Having to Leave Cyprus

Yachtforeverfreedom
Sat 27 Feb 2010 06:12
> Not sure how to post this but felt that it might be useful to cruisers considering a berth in Cyprus - even temporaryily. We are presently in St. Raphael Marina, Limassol, Cyprus, on a monthly contract. We were informed yesterday morning, 26th Feb, that we must leave on 1st Mar as our berth is needed for another yacht. No complaint - we knew this might happen when we returned to Cyprus for repairs at the end of October, whilst on the Vasco da Gama Rally - this is notwithstanding that we had an annual contract here 2004-2009. The berthing situation throughout Cyprus is dire - Latchi and Paphos Harbours are full with no vacancies, as are Larnaca and St. Raphael Marinas. Luckily the weather forecast for the trip to Turkey on Monday is reasonable, and there is a full moon. The new Limassol Marina will not be completed for 3 years and other developments will take even longer. A Swedish boat which arrived today from Egypt has been told they must move by Monday also. Cruisers thinking of using Cyprus as a stop-over to and from Port Said are advised to think of other arrangements.