Post by chuckr on Aug 2, 2019 15:26:06 GMT
In our life cruising the EU is a matter of working within the rules of Schengen. When we left Egypt and headed to Italy we anchored out a few places and eventually needed to check into the EU and decided to do so in Vibo Valentia. There are 2 marinas inside that that privately owned and we chose Marina Stella Del Sud. Calling on the VHF they met us with a dink and directed us to and helped us into a slip. The marina is run by the a family with Angela Marcellino, a Canadian, is the chief in charge and a great lady. Along with her family they run a very efficient and effective marina. There is a nice bar that even the folks at the other marina come over and drink in.
Angela gave us the run down on how to check in to the EU and made sure all went well. She made more than a few calls on our behalf with the appropriate officials and made sure we were legal. She also gave us tips on a phone carrier and sent us to a local phone store for both internet and a phone and called them to tell them we were coming. The phone store did not speak English but all we did say Angela sent us and that was all it took. In fact mentioning Angela's name anywhere in town and service improves.
When we went to leave the motor just did not turn over. The battery was full and we even added more juice via the solar panels. Still a no start. I called the marina and almost immediately had an electrician on board who dx it as a bad starter. He pulled the starter and took it to his shop to rebuild and returned to info us that is was shot. He ordered us a new one and Angela made sure he knew the urgency. It was a Friday and with the weekend we had a chance to explore the city and of course the great Italian cooking. On Tuesday the starter arrived and we were out immediately.
Of the 2 marinas there Marina Stella Del Sud is by far the most efficient and helpful.