Hi, having cruised 4500 miles of the med in the last 2 years, I found the Greek authorities to be quite good. I'm sorry to tell you that you spoke to the wrong agency for TEAPI - Coast Guard - and not customs. I think you mentioned that. You really can't blame them for that. Probably wise to get a Greek agent next time. They're really not very expensive and can sort out all the issues. Weeks in Turkey, be sure to watch over any skilled work you may need performed. It's the only way to assure you'll get what you expect.
Yes, you are right about most of that. The problem is often an single person and when we entered Greece we had a female in Corfu (port authority) that refused me entry based on the proof of the Tepai payment, even though the Customs officer was happy that my invoices were fine. They actually had an argument over the phone and even though he told her to accept it, she refused and sent me away to get other documents online... In Rhodes again, one Port Authority guy on check out did not accept the paperwork that was accepted the day before for check in because the Customs had kept one of the pages..... But you are absolutely right about the agents making things easier. Turkey was 30 mins to get in and 11 mins to leave (with agents though....)
Love Turkey and the exploring the ancient ruins is an experience never to forget. Diving or snorkeling through the sunken city ruins is amazing and I would highly recommend it. Your video brought back some great memories.
In my mind, the jury is out on the forward cockpit. The Aventura 50 PC has such a huge fwd cockpit that a wave over the bow would likely sink it. The Leopard 53 PC has a small fwd cockpit for access only, no seating, and doesn't pose any real danger. So "size matters". Do you really want a pool on your bow in a 50 knot storm. You know ship happens
Hi Ahmin, yes you are quite right that the volume of the froward cockpit is important and the speed that it will drain. We are keeping ours like the Leopard 50 that has the double lounger on one side taking up space so it will be low volume.
@@mikepayne1350 Ignore my original (deleted) comment . I was busy commenting on the Aventura 50PC (Navel gazing.....) and mistook your remarks to be referring to that. Yes, your 45 Leopard forward cockpit is not to big to pose much danger. Unlike the Aventura 50 PC
I love Greece but this bureaucratic paranoia is part of why i left the country 26 years ago and just visit in summers. Sorry you had to experience that. Nice to see you together. Also, I have been hesitant to say this publicly, but having lost a brother to suicide, i want to thank you for your fundraising on Patreon. After several years, I'm hoping to do the out of the darkness walk again in 2024.
Dear Constantine, we do not love Greece any less, we just don't like doing the bureaucracy as we go along... Thank you for sharing your story and we too have lived experience. For those of us that are left behind, it is important for all of us to be courageous and share our stories so the taboos are broken down and more folk find individuals to share their desperation at their hour of need. It is isolation and inability to get understanding that is a major factor in action being taken. Did you get any support after your loss and we are always here for you. Love, John and Eli
Thanks so much you guys! It was a while ago but it's a wound that i don't think will ever heal completely. Maybe my rediscovery of sailing is in lieu of therapy. 🙂 John, you replied to me a while back, "you don't need to own a boat to sail, Constantine". You were right. I took your advice seriously and am back on the water whenever time permits. So thanks again! I don't think I've ever liked people I haven't met in person as much as I like you two!
It shows how much we have the wrong people in charge in many countries. this whole Port clearance thing is something we are all battling with.. For what? the odd sailor that leaves without paying?? Its all about money.and control
Thanks for the comment Walter! It reminds me of the movie "Hitchhiker's Guide toe the Galaxy" where the universe was going to end but the aliens needed to have a form signed and stamped before they would do anything. There may be a financial incentive but the individuals get no benefit so I think it is cultural and ego based....
Many thanks, Rick. It is important for others to be prepared when they get into these borders to know what to expect.... Funnily enough, Turkey was really easy, even though their officials are historically very severe too. However, the Greeks are never going to learn lessons from the Turks!
Welcome to Greece it’s always fun there. The laws there are not uniform. Certain places are really tuff by the book and certain areas are very lax. It’s like a box of chocolates you never know what you are going to get.
Had my share of bad experience with Greece be autocracy, which makes you think that the cradle of civilization stayed in the cradle and did not grow up
Hi, I'm Back, did u miss me?🤣 Its so wonderful to see the smiles on ur faces. The boat is looking good enough to eat, she's a credit to u both. Turkey is an incredibly stunning place, thanks for the History, I did not know Cleopatra had lived there. Now about food it is very important to my mental health, so I best be visiting wherever u go (hint). ? The little table in the front cockpit, does it come off or fold down at all. Eli, John, ur both looking fantastic, healthy and happy, makes me very happy too. Lots love ur fav Aussie 🇦🇺🐨😲 oh how is ur new Granbaby and family hope their doing well. What is bubs name, if that's ok.
Hi Karlene, yes we were starting to get worried worried about you again.... Front cockpit table folds down, grand babies are Victor and Angus (the newborn) and we will be coming back to Aus for Xmas to spend some time with them again. What are the dates of your flights over???? 😂Glad we are looking well and thanks for the nice words!!! It was really easy cruising in Turkey - such a lot of very well protected anchorages, crystal clear water (usually) and very friendly and safe place. Most people's perceptions is that it is dangerous, restrictive, unpleasant etc - Turkey is coming up as the BEST place to cruise for us - certainly in Europe and close to the top in the world!!! Obviously the Bahamas is spectacular in a different way but Turkey is so EASY, cheap, helpful people etc...
@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 Wow one of the best sailing spots in the world (Turkey) that's a big call😲, don't think for 1 sec ur both going to live there. Ok!!! Australia needs u, ur family needs u, I need u🤣. It would be a dream come true if I could fly to u both, but my arms would get very tired, and to be honest I'm not cashed up for ur lifestyle. So I'm happy to just be apart of ur well deserved adventures through RU-vid. Great that ur coming home for Xmas. Be safe the Universe is protecting u both 🌈🐋🐳 where is our P52 being built, I forgot, is it Turkey or Greece or Napal🤣
Black fenders? Cool idea, I always saw white fenders alone (that get dirty very fast) or covered. Any drawbacks in having them black (too hot under the sun, stain on boat...)??
Hi Claudio, yes the main drawback is that with strong compression they do leave stains on the gel coat (but so do white ones as they get dirty fast)...
We were hoping that it is not that preplanned by the authorities but as Greece was financially so struggling, maybe you are right!!! Thanks for commenting, Vade.
Dear Aytan, thanks for the comment and Turkey was LOVELY to get through the formalities. It took 30 minutes going in and 11 minutes when we left!!!! AMAZING!!!! We did have to use an agent but that cost E90 +100 for the in and out and every month (and part month) we have to pay E109 for the cruising permit in Greece - so they are fleecing us at every turn!!!! We loved Turkey and are considering getting a longer term visa to do longer time there next year!
In your opinion which age you think (for an average healthy person/couple) can live a lifestyle like yours : meaning extensive boat life without outside crew/captain?
Dear Claudio, great question! The number is not important but the lv3el of fitness and ability is all that matters. I came across a 76 year old sailing single handed around the world when I was cruising the South Pacific so the number does not matter... However, my advice would still be to get out as fast as you can on the boat that is not ideal if necessary - one of the Purdeys said "Start cheap, start small, start NOW!"
It certainly is lot more complex than it was when I was sailing the Med in 1984!!! No certificates of competence, almost no fees and helpful officials.... The different individuals interpret the rules differently too.
Hi Pred, it was a test and you passed - well done! Actually I previously had a longer clip where the Kinetic 54 was listed but that clip was cut and only the references were kept in - and the original reference was lost. Good on you for recognising it as a Kinetic and it was my oversight...
Hi Jim, thanks for the comment again! The Turks were really easy and pleasant and all this stuff was in Greece - and they were on our side in the war/s!
Hello! I love your vids and your spirit. May I respectfully say that looking at you with sunglaces is … weired! Take them off when talking to us! Cheers
Oh thank you for bringing that up for us Philippe! We are sorry and will try to make sure that any significant talking is done with sunglasses off... My sunnies are refractive so I can't focus without them or my other ones but thanks for the advice and we will do!
