Changes to visa regulations for non-EU boaters are being sought in an attempt to boost the economy. Sailors from outside the EU are currently limited to cruising in EU waters for just 90 days out of every 180.
CA member Kingsley Ross believes that this is forcing boaters to spend more money in countries outside the Shengen area, the 26 mainland EU countries that allow freedom of movement with no passports.
Migrant traffickers cause alarm for boaters in the Mediterranean.
Cruising Association members have reported that small yachts are being chased by boats carrying migrants from Libya to Europe.
An estimated 600,000 migrants are waiting to cross from Libya to Europe. Under the cover of darkness, boats leave the African continent full of desperate refugees but the CA is advising boaters in the area to be wary, stand clear and inform the relevant Search and Rescue service.
Boaters in the Ionian Sea have reported aggressive guards on the island of Skorpios.
Skippers that venture too close to the islands of Skorpios and Sparti, which lies 2km north, are being met with armed guards, which are employed by the new Russian owner, Ekaterina Rybolovleva.
Greek law states that anything more than 10 meters from the beach is public land, so boats are legally allowed to anchor by the island.
However, guards may be acting under the Right to Privacy Law, which could be used to allow security teams to keep onlookers at bay.
Discover one of the sunniest cruising coastlines in Europe – a blend of cultures, friendly people and a laid back atmosphere - on board an 8-berth Jeanneau 45.
Cyclone Pam has ploughed through Vanuatu's many islands causing severe devastation.
Cruising sailors, including many CA members, have been given a warm welcome by these hospitable islanders, and we think it appropriate that we should help them now in their great need.
Please see the newsletter attached below for details of how you can help.
