bureaucracy!!

Philippides III
Chris & Carol Jackson
Mon 19 Apr 2010 12:55
All well until this morning when I went to the Port Police to check out, the guy said big problem as the boat is registered in Jersey and Channel Islands not in EU. After more than 2 hours of traipsing back and forth between Customs and Port Police, we finally get the ok to clear out for Italy today, back to the boat and a look at the Navtex tells us of Gale force Westerly winds for tomorrow. We left the Town Quay and motored back to Cleopatra Marina where we shall have to stay until the weather forecast is ok, probably the day after tomorrow, does that mean we are 'illegal' for not leaving today or do they understand the vagaries of the weather, one thing is for sure, I am not going back to the Port Police, I think most people ignore the rules and get away with it. Add to all that hassle the fact that it is pouring with rain and we are both wet through. The Australian couple came to view the boat this morning, nice couple, seem keen, they did not fly especially from Australia to see the boat, they are here anyway on their boat which they think they have sold. Still no flights in or out of UK, wonder if Arthur, our crew will get out to Sicily ok, if not its just the two of us to get p3 to Portugal, if still no flights when we reach Portugal we might as well sail all the way home, interesting times.
Chris
 
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