Europe Sailing Tour Reviews

Amazing trip, tour guide Dom was sensational, did a very good job at showing us all the landmarks and being an all round good host.

Loved this sailing adventure and plan to do another one in the near future. The Captain Marius was excellent with a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of sailing and taking care of his passengers. Our group gelled well and we all had fun swimming, eating on board and going out to dinner and playing cards. I would definitely do this adventure again

Sailing Tours

• Sailboat (29)
• Motor boat (8)

Travel Styles

• 10 Best Sailing Holidays & Trips 2024/2025
• Best 3 Weeks Europe Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• 10 Best Luxury River Cruises & Lines 2022
• Hiking in Europe in February
• Hiking in Europe in January
• Hiking in Europe in March
• Hiking in Europe in April
• Hiking in Europe in May
• Hiking in Europe in June
• Hiking in Europe in July
• Hiking in Europe in August
• Hiking in Europe in September
• Hiking in Europe in October
• Hiking in Europe in December

International Versions

• Deutsch: Europa Segelreise Rundreisen
• Français: Europe : Circuits navigation 2024/2025
• Español: Vela Circuitos en Europa
• Nederlands: Zeilen Rondreizen in Europa

• Yachting Monthly
• Digital edition

Cruising after Brexit and sailing in Europe

• August 1, 2021

As Europe begins to open up again for cruising, Lu Heikell looks at the implications of Brexit on UK sailors cruising to the EU, and what steps they need to take for a stress-free trip

If you are accustomed to spending a few months of the year in the Mediterranean, or anywhere in Europe, you could find your cruising significantly curtailed after Brexit

There are sure signs that boating life is returning to a more even keel after the longest period of disruption most of us have known due to the COVID-19 pandemic, writes Lu Heikell .

Lu Heikell is a leading pilot book author in the Mediterranean and has cruised there and back to the UK via the inland and offshore routes. Credit: Lu Heikell

With our glasses firmly in the ‘half-full’ mode we turn our thoughts to the prospect of 2022’s cruising season unencumbered by a complicated traffic light system determining where and when we can travel.

For some it will mean resuming trips that were planned in 2019, dropped last year and again in 2021 as uncertainty raged.

For others, it may mean bringing forward future plans on the ‘if not now, when’ principle, as people re-evaluate their work-life balance.

Many have realised that ‘working from home’ could equally mean ‘working from boat’ and are exploring these possibilities more seriously than ever.

Most of us have been paying yard and marina bills while being confined to our kitchens, and although locally-based owners have grabbed the odd short cruise, those with boats based abroad have been forced to write off a whole season or more.

Others will have postponed long-planned charter holidays .

Now, it finally looks as though we can make plans for 2022 that may hold up longer than those written in the sand at low tide.

Travelling to Europe after Brexit

Free movement.

UK residents no longer enjoy free movement through the EU. Visits to the Schengen area are limited to 90 days in every 180 days.

Those planning to spend more time on board will need to develop strategies to stay within these limits.

This could mean spending some time outside of the EU Schengen area – more easily done in the Mediterranean than the Atlantic and northern EU coasts.

It could also mean planning shorter cruises and leaving your boat in different places while you return to the UK.

Croatia is not part of the Schengen area

Schengen countries comprises all EU countries except Ireland, Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania.

Note that the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla on the Moroccan coast are considered part of the Schengen area.

Gibraltar is currently not part of the Schengen area, but negotiations are still ongoing, so check before you travel.

ETIAS – The legal procedures to pass the European Travel Information and Authorisation System started in 2016, and the system is expected to be fully  operational in 2024 .

Gibraltar is not part of the Schengen area, but negotiations are continuing. Credit: Rod Heikell

In order to travel in the EU it will be necessary to register your details on the system, and to pay a small fee of €7.

It is not a visa, but is a mandatory authorisation for travel, and once completed it lasts for up to three years or until your passport expires, if sooner.

The Cruising Association has launched a campaign, backed by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston , calling for 180-day cruising visas, separate from the Schengen 90-day visa, for sailors visiting the Netherlands, Greece, Spain and Portugal .

It is also examining if the application process for long-term tourist visas in France and Sweden could be simplified for UK cruisers wishing to stay longer.

Customs after Brexit

Vat after brexit.

Put simply, most UK boats, like non-EU boats are now subject to Temporary Admission (TA) when they enter the EU.

Following Brexit, most EU countries will issue transit logs for UK boats

This allows for a stay of 18 months (extensions for up to two years are possible) before being liable to pay EU VAT.

Most countries will issue a ‘transit log’ to be kept with the vessel while it is in that country.

This must be stamped on leaving the country, and a new one obtained at the new country’s port of entry.

The boat’s TA clock can be restarted by exiting the EU, obtaining proof of doing so, such as a marina receipt, and then re-entering the EU.

This could be as soon as 24 hours later.

The EU VAT area does not include the Canary Islands, or Ceuta, Melilla or Gibraltar (subject to change). Any non-EU country can also be used.

It is worth checking your Small Ships Registration (SSR) registration as it must be renewed every five years.

Likewise passports must have at least six months’ validity beyond your trip abroad.

If you are taking your boat aboard for more than a week or two, check your SSR is in date. Credit: Graham Snook

RYA certificates are still widely accepted as proof of competence.

You do not need an insurance green card to drive your car in the EU, and your UK driving licence will be accepted, but your car cannot spend more than six months inside the EU.

The 18-month TA ‘clock’

The 18-month ‘clock’ can be stopped by putting your boat out of commission and lodging your papers with the customs office.

The complicating factor following Brexit is that many UK-flagged boats are deemed to be VAT paid, where VAT has been paid anywhere in the EU whilst the UK was a member.

It mattered not where in the EU the vessel was purchased or where tax was paid.

The three year condition for Returned Goods Relief is expected to be dropped by the UK Government on 1 January 2022

The latest from the RYA is that the three year condition for Returned Goods Relief (RGR) for recreational boats is to be waived by the UK Government by 1 January 2022.

This means that VAT will not be recharged on boats that return to the UK. It only applies to boats that have been based in the UK under their current ownership, and to vessels which are the personal property of a UK resident and are being returned to the UK for personal use.

Unfortunately, any UK-flagged boat which was not ‘exported’ from the UK may not be able to claim RGR if they return to the UK.

This means that any UK boat owners who wish to bring their tax-paid and EU-purchased boats back to the UK after Brexit will be subject to a second VAT payment, even if it has remained in the EU, and even if it returns before the cut-off.

Sailors cruising from the UK to EU destinations, like Morlaix Bay in France, will need to make sure they have the correct VAT documentation on board. Credit: Graham Snook/YM

On the EU side, any UK-flagged, tax-paid boat which was in EU waters on 31 December 2020 will be deemed to be EU VAT paid.

This means these boats will not have the 18-month TI period enforced, although a transit log may be required.

The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), European Boating Industry (EBI), European Boating Association (EBA), British Marine (BM) and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) issued clarification on EU VAT and customs for recreational boat owners and companies in April 2021 .

Click here to read the answer to readers’ Brexit VAT questions

VAT proof in the UK after Brexit

Boat owners cruising in the UK are being advised by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to carry evidence of VAT status onboard their vessels ‘at all times’ in case of checks by customs officials.

A yacht survey could be useful in helping to prove the age and location of a vessel, if you have no VAT documentation.

The details were published in HMRC Notice 8: sailing your pleasure craft to and from the UK , following the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020.

Owners are advised to have evidence of VAT status, such as documentation of VAT paid, and evidence of where their yacht was at the end of the transition period, such as a confirmatory letter from a marina and maintenance invoices.

HMRC has confirmed to Yachting Monthly that customs checks will apply to all vessels, regardless of size, and documentary evidence would include the original invoice or receipt, evidence that VAT was paid at importation or invoices for material used if owners built their own boat.

For owners who don’t have these documents, HMRC said it ‘may consider alternative evidence, such as a sales invoice or any other documentary evidence, on a case by case basis.’

A registration document on its own does not prove the UK VAT status of the vessel.

HMRC said it can apply civil or criminal penalties to those who fail to account for VAT correctly, but stressed that it was committed to helping customers who need assistance or who make a genuine mistake.

Evidence, such as a receipt of mooring in a UK marina, will also need to be retained to demonstrate the location of the vessel at the end of the Brexit transition period.

Marine surveys, insurance documents and receipts for mooring fees or harbour dues are all be useful in helping to prove the age and location of a vessel.

Red Diesel use after Brexit

In his 2021 Budget, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that sailors will still be able to use red diesel to propel their vessels .

Last year, the UK Government announced it would remove the subsidy on red diesel from April 2022, although boaters would still be able to use subsidised fuel for heating onboard.

It followed a consultation with the sailing industry and commercial boat owners after a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in October 2018 that the UK wasn’t complying with the EU Fuel Directive by allowing leisure vessels to use marked diesel.

A similar ruling was made against Ireland, which had green diesel. From 1 January 2020, the use of green diesel to solely power pleasure boats was banned.

In the UK, most marinas sell red diesel on a 60/40 split of full and lower tax rates for propulsion, and heating or power generation

The U-turn by the Government only applies to recreational boaters in Scotland, Wales and England.

Many cruisers in Northern Ireland will now be forced to jerry can fuel to their boats due to a lack of shoreside white diesel facilities

In Northern Ireland however, recreational boaters will no longer be able to use red diesel for propelling their craft from 1 October 2021 .

This is to ensure the UK meets its international obligations under the Northern Ireland Protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement.

It will also align with fuel used by private pleasure craft in the Republic of Ireland, which the Government believes will make it simpler for private pleasure craft users to access the fuel they need if they sail between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (and vice versa).

Currently there are no marine white diesel pumps in Northern Ireland, and demand is insufficient for commercial operators to make provision.

HMRC has confirmed that fuel already present in tanks after 1 October 2021 can be used without penalty.

Private pleasure craft from Northern Ireland that fill up in Great Britain (GB) can do so under the Istanbul Convention which will allow red diesel legitimately purchased in GB to be taken back to Northern Ireland in the main fuel tanks of a boat.

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The CA has highlighted that this would involve a minimum 90 mile sail to Scotland or the Isle of Man to lawfully purchase red diesel.

Alternatively, the nearest white diesel marine pump is in Dublin, a minimum 75 mile sail.

Sailors in Northern Ireland can also buy white diesel from filling stations in jerry cans where the marine rebate will not be available, and where the number of cans/journeys required for most boats would be considerable.

There are also environmental hazards and regulations associated with refuelling by this method.

The RYA is recommending that recreational boaters with marked ‘red’ diesel purchased in GB:

• Keep receipts for diesel purchased in GB, to prove that it was bought in the GB, and request that your retailer marks them “duty paid.”
• Log the date of refuelling and engine hours to reinforce these records; and
• Do not carry marked diesel anywhere other than in their craft’s main fuel storage tanks.

HMRC has said that private pleasure craft users in Northern Ireland with only one fuel tank on board for propulsion and non-propulsion will not have to pay a higher rate of duty on their non-propulsion use of diesel than they would otherwise have to pay.

The Government is intending to introduce a new relief scheme in Northern Ireland which will become effective from the date that users become obliged to use white diesel.

What will this mean for UK sailors cruising the EU with red diesel in their tanks?

The RYA’s cruising manager, Stuart Carruthers has this advice:

Now that HM Treasury has confirmed recreational boaters’ entitlement to use red diesel beyond April 2022, we are not prohibited from using marked ‘red’ diesel in the UK or in international waters.

However, you should be aware that it is possible that some EU Member States that previously took issue with the UK’s continued use of red diesel in private pleasure craft may continue to do so.

The UK is a contracting party to the 1990 Istanbul Convention.

UK sailors should keep receipts for diesel bought in the UK and ask retailers to mark them duty paid

The Istanbul Convention is intended to facilitate temporary admission into signatory states by harmonising Customs procedures and, in particular, it allows a means of transport (together with the fuel contained in the normal fuel tanks of that means of transport) to be imported into a signatory state temporarily without payment of import duties and taxes and without application of import prohibitions or restrictions.

Now that the UK is a third country, the 1990 Istanbul Convention should govern the movement of recreational vessels between the UK and the EU.

In order to rely on the Convention, a means of transport for private use must be registered in a territory other than that of temporary admission, in the name of a person established or resident in a territory other than that of temporary admission, and be imported and used by persons resident in such a territory.

For these purposes, the EU27 are considered to be a single territory.

This means that UK recreational boaters may now be able to temporarily import fuel, that is bought legally elsewhere, into the EU provided:

• the fuel is in the normal tanks of the vessel;
• the boat is registered in the UK or another non-EU state;
• the registered owner is established or resident in the UK or another non-EU state; and
• the boat is imported and used by persons resident in the UK or another non-EU state.

Although every individual member of the EU27 should recognise and apply the Istanbul Convention to such vessels, there is no guarantee that they all will (or will do so consistently).

The Istanbul Convention is similar to an EU Directive – it sets out the rules that the signatory states are supposed to implement but it does not give individuals any right of action should a particular signatory state decline to implement part or all of the Convention – only another signatory state has that capacity.

If you encounter any difficulties when using marked ‘red’ diesel abroad, the extent to which you will be able to rely on the Istanbul Convention will be determined by the national laws of the country in which the ‘offence’ has been committed.

When visiting an EU member state, the RYA recommends that recreational boaters with marked ‘red’ diesel purchased in the UK:

• Keep receipts for diesel purchased in the UK, to prove that it was bought in the UK, and request that your retailer marks them “duty paid”.
• Do not carry marked diesel anywhere other than in their craft’s main fuel storage tanks.

Cruising Europe after Brexit: Health

While we all hope that the worst is over, it is sensible to keep an eye on developments and to have a range of options in the plan should things flare up again.

COVID travel regulations change rapidly but having the correct documents can help. Credit: Katy Stickland

Suitable places to leave a boat, or a place where you can hole up on board should be on the list.

If you haven’t already done so, it is worth making sure you have had all the available vaccinations and obtained the vaccination certificate this entitles you to via the NHS website or phone app.

Currently, countries have different entry requirements regarding vaccinations, quarantine, tests and documentary evidence, so make sure you have researched thoroughly before you go, and keep up to date with changes while you are there.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is being replaced by the UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC), but your existing EHIC will remain valid until it expires and when you renew you will get the new GHIC.

You can renew up to six months before the expiry of your EHIC.

The benefits are the same, entitling you to state-provided healthcare for medically necessary treatment and is valid in all EU countries, plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

EHIC cards are changing to GHIC. Make sure your travel insurance cover is sufficient. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

You may still be expected to pay some of your costs, depending on the country’s rules.

Your travel insurance may cover a refund, so make sure your policy includes the cover you need before travelling.

Sailing to and from the UK

Anyone cruising to and from the UK needs to inform Border Force and HMRC.

The newly launched single Pleasure Craft Reporting (sPCR) online platform – www.spcr.homeoffice.gov.uk – is now the preferred option for reporting journeys for anyone leaving or entering the UK. This includes cruisers sailing from or to the Channel Islands and Ireland, as well as those sailing to or from other EU countries and the rest of the world.

The new platform is currently in ‘beta’ mode but will eventually replace the C1331 postal form and e-C1331 online forms. The eC1331 is only available as an Excel document. It has also been renamed: now renamedL ‘Pleasure craft on non-UK voyages: leaving or arriving in the UK (pleasure craft report (sPCR) fallback template.

The C1331 can be printed off and filled in before being sent to Border Force. The eC1331 can be emailed. Credit: HMRC

New users of the online service – www.spcr.homeoffice.gov.uk – will first be required to complete a ‘once only’ account registration, before being required to ‘add a pleasure craft’, and then proceeding to submit voyage plan data including: Boat Registration Number, MMSI and Callsign, AIS –an AIS transponder, not just a receiver, Skipper’s details, Full names, date and place of birth, passport or travel document details for all people on board, Goods documentation and Date and estimated departure and arrival locations and times for your voyage plan.

The voyage plan must be submitted at least 2 hours but not more than 24 hours before departure.

For those concerned about giving estimates of departure and especially arrival time, the ‘beta’ version allows a two-hour range.

The Cruising Association has discussed with UK Border Force the difficulty of giving relatively precise arrival times at the end of longer passages, and the UK Border Force advice is to give your best estimate and then update your report if you believe that either your arrival place will change, or the time will be outside the range you gave.

Data can be updated online or skippers can telephone the appropriate UK Border Force Operational centre* for the area of your arrival as soon as you can reasonably do so.

Pleasure craft arriving to the UK from outside the UK (including the Channel Islands) must fly the ‘Q’ flag as soon as entering UK waters (the 12 mile limit), and unless you are told otherwise by Border Force, you should call National Yachtline on 0800 123 2012 on arrival who may give you clearance to leave, tell you to wait for a Border Force Officer or to contact one of the regional numbers below.

The ‘Q’ flag must remain flying and all crew must stay on board until you have received clearance from a Border Force Officer.

Both the eC1331 and C1331 can be found here .

The eC1331 requires a United Nations Code for Trade and Transport Locations (UN/LOCODE) for the departure and arrival points.

Some skippers have experienced problems finding the UN/LOCODE of their destination, or reported the link on the eC1331 to the UN/LOCODE is not working, and this is being looked at.

A list of UN/LOCODEs can be found here .

Alternatively skippers can write in the full name of their departure and arrival locations along with the latitude and longitude coordinates.

Sailors using the eC1331 will need to complete two forms – one of the outward voyage, one for inward voyage.

If printing out the C1331, fill in part 1 and post to Border Force at the address provided.

For the return, fill in part 2 and ring Yachtline an hour before arrival.

The number is 0300 123 2012. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

What does Brexit mean for me?

If you sell your boat in the EU it will lose its UK VAT paid status. Credit: Lu Heikell

Q. I bought my boat in the UK and have a VAT receipt. My boat is currently in Greece, where it has been for 10 years. I plan to bring the boat back to the UK to keep or sell in the next few years. What should I do?

A. If you are the original exporter of the boat then you are able to claim Returned Goods Relief and avoid paying UK VAT again on your boat when you bring it back.

It only applies to vessels which are the personal property of a UK resident and are being returned to the UK for personal use.

Originally there was a three year condition for Returned Goods Relief (RGR), but this has now been waived by the UK Government.

If you then decide to move your boat back to EU waters, you must return it to the UK within three years to claim RGR again.

Cruising after Brexit in Brittany will now be limited to three months. The tax status of the vessel is not determined by its flag but where the transaction takes place. Credit: Credit: Emmanuel LATTES / Alamy Stock Photo

Q. I am looking to buy a yacht in France and flag it under British registry. What is the VAT status of the boat?

A. Assuming the seller can show proof that VAT has already been paid in the EU, then the vessel will retain that status on transfer, even if it is re-flagged to the UK registry.

As a non-EU resident you may purchase a boat free of VAT, but you must remove the vessel from EU waters within a strict period of time (usually 30 days) before it becomes liable for VAT.

If you wish to import the boat into the UK you will be liable to pay UK VAT based on a customs valuation.

There is much talk on various platforms regarding re-flagging your UK boat to an EU country in order to circumvent some perceived problem in keeping it in the EU.

In short, I would say that there are numerous pitfalls to this plan, for very little gain.

Having to make an occasional trip out of the EU to reset your TI clock does not strike me as being too much of a problem.

Q. I bought my boat in France in 2010 and have a French VAT receipt. It is currently in Spain. I want to bring it back to the UK. Will I have to pay VAT on entry?

A. As things stand, yes.

HMRC has said that Returned Goods Relief may only be obtained if the vessel was exported from the UK, even during the period when the UK was an EU member.

The Cruising Association and the RYA have been working tirelessly to try to gain some clarity on this absurd situation.

Montenegro, among other countries, is not in the Schengen area, so you could head there if your 90 days in 180 are up. Credit: Credit: Stockinasia / Alamy Stock Photo

Q. I plan to head to the Med from the UK next year. What rules do I have to follow?

A. In the above scenarios we only considered the vessel. So, in this case, we will also show what rules the person must follow.

The vessel’s status is clear – it has 18 months in the EU before it must leave for a minimum of one night.

The clock will start from when you first enter the EU, so logically that would be in northern France, where you will get a transit log for the boat.

Morocco, Tunisia, Montenegro, Albania and Turkey are all good options to ‘re-start’ the importation period.

The person, though, may only spend 90 days in any 180-day period in the EU.

So say you make a leisurely cruise down the Atlantic coast of Europe, and your personal ‘Schengen clock’ started in northern France, after 90 days you must either leave the boat somewhere and return to the UK for the next 90 days, or you could plan to spend that time on the boat in a non-Schengen country.

In addition to the countries listed above, you could also consider Croatia as even though it is part of the EU, it is not yet part of the Schengen area.

This ‘Schengen dance’ must be followed the whole time you are on the boat.

Don’t forget that the Canaries are part of the EU when planning a transatlantic crossing. Credit: imageBROKER / Alamy Stock Photo

Q. My boat is in Greece and I plan to cross the Atlantic in 2021/2022. I worry about the 90-day limit to sail from Greece to leaving the Canary Islands. What can I do?

A. It is tricky. The last thing any sailor needs is external time pressure to interfere in your cruising decisions but it is what other non-EU sailors have had to manage for many years.

Some UK cruisers who have based their boats in the Mediterranean for a number of years have successfully applied for some form of residency or long-term visa.

This effectively discounts the time you spend in that particular country from your 90-day limit.

It is possible that individual countries will continue to look favourably on UK travellers and offer some form of long-stay visa, but this is by no means a given.

It is also possible that the EU will provide an extended ‘touring visa’, but this is unlikely to be available in the near future.

That means that you have two main options:

1. Start early in the season from Greece and head west, and then park your boat, maybe in Spain, and return to the UK.

You will need to calculate the date that you want to leave the Canary Islands, and count back to work out the earliest time you can return to Spain, such that in the 180-day period before leaving the Canary Islands, you have not spent more than 90 days in the Schengen area.

On the plus side, the French and Dutch islands in the Caribbean are not in the Schengen area.

2. Along your route out of the Mediterranean consider making up some of your westward miles in Tunisia, Gibraltar and Morocco, which will give you more time to be in the Canary Islands.

You need to keep a ‘countback’ of the last 180 days to ensure you do not overstay in the Schengen area.

Remember that you may want to allow for some flexibility in your departure date so that you are not under too much pressure to embark on your transatlantic voyage.

Pick a starting point to minimise cruising time if sailing back to the UK. Credit: Credit: Giulio Ercolani / Alamy Stock Photo

Q. I couldn’t get out to my boat in southern Italy this year, but I would like to bring it back to the UK next year. What is the best way to do this?

A. Basically, the main constraint is the 90-day limit, not on the boat, but on you and any other UK crew you have.

There are two main options to consider, but with the new time constraints you will need to plan carefully.

When you have made your decision on which route you will take, it would make sense to move your boat from southern Italy close to the ‘start point’ for your route home before taking a ‘Schengen break’.

This will maximise your 90-day window to move up through EU countries back to the UK.

The UK Government has created a guidance page for recreational sailors travelling to and from the UK by yacht .

How has Brexit affected cruising?

Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Travel to the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein changed on 1 January 2021.

That is because an agreement between the UK and EU to keep many things the same for 11 months after Brexit comes to an end.

Will I need a new passport?

Following Brexit, UK passport holders need at least six months left on their passport in order to travel to the EU. Credit: Paul Maguire / Alamy Stock Photo

No. Your current passport will be valid as long as:

• It is less than 10 years old
• And has six months left before it runs out
• (Both of the above must be true)

The six-month rule won’t apply for visits to Ireland, because it is part of the Common Travel Area.

If you need a new passport, which will be a very dark blue, the government says you should apply in plenty of time .

How long can I go for and will I need a visa?

If you’re a tourist, you’ll be able to travel to most EU countries – plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein – without a visa.

You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period, whether you are cruising after Brexit, or merely visiting as a regular tourist.

You may need a visa or permit to stay for longer, to work or study, or for business travel.

Sweden is one of the few Schengen countries with cruising grounds that offer an 180 day visa/residence permit to UK citizens. Credit: Charles Erb

ETIAS – The European Travel Information and Authorisation System – should be live from 2023.

Changes at passport control

You’ll no longer be able to use EU fast-track passport control and customs lanes after Brexit.

When you arrive in an EU country (except Ireland) be prepared to show your return ticket. You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay.

It could also take longer to cross the UK border.

Mobile phone roaming charges?

The guarantee of free roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway ended on 1 January 2021.

Check with your mobile provider to find out details of any extra charges you will face when you travel. The four main UK operators have said they have no plans to reintroduce roaming fees.

It may cost you more money to use your phone in Europe after Brexit

The government has passed laws to protect customers, including:

• £45-a-month cap on using mobile data abroad (then you must opt-in to use more)
• Requirements for customers to be informed when they’ve reached 80% and 100% of their data allowance.

Can I drive in Europe after Brexit?

You’ll need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence, your log book (V5C) and valid insurance documents.

You may need extra documents to drive in EU countries – including an international driving permit or a “green card” from your insurer.

• Driving rules after the transition period
• Government advice for driving abroad

Sailing with your pet after Brexit

Following Brexit, UK Pet Passports can no longer be used for travel to the EU

Pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for travel to the EU.

The EU agreed that Great Britain should be given ‘part two listed’ status, allowing pets to travel within its borders.

This means that pets travelling from Great Britain to the EU will need to have an animal health certificate (AHC).

AHCs will be issued by a vet, will be valid for four months and must be obtained 10 days before travel.

AHCs will be valid for a single trip into the EU, onward travel within the EU for and re-entry to Great Britain.

Your pet must have been microchipped and have had a rabies vaccination and a treatment against echinococcus multilicaris (a type of tapeworm).

An Animal Health Certificate costs £180, which according to the Royal Veterinary College , includes the consultation and includes reviewing & finalising all your documents.

Any vaccinations or medications required in addition will incur additional charges.

A microchip is £16.28 and will only need to be implanted once.

A Rabies vaccination costs £50.40 – this will need to be repeated every three years to allow continual travel under the Pet Travel Scheme.

Can I buy duty free?

Passengers from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) travelling to EU countries are now able to take advantage of duty-free shopping .

Current duty-free limits on tobacco and alcohol, which apply only to non-EU countries at the moment, will also increase in the new year.

But there’ll no longer be tax-free airport sales of goods like electronics and clothing.

This article was updated on 9 December 2021 following the announcement that the three year condition on Returned Goods Relief is to be dropped by the UK Government

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The boating license’s ultimate guide for sailing abroad

by Alfredo from Samboat | Aug 8, 2019

The international boating license question

Thinking of taking sail across Europe? Depending on your situation, you may need a boating licence to do so.

A boating licence is generally not a requirement when renting a vessel along with a guide. The guide (skipper) is certified and will handle all navigational demands while on board. However, in the case of a bareboat rental, no guide is present on the vessel, and some sort of certification is then necessary.

The type of certification may vary from country to country. Generally, however, the International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft, also known as the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is recognized by multiple jurisdictions and is sufficient for bareboat charters.

In this quick guide, we’ll get you acquainted with the regulations applicable across Europe’s most popular sailing destinations.

Do you need a boating license to rent a boat?  

If you wish to rent and sail abroad, here is a list to help you find your way around the different regulations in the most popular countries for yachting.

To drive a sailboat, no license is required in France even if significant experience is required.

On the other hand, a coastal license is required to use a motorboat with a power greater than 6 horsepower.  License extensions are required to navigate offshore (hauturier) or on lakes and rivers (fluvial). The ICC is also recognized by French authorities.

Boating licenses issued by the EU Member States are automatically valid and accepted in Greece. Those outside the European Union are accepted if they meet EU standards. Finally, licenses in languages other than English or Greek must be translated. To rent a boat in Greece , a license is required for sailing boats and motorboats with more than 30 horsepower. In addition to the ICC, Greece recognizes the American International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) and the International Sailing Licence and Credentials (SLC) by NauticEd.

Below 30 horsepower, a boat license is not required for motorboats. 

A license is required to drive a sailboat beyond 6 miles from a shelter. Regarding motorboats, there is no need for a boating license if the power is less than 40 horsepower. 

Italy accepts the ICC for use within its territory as a certificate of boating competence.

Croatia has the highest concentration of sailboats for rent in Europe, and safety is therefore paramount. This is why it is mandatory to have a VHF radio license (CRR) in addition to a boat license in order to be able to sail, regardless of the flag of the boat. The ICC is recognized by Croatian authorities.

Licence-free boat rentals are possible in Spain , provided the vessel is up to 5 metres in length, has a maximum of 15 Horsepower, covers a distance of less than 2 nautical miles from the coast, and is used only on a daytrip. Licence requirements are then dependent on the size of the boat, and are issued by Spanish authorities.

If in possession of a boating licence issued outside Spain, it is necessary to consult relevant authorities to establish if an exception can be issued. This is usually possible with an ICC, the UK Yacht Master Certification, and the US Coast Guard Licence. 

Portugal 

Regardless of the category of sailboat or motorboat, a license will be required. Similar to the way boats are rented in Greece, licenses issued by the EU Member States are automatically valid and accepted in Portugal. The ICC is generally accepted but prior confirmation is recommended.

A certificate of competence (Amatör Denizcilik Belgesi) is required to navigate for sports or leisure purposes. It cannot be used for commercial activities and is valid for the following boats:

• All motorboats 
• Vessels between 2.5 m and 24 m in length and up to 50 tonnes gross weight.

The ICC is also recognized for use in Turkey.

Similar to that in France, a nautical license is not required to use a sailboat. However, it will be necessary to have one if you want to rent a motorboat with a power greater than 15 horsepower, where in addition to local licencing, the ICC is recognized.

Netherlands

On Dutch inland waters, a small vessel licence ( klein vaarbewijs) is required for vessels longer than 15 metres in length, or shorter than 15 metres but capable of speeds above 20 kilometres per hour. A different licence ( groot pleziervaartbewijs) is required for vessels between 25 and 40 metres in length. The international equivalents of these licences, including the ICC, are recognized by Dutch authorities.

Local authorities do not require a permit to operate on coastal and inland waters. However, it is strongly recommended to have the necessary skills and experience to navigate safely. 

To rent a boat in Norway, it is necessary to have a licence if the vessel is longer than 8 metres or has more than 25 Horsepower. Licences issued by EU member states are recognized, as well as the ICC provided it includes coastal navigation.

United Kingdom

A licence is not required to operate a vessel on offshore waters of the UK. However, prior registration is required for sailing on inland waterways. A Boat Safety Scheme Certificate (BSSC) and boat insurance are required, as well as registration with the Environment Agency responsible for the specific inland waterway.

A pleasure craft can be operated licence-free if less than 12 metres in length and 4 metres in width. The Swedish licences (Förarintyg (Inshore Diploma) and Kustskepparintyg (Coastal Diploma)) are otherwise required. The ICC is not recognized by Swedish authorities, who instead recognize the Coastal Yachtmaster Diploma.

Switzerland

If you wish to sail in Switzerland, a boat license will be required if: 

• Engine power exceeds 8 horsepower
• The surface area of the sails is more than 15m2 

To drive a boat with a motor exceeding 8 horsepower, a Class A motor license will be required. For sailboats above the 15m2 boat’s sail limits, it is the category D sailing license that is required.

Swiss nationals wishing to sail at sea will be able to pass the sea license. The ICC is recognized only for non-Swiss residents.

For the rental of a boat in Monténegro, a license will be required, regardless of the type of boat. Locally and internationally-issued licences are recognized for use in Montenegro.

Can you rent a boat without a license?

Do you want to enjoy a boat rental but do not necessarily have a boat license? Don’t panic, several solutions exist: 

• You can decide to rent a boat without a license. Some boats are so small that they do not require a license . Again, this differs from country to country.
• Renting a boat with a skipper is an excellent solution if you want a complete and stress-free sailing experience.

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Europe (International)

Europe (International) is a 10 ′ 11 ″ / 3.4 m monohull sailboat designed by Alois Roland and built by Lanaverre and Winner Boats S. L. starting in 1963.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

The EUROPE Dinghy has it’s roots with the MOTH development rule and evolved into a one-design, becoming an Olympic class (1992-2004) for women sailors.

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Chartering in Europe?

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA Charter , Destinations , Learn To Sail

One of the coolest things about sailing is the access it provides to some of the most amazing places the planet has to offer. Although plenty of these places are right here in the United States, many of us crave destinations far far away, and making that possible is a big part of what the American Sailing Association is all about.

Chartering overseas is on the bucket list of many a sailor, but making it happen comes with a stipulation or two. A sizable number of countries require an International Proficiency Certificate that lets them know the charterer is trained, qualified and prepared to take one of their boats out to sea. In fact, it’s mandatory when chartering in most European/Mediterranean waters – dozens of countries insist the charterer hold an International Proficiency Certificate.

What is ASA’s International Proficiency Certificate (IPC)?

An International Proficiency Certificate indicates that you have a certain level of proficiency and competency to safely operate a type/size of vessel. An IPC provides a certification which many Mediterranean charter companies view as equivalent to the ICC. Please note that any certification should also be paired with the appropriate sailing resume and you should check with your intended charter company to verify what they require.

As of 2022 the following countries accept the ASA IPC certificate: Belarus, Croatia, France, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey.

Take a look at IPC FAQs

Before You Charter in Europe

• The Mediterranean Mooring: The Mediterranean Moor is a hybrid of anchoring, rafting, and docking used in regions where there is little tidal range. It takes its name from an old Mediterranean custom of mooring stern-to along a town’s quay or seawall which allows a lot of boats to fit in a small space.In principle, you drop an anchor in the middle of the harbor and tie the stern to the quay but the execution takes knowledge of how your boat behaves in reverse and skill in getting lines ashore.
• Checking in and Checking Out: In every country, you visit by boat you have to pass through an inspection by customs and immigration, just as when flying. Entry procedures for vessels and their crews vary from country to country and sometimes include checking in with port authorities and a police department as well.Before leaving most countries you have to clear out with the same authorities. When you’re ready to depart, take your ship’s papers and passports, along with your inbound clearance paperwork, to the relevant offices. Make sure your departure documents are properly stamped as you’ll need them to present to the authorities when you clear into the next country you visit.The best tip is to do your homework in advance and understand what the procedure is well before you arrive.

• Charter Resources
• Your First Charter Sailing Vacation Today bareboat chartering is the culmination of your sailing education. When you walk across the deck and get your sailing diploma you step on to the metaphorical boat of your future and you can sail it anywhere you want!
• Charter Sailboat Resources Whether you have just begun to sail and have recently earned your ASA 101 certification or if you have already mastered ASA 114 and are a veteran of bareboat charters this resource should help you.
• Bareboat Charter in the BVI Getting aboard your bareboat charter is the goal when you get your ASA sailing certifications. Where do you begin? For many, it is a sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands.
• Choosing a Charter Boat Company It’s time for you to set off on your own and explore endless shorelines and secluded coves. You have mapped out your plan and you have reserved your vacation time now all you need is a boat. How do you choose a charter company to rent a boat for a week?
• Choosing The Right Boat for Your Sailing Charter When you decide to take a sailing vacation aboard a sailing vessel that you will call home for a week or two you’ll be surprised by just how much you think you need.
• Sailing in Europe? Chartering overseas is on the bucket list of many a sailor, but making it happen comes with a stipulation or two. A sizable number of countries require an International Proficiency Certificate that lets them know the charterer is trained, qualified and prepared to take one of their boats out to sea.

Take an ASA Course in Europe

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Dozens of Migrants Die After Their Dinghy Deflates in the Mediterranean

Survivors, who departed from Libya, said they had been adrift for four days when they were found.

By Gaia Pianigiani

A European humanitarian aid group said on Thursday that about 50 migrants died after their small boat deflated during an attempt to cross the central Mediterranean Sea.

A ship belonging to the charity, SOS Mediterranee , spotted the deflating rubber dinghy on Wednesday, in international waters under the Libyan rescue jurisdiction. Twenty-five dehydrated and exhausted migrants were on board.

The survivors told the charity that they had been adrift for four days, since the engine on their dinghy broke. Some 50 other people were with them when they departed from the Libyan port of Zawiya, they told the rescuers, including two infants and four women. There were only male survivors, half of them boys, the charity said.

Valeria Taurino, the director general of SOS Mediterranee, said the situation on board was “disastrous.”

Two of the passengers were unconscious when they were found, and they were evacuated by the Italian military for treatment on shore. The rest, hailing from Gambia, Mali and Senegal, showed signs of dehydration, exhaustion and burns from fuel on the boat, and were receiving medical treatment aboard the charity’s ship, the Ocean Viking, Ms. Taurino said.

The Ocean Viking was heading to disembark the passengers at Ancona, on the northeastern Italian coast, over 870 miles from where the survivors were found. The government says it is spreading the burden of identifying and later housing migrants. But charity groups argue that the practice is aimed at keeping ships occupied and off the ocean where they look for migrant boats, and makes rescues more expensive in terms of fuel consumption.

Migration advocates say there is a glaring scarcity of rescuers in the central Mediterranean. The U.N. International Organization for Migration said that 227 migrants had died on the Mediterranean route this year, without taking into account the most recent shipwreck. While arrivals have decreased by 70 percent compared with 2023, the death rate is not falling as rapidly.

“Deaths are down by 20 percent only,” said Flavio Di Giacomo, a spokesman for the International Organization for Migration in Italy. “It is a clear sign that the rescue system at sea is insufficient, and people keep dying as a result.”

An earlier version of this article misstated the distance between Ancona and where the survivors were found. It is 1,400 kilometers (870 miles), not 1,400 miles.

How we handle corrections

Gaia Pianigiani is a reporter based in Italy, covering breaking news across Italy and Europe. More about Gaia Pianigiani

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Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives seeking to chart a part forward in their impeachment probe of President Joe Biden will on Wednesday question two former associates of his son Hunter.

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Could Poland’s promotion to Europe’s top table be a turning point for Ukraine?

The rebirth of the ‘Weimar Triangle’ suggests that Franco-German tensions are on the mend and a common agenda on arming Kyiv is possible

P oland’s longstanding struggle for a bigger say in European leadership may finally be gaining ground with the revival of the long dormant Weimar Triangle – a diplomatic compact bringing Warsaw together with Germany and France in a regular dialogue on EU affairs.

When the Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, joined the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and the French president, Emmanuel Macron, for a show of unity in Berlin last Friday, they breathed new political life into a format that has the unfulfilled potential to unite northern, southern and central Europe around a common agenda – especially in support of Ukraine.

The three leaders are coming from very different starting points. Poland is rushing to rearm itself and pouring assistance into Ukraine. Scholz is digging his heels in and refusing to give Kyiv Germany’s most potent long-range cruise missiles, while Macron has suddenly morphed into Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s most outspoken ally, even though Paris lags far behind Berlin in terms of the volume of its military aid.

Relations between France and Germany, long the EU’s leading couple, are as tense as they have been for ages, with domestic politics pulling them in opposite directions. The uber-cautious Scholz has to manage a fractious coalition including pacifists in his own Social Democratic party (SPD), while Macron’s new hawkishness is partly an attempt to wrong foot the rising hard-right opposition to his minority centrist government.

For the past decade, the Weimar Triangle has been more like the notorious Bermuda triangle of aviation fame – a void into which political initiatives episodically disappear without trace.

That was mainly because the previous Polish government, led by Jarosław Kaczyński’s conservative nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, spent its time feuding with Berlin and Paris on everything from the rule of law to arms contracts, the fight against the climate crisis, relations with Russia, and demands for second world war reparations.

There were earlier air pockets too, notably when the then French president Jacques Chirac reprimanded central European countries in 2003 by saying they had “ missed a good opportunity to shut up ” after they had signed a joint letter supporting the US-led invasion of Iraq. The Poles were long seen in Berlin and Paris as alarmist about Russia and too close to the US. With the benefit of hindsight, Macron acknowledged last year that France should have listened more to central Europe.

With a dynamic economy and a population of nearly 40 million, Poland is the largest and most influential central European state. Moreover, it is on its way to becoming a regional military power and a fortress against Russian aggression by spending more than 4% of its gross domestic product on defence. How Warsaw will pay for this arms bonanza remains to be seen.

Yet the country has punched below its weight in recent years because of Kaczyński’s obsession with picking fights with Berlin and Brussels for domestic political gain, and with playing off Washington against the EU.

Tusk, a former president of the European Council, is well positioned to play a greater role in EU leadership. He has the confidence of most of his central and eastern European peers, and is moving fast to mend Warsaw’s relations with Brussels and dismantle his predecessor’s capture of the judiciary and public media. He is also a trusted senior figure in the centre-right European People’s party, the EU’s dominant political family.

Whether Tusk is willing to join Berlin and Paris in their reform agenda for the EU, including taking more foreign policy decisions by majority vote instead of unanimity, is unclear. First he needs to consolidate his authority at home, defuse farmers’ protests over imports from Ukraine, and avert a comeback by PiS in local polls in April and European parliament elections in June. PiS would seize on any hint that Tusk’s centrist coalition was willing to yield Polish sovereignty by giving up a national veto on foreign policy and sanctions.

The Weimar Triangle was the brainchild of the former German foreign minister, Hans-Dietrich Genscher. It was established in 1991 to embrace post-communist Poland and help prepare it for EU membership. Genscher’s vision was to seal reconciliation between reunited Germany and newly democratic Poland by drawing Warsaw into the central Franco-German relationship that was the motor of the EU at the time.

It never really worked, not least because the French were unenthusiastic about enlarging the EU to the east, sensing that their influence in Brussels would wane, while the Germans would bank the economic benefits. Having cast off communism, the Poles opted for shock therapy and a bare-knuckled form of capitalism rather than the dirigiste French version of social market economy. Fear of the “ Polish plumber ” – of eastern migrant workers undercutting western wages – was one reason why the French voted to reject an EU constitution in 2005.

Although French and German leaders and ministers have held regular Weimar format meetings with their Polish counterparts, the westerners were not receptive to Poland’s warnings of the looming threat from a revisionist Russia. Germany’s headlong pursuit of closer energy ties with Moscow, bypassing both Poland and Ukraine, was typical of that failure to listen.

Ironically, Tusk now finds himself having to soothe strained relations between Paris and Berlin, which have been squabbling publicly over their degree of commitment to Ukraine, as well as European defence procurement, nuclear energy and common EU borrowing, making it harder for the EU to take decisions at a time of acute geopolitical stress.

With US military aid to Ukraine blocked by partisan feuding in Congress, Europe’s leading powers urgently need to overcome differences over arming Kyiv. Scholz and Macron each gave some ground at Friday’s meeting, backing a Czech initiative to procure hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition from outside the EU, while European production is insufficient to meet Ukrainian needs.

Gently chiding both Paris and Berlin, Tusk said, “Ukraine needs less talk and more ammo.” The leaders did not take questions. The triple handshake was the political message.

Friday’s meeting did not resolve differences over Scholz’s refusal to give Kyiv potentially gamechanging Taurus long-range cruise missiles, nor over Macron’s assertion that sending western troops to Ukraine should not be ruled out. However, they agreed to meet again in the Weimar format after the June European elections, when each of the three may have a freer hand to make progress both on arming Ukraine and on EU reform.

The risk is that by then Ukraine’s strategic position will have deteriorated further, and hard-right Eurosceptic nationalists will have gained a louder voice in the European parliament to oppose both further aid to Kyiv and closer European integration.

Paul Taylor is a senior fellow of the Friends of Europe thinktank and author of the report After the war: how to keep Europe safe

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Top 10 Europe Yacht Charter Destinations

With thousands of islands and thousands of miles of coastline, through 44 countries, on a europe yacht charter, there is a perfect destination for everyone.

A  Europe yacht charter is perfect for everyone with 44 countries to discover, although some are not surrounded by seas or oceans there are still plenty of  Europe yacht charter destinations. The major seas in Europe include the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, English Channel, bays of the Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, the Barents Sea, and many more.

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations with over 1/3 of the world’s tourists visiting the Mediterranean and the 23 countries it borders. No matter which country you visit the deep blue ocean and Mediterranean climate make the perfect  Europe yacht charter  destination.

Europe Yacht Charter

On a Europe yacht charter , all 30 countries in Europe which have a sea border are different, it is one of the most culturally diverse sea regions in the world, with a large number of different languages spoken, a variety of coastline landscapes, and diverse traditional cultures located throughout.

Sailing on a Europe yacht charter has a country for everyone from beginner sailing areas to advanced long stretches of open ocean for professional sailors. The water temperature depending on the geographic location and location in Europe, which make it an ideal sea for swimming, snorkelling, and discovering the underwater world, with a variety of marine life as well as the land which surrounds it, which is great for a Europe yacht charter.

1. Portugal

2. sardinia, 4. amalfi coast, 5. montenegro, 7. balearic islands, 10. tenerife, historic sites, beautiful beaches, and delicious foods, the portuguese coastline has it all..

Portugal Coastline. Portugal is a country that borders Spain in Europe. The country has over 1000km of Atlantic Ocean coastline along with the Azores archipelago located off the coastline. On Europe yacht charter in Portugal , visitors can experience the towns and cities along the coastlines, such as Lisbon, the Algarve, Porto, and other quiet towns and villages. Portugal has mild winds and at certain times of the years quite a swell, making it a great place for surfing and other activites on a Europe yacht charter. 

Great Sailing Destination.  Portugal is a great Europe yacht charter destination, with a mild climate and lots to explore. Located in the Atlantic Ocean Portugal has favourable winds, with changeable winds, and occasionally calm. Lisbon is the countries capital city and is home to some of the best regattas in the world. With many prestigious events beginning or ending in the city and country including the Tall Ships Races, Volvo Ocean Race, the Clipper around the world regatta, TP/52 Audi Med Cup, and the Centenary of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF). 

The sand has that beautiful white colour that you can mostly find in the Caribbean and the sea the bluest blue.

Sardinia. Sardinia is a beautiful Italian island and a large island in the Mediterranean. With over 1,100 miles of rugged Mediterranean coastline filled with traditional villages and charming harbours, it is an idyllic Europe yacht charter destination. Sardinia is the perfect place for sailors of all abilities, to explore and discover what the island has to offer on a Europe yacht charter.

Sailing in Sardinia.  There is no better way to discover the real Sardinia than sailing; the most beautiful beaches and bays of the Costa Smeralda wait for you to explore them. Either you prefer a flotilla or a bareboat charter, Sardinia is great for every type of Europe yacht charter, to discover the hidden beauties of the island.

Idyllic beaches, secluded anchorages, and quaint fishing villages.

Malta. On a Europe yacht charter, you can discover an island off the coast of Sicily, in the Mediterranean, 80km (50miles) off the coast of southern Italy and 284km (176miles) off the coast of Tunisia. Malta is filled with history, culture, colourful buildings, turquoise oceans, sandy beaches, and vibrant resort towns. Malta and its surrounding islands of Gozo and Comino have been long forgotten as tourist or sailing destinations, with many sailors and visitors choosing other nearby popular areas instead. With coastal and port cities to explore, high-class hotels and restaurants as well as great beaches to be explored Malta has something for everyone.

Great Sailing Destination. Malta is also a great destination for a Europe yacht charter, with the unspoiled coastline, good anchorages many of which are remote and secluded. Malta is made up of beautiful coastal towns, villages, some of the best beaches in the world, coves, turquoise waters, and historic cities. All these locations are the perfect stop on a Europe yacht charter, with beaches, islands, delicious restaurants, and picturesque locations.

Beautifully coloured houses located within a UNESCO heritage site surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea.

The Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast is a 50 kilometer stretch of southern Italy’s Mediterranean coastline, ideal for a Europe yacht charter. This area was given UNESCO World Heritage heritage recognition thanks to its historic landmarks, beautiful houses, and it’s place in history. The Amalfi Coast and its heritage status have attracted visitors from all over the world to its colorful houses, with the colours of majolica domes, bougainvillea, carnations pergolas, and whitewashed houses.

Picturesque Landscapes . The Amalfi Coast isn’t all about beautifully coloured houses and hilltops, it is also a great place to begin a Europe yacht charter with lots of surrounding places to discover;

• Salerno – A beautiful town with narrow streets and medieval churches.
• Sorrento  – Coves, cliffs, inlets, and spectacular views of the Bay of Naples.
• Procida – A small island with lemon groves and pastel coloured houses.
• Ischia  – A small island often referred to as the ‘island of eternal youth’ with mud baths and thermal mineral reserves.
• Capri  – Considered ‘one of the most beautiful places on earth’, with a rocky and rugged coastline, modern boutiques, and Blue Grotto Cave.
• Salerno  – Filled with historic sites and great food options.
• Naples – A picturesque town with museums, churches, and the birthplace of pizza and spaghetti, along with the Mount Vesuvius volcano.
• Positano  – A fishing hamlet with colourful staircases and whitewashed houses.
• Pompeii – One of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, along with Roman towns, baths, and temples.

A beautiful stretch of the Mediterranean coastline with world-class cuisine, bars, and boutique shops.

Europe Yacht Charter. Montenegro is located in the Mediterranean bordering Croatia. It is a country filled with over 300 km of rugged coastline in the Adriatic. On a Montenegro charter, you can discover beautiful beaches, walled cities with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient mountain fortresses, islands, and hidden coves.

Great Places To Visit. Montenegro is filled with Venetian fortresses, old town, walled cities, mountains to hike, hidden beaches, the pebble beaches in Dobrec, and the party atmosphere at Ploce beach. In Montenegro there is the added possibility to of traveling north to Croatia, to combine the two countries in one itinerary on a Europe yacht charter.

Croatia is one of the world's favourite yacht charter destinations.

Croatia Sailing. Croatia has quickly become a go-to Europe yacht charter destination, with over 1,000 islands, and a large coastline as well as natural wonders, historical sites, clear waters, perfect sunsets, and is filled with ample possibilities. Sailing in Croatia can take you to Mljet Island National Park to hike or bike, a 12th-century Benedictine monastery St Mary in Dubrovnik, Hvar’s stylish medieval architecture or Korcula’s incredible hospitality.

Europe Yacht Charter. Croatia has something for everyone, with idyllic sailing conditions, warm waters and weather as well as islands and beaches to relax on. The major problem with visiting Croatia is deciding what itinerary you want to take.

A great place to stop for calamari and a dip in Porto Katsiki.

The Balearic Islands. One of the best places for a Europe yacht charter is in the Balearic Islands, with the islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera. Each island has its own unique and wonderful sites to see and experiences to be had.

Mallorca. As the largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is the perfect spot and is one of the best places to sail in the summer. Mallorca’s landscape is diverse and with over 340 miles of coastline, it features some of the most beautiful beaches and coves in the world.

Ibiza.  Ibiza is another one of the best places to go on a Europe yacht charter as it is an island with many personalities. It is one of the few places in the world where visitors’ can find top-notch nightclubs amidst extraordinary natural beauty, and deep-rooted local tradition, Ibiza should be on everyone’s radar. Appointed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Ibiza Town Port, Dalt Vila, is a wonderfully preserved center of Ibizan history and heritage.

A great sailing destination for everyone.

Europe Yacht Charter. The Turkish Riviera is a 1,000 mile stretch of coastline, with green mountains, crystal clear waters, historic sites, and superb beaches. From diving in Antalya, the archaeological site of Ephesus, the vibrant city of Fethiye, Ölüdeniz lagoon, and the medieval castle, and underwater museum in Bodrum. There are plenty of must-visit sites to see on a   Europe yacht charter plus great sailing conditions, warm weather, world-class diving, and snorkelling.

Some of the most photographed and picturesque islands in the Mediterranean.

The Cyclades.  The Cyclades are home to some of the most photographed and famous islands in Europe. The Cyclades are laid out in a circle correlation, making it easy to go from one to another on a Mediterranean yacht charter. Made up of 2,200 individual islands, of which only 25 islands are populated. Here you’ll find classic Greek culture, rich history, and gorgeous scenery. Whitewashed buildings are in abundance against the stunning deep blue sea and delicious Mediterranean food to try on a Mediterranean yacht charter.

Islands To Visit. The Cyclades are one of the best places to sail in on a Mediterranean yacht charter thanks to its variety of islands to explore and discover. The main islands in the collection worth visiting are:

• Paros – White sand beaches, ancient monuments, and small Greek villages.
• Sifnos – Beachfront towns with cobbled streets.
• Folegandros – An adventure lovers paradise with plenty of hikes and adventures.
• Santorini – The most famous island with whitewashed buildings and blue roofs.
• Amorgos – One of the most serene islands with antiquity and quiet towns.
• Kythnos – An island with beautiful flowers, blue waters, and the Katafiki Cave in Dryopida.
• Syros – Small beautifully colored buildings on a quiet island.
• Mykonos – The islands perfect whitewashed architecture, with the Old Port Harbour and Aghia Anna Bay beach.
• Kea – With a beautiful natural harbour, ancient ruins, quaint towns within a cosmopolitan feel.
• Sounion – Home to the Temple of Poseidon – the Greek Goddess of Sea.

Other islands in the collection are Ios, Anafi, Andors, Antiparos, Delos, Milos, Naxos, and Thira among others.

One of the Canary Islands referred to as the island of eternal spring.

The Canary Islands. Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands and is one of the most popular islands. Tenerife is a volcanic island with endless mountain ranges all over the island. Each year millions of tourists descend on the island for holidays, to sail and to explore what the island has to offer on a Europe yacht charter.

Information. Tenerife is often referred to as the ‘island of eternal spring’, which makes it a great place to sail on a Europe yacht charter, with desirable sailing conditions. Tenerife and the Canary Islands are ideal places to sail and explore on a Europe yacht charter, with a large number of events throughout the year including the famous Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife which takes place every February.

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I didn't think sailing with my family would be so much fun...

Sailing for the first time.

Everything went smooth, the paper processing, special requests and the specs of tht check-in procedure. Boat was also in good shape, so no complaints and a worry free holiday...

We had a great experience with booking through sailchecker.

Informative and looked for the best value for our family. Very good customer service on this side and in Greece. Great boat and skipper...

Fantastic holiday from start to finish.

They were very responsive and very quick to answer questions via email and instant chat. They had extensive knowledge of the area...

We will most definitely use their services for our next bareboat sailing vacation.

Sailchecker were professional from start to finish - and were awesome dealing with a problem! Our first Yacht had serious issues and sail checker helped us to resolve it...

They are easy to deal with, straightforward and honest and I would recommend them to anyone planning a charter holiday.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, Kate and her colleagues at Sailchecker have performed brilliantly. They have been considerate and highly efficient in re-organising our Turkey charter and also provided lots of assistance in getting our Yacht Security Deposit insurance policy transferred to match our revised charter dates.

Truly worthy of a 5 star rating!

Would I go sailing again? OMG yes! Sailing is the perfect family holiday. Boys loved the activities, I enjoy relaxing as well...

Sailchecker.com arranged a sailing cruise her family of 2 sons, daughter & hubby in the BVI with their own.

It was sail in the day… party at night. We couldn't have wanted a better skipper or a Spring Break!  Good times...

Arranged for 6 friends to sail Spring Break in the British Virgin Islands for under $500 each.

All bookings and confirmations was always accurate with no delays. Our boat was also fabulously maintained and the Skipper new the area extremely well...

Everything was down to the tee.

Rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 215 reviews on Trustpilot

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Route Planner

Plan your sailing route.

Planning your sailing route is an important part of preparing for a sailing trip. There are various reasons why it is recommended to plan your route in advance. To begin with, choosing your sailing itinerary ensures your safety while out at sea. By researching and planning your route in advance, you may discover hazards such as rocks or shallow waters and avoid them, thereby keeping yourself and your passengers safe. Furthermore, choosing your route before your sailing trip permits you to visit all places you want and to make the most of your time aboard . This is particularly important if you are on a tight schedule or on a short trip.

Sailing Route Planner Tutorial

With our interactive boat route planner, you can plan your sailing trip down to the smallest detail. Our route planner tool allows you to choose your starting point and draw your desired sailing route. Once you're finished, the distance will be automatically calculated, and you can choose to have the sailing route sent to your email. Additionally, the boat route planner displays the coordinates of your starting and finishing points, so you can always know your exact location using your onboard instruments. Our boat route planner is the perfect tool to ensure the safety of your sailing trip. 

Click on the video on the right and see an example of how to plan your own sailing route.

Don't lose your route , receive it on your e-mail.

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