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Post by alenka on Apr 24, 2020 20:24:43 GMT
Latest information from northern Greece ( Porto Lagos /Tsukas boat yard) boats will be put back in the water from 25th May - of course it may change but this what my friends has been told today Greece’s Minister of Tourism Harry Theocharis said that Greek authorities are mulling the introduction of a ”Health Passport” which will serve as proof that an individual is not suffering from the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The Minister said that Greece will only have a three-month tourist season this year, between July and September, but added that if the situation develops positively, then the “shoulder season” months of October and November might see an increased number of tourists in the country.
However, the biggest challenge for the tourism-dependent country will be to determine who will be able to enter Greece and how.
Minister Theocharis said that there is an ongoing discussion at the European Union level to determine the ways in which EU citizens will be allowed to go on vacations this year.
Brussels’ aim is to provide a credible test for every individual who wishes to go on summer holidays anywhere in Europe.
This test will have to be conducted by the member-state of origin of the traveler, before he or she boards an airplane or any other means of transport.
It is still unclear at this point whether non-EU nationals will be allowed to visit the country at all this summer or not.This is probably wishful thinking by the Greeks but talking to the office at Cleopatra Marina (Preveza) they could see no reason to put back our launch scheduled for 3rd June. If only British Airways hadn't cancelled the flight! It would be slightly less bitter if BA also stopped messing me around and gave a refund!!
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Post by jy51 on Apr 28, 2020 11:39:11 GMT
Regarding reaching Greece, or any other European Country, I have been reading as much as possible on the current travel situation, this can change by the hour, let alone the day! But from what I have read and understood, it seems that the EU Commission and Council agreed on March 17, in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus, to seal off the external borders of the Schengen and EU territory. Since then the EU commission invited the Schengen Member States and the Schengen Associated States to prolong the travel restriction on non-essential travel from third countries into the EU+ area until 15 May 2020. Any further prolongation of this period will be assessed, depending on developments of the epidemiological situation.
So basically, this means that closure of the Schengen region to non essential people from third Countries will be reviewed in May, although I have read somewhere that Spain had spoken of September, while France has said it would extend the non essential movement of people from outside the Schengen Region until the end of October, I believe this is a good indicator of times to come.
The European internal borders, recently introduced, by each member state are a separate issue altogether. I believe the decisions to reopen will be assessed not only on medical grounds, but also political considerations. Each Country will balance its own health and safety risks, against commercial considerations and the need to maintain the Schengen philosophy of freedom of movement. One would imagine that the Schengen council will be involved to maintain a level of solidarity by asking all members to reinstate the open border ideology at the same time if possible.,
This would lead one to hope, that internal borders will be short lived, compered to external ones. Spain, as an example, will probably like to reopen in time for the summer, especially, as like many of the southern European Countries, they rely heavily on tourism.
I image the problems faced by British boat and holiday home owners will be complicated. One would think that as EU members until the end of 2020, they would be included in the Schengen rules, which are common to all EU citizens. However, we have already seen the arguments brewing, some months ago when President Macron of France warned the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson that he would shut the border if the UK government did not undertake steps to toughen restrictive measures for controlling the coronavirus. The following day the UK introduced social distancing measures, although to be fair they did say this was not as a response to the French threat but from advice received from their medical advisers.
Yet, despite the EU members closing their external Schengen borders to non essential third Country travellers, the UK, still a member state, refused to do. I have tried to google information to clarify the current situation but other than the statement from the Foreign Office recommending no foreign travel for UK citizens until further notice, I have found nothing.
Back when France was making comments on the UK’s slow response, a statement was made by the Prime Minister Edouard Phillipe, roughly translated he said “Italy, France, Spain, perhaps other countries will do the same soon, chose confinement, it goes without saying that if states, namely neighbouring countries like the United Kingdom continue for much longer without such measures, then it’ll be difficult for us to allow entry to British citizens,”
So, if the UK still haven’t officially closed their borders to International travel ( please, someone tell me if you know differently) then the UK could be the weak link in the European desire to keep the external borders of Europe closed.
When the EU and its member states sit down to discuss reopening internal borders, they might come to the conclusion that as the UK, still, with an open border to the world, pose a risk to Europe, they might ban UK citizens access to the Schengen region.
Before someone says we have no idea, let’s just wait and see. My response would be that we need to discuss and evaluate the unfolding situation and be prepared, if it's looking highly unlikely that getting back to our boats for maybe another six months, then as individuals, we might need to make various arrangements, never knowing and just letting the situation to drag out would not be prudent. My own situation is slightly different, I am spending the lock down in the south of France and waiting for the Spanish internal Schengen border to reopen and sufficient restrictions lifted so I can drive back to my boat. But, I am evaluating the situation and how it will effect me and my decisions on a regular bases.
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Post by MalcolmP on Apr 28, 2020 12:58:03 GMT
Hi jy51
Very logical analysis and thoughts, which I fear are quite realistic. Just noticed you are based at SCM too, we had planned to move onto Sicily this year but will now be staying on there until 2021, with luck maybe get a cruise to Balearic's Sept/Oct but not holding my breath.
Malcolm
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Post by jy51 on Apr 28, 2020 13:33:55 GMT
Hi jy51 Very logical analysis and thoughts, which I fear are quite realistic. Just noticed you are based at SCM too, we had planned to move onto Sicily this year but will now be staying on there until 2021, with luck maybe get a cruise to Balearic's Sept/Oct but not holding my breath. Malcolm Yes, Malcolm, COCO is in the SCM boatyard having warranty work carried out from last years shake down cruise and I am hoping to get back there in June for a relaunch. Then sail out to the Balearics. I also hope all my friends still in the UK get the opportunity to come down and sail this summer. However, even if we all manage to get here, I do not expect a summer cruise as usual. With the Schengen borders remaining closed, every marina and every landing spot will becomes a potential port of entry. I can imaging that border control will be on high alert with yachts being boarded and checked regularly. Access to marinas will require proof of the last Schengen region port, and taking the dingy on a shopping run could involve a new level of control. The answer to all this extra restriction and control is to be well preprepared, with all the correct and up to date paperwork. I am preparing a sheet containing ships details along with a lists of full crew with passport information, these will be printed off in quantity and handed out to every official encountered. This is not something new, we always did this in the past but over the last few years have grow lazy as demand was never there to warrant the effort. This laziness also extended itself to becoming very lacked, in keeping an up to date ships log. I believe a well presented log in the future with details of past ports and marina receipts, will go alone way to pleasing these customs and border officials. Social distancing is not going away and most European countries are adapting the rule of wearing face masks in public. Although not yet a legal requirement in the UK, these will, more than likely be needed when berthing or picking up water or fuel from a marina. Falling within the most vulnerable group, my wife and I, have regrettable decided to keep strict social distancing rules, until a vaccine is up and running, sadly, we have decided to stay well clear of any gatherings which, unfortunately will include bars and restaurants, the bedrock of summer Mediterranean life and the life blood of small towns like Sant Carles. Looking on the bright side we have our boat to offer total social distancing, our cockpit to accommodate relaxed meals with evenings spent whiling away the hours watching the sunset with that final glass of our favourite rosé de Provence and of course our swimming pool, the warm blue clear waters of the Mediterranean.
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Post by vasko on Apr 28, 2020 15:48:09 GMT
For the part of us which want to get to Greece (or at least my personal plan) - Bulgaria has opened for flights from UK two days ago - e.g. my plan is : flight to Sofia , (stay two weeks on a villa to self isolate to make sure we did not catch anything during our time in the airport and flight - and car to Athens and ferry to Syros - plan should be executed about the end May to which point should be clear when the ferries will accept non islanders to travel to the islands..,,
For people which boats are on main land - plan can be executed earlier..,
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Post by vasko on Apr 28, 2020 15:52:26 GMT
re ships log : my one is autogenerated from my boat-vitals devices snd I can show it on my phone or tablet anytime it is required
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Post by jy51 on Apr 29, 2020 10:19:45 GMT
For the part of us which want to get to Greece (or at least my personal plan) - Bulgaria has opened for flights from UK two days ago - e.g. my plan is : flight to Sofia , (stay two weeks on a villa to self isolate to make sure we did not catch anything during our time in the airport and flight - and car to Athens and ferry to Syros - plan should be executed about the end May to which point should be clear when the ferries will accept non islanders to travel to the islands..,, For people which boats are on main land - plan can be executed earlier.., Vasko, I assume you have a Bulgarian passport, which will probably aid and simplify your access to Bulgaria a member state of the EU. However, once there you will face the Schengen boarder restrictions, imposed by Greece. Similar to my own problems, in gaining access to Spain. France has just announced their first phase in returning to some kind of normality, to start from the 11 May. This will include, driving no more than 100 Kilometres without paperwork that would give legitimacy to the journey. Beaches and Bars will definitely be closed until the 1 June. I can understand the wish to stop people from moving around from a highly infected region to a low infected region, however, driving across France in one day to exit the country might still be deemed acceptable, if the borders are open of course and that is a further problem, it just seems to get more and more complicated. I think you need to keep an eye on those car ferries; the end of May might still see many obstacles stoping you access your boat.
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Post by alenka on Apr 29, 2020 11:33:35 GMT
The last word I received from Greece was that the islands are closed to all except on medical grounds.
Aegean Airways are only offering vouchers saying flights are not cancelled so they don't have to give refunds. They fail to mention that only medical personnel and freight are currently allowed on the flights, so anyone else able to turn up at the airport would probably be denied boarding!
The medical expertise in Greece is very high but I doubt that they have any amount of ventilators or specialised equipment for treating victims. Which has made me wonder if and when the borders open would I really want to come down with the virus in Greece. No one knows just how each of us would react to the infection.
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Post by vasko on Apr 29, 2020 11:34:45 GMT
For the part of us which want to get to Greece (or at least my personal plan) - Bulgaria has opened for flights from UK two days ago - e.g. my plan is : flight to Sofia , (stay two weeks on a villa to self isolate to make sure we did not catch anything during our time in the airport and flight - and car to Athens and ferry to Syros - plan should be executed about the end May to which point should be clear when the ferries will accept non islanders to travel to the islands..,, For people which boats are on main land - plan can be executed earlier.., Vasko, I assume you have a Bulgarian passport, which will probably aid and simplify your access to Bulgaria a member state of the EU. However, once there you will face the Schengen boarder restrictions, imposed by Greece. Similar to my own problems, in gaining access to Spain. France has just announced their first phase in returning to some kind of normality, to start from the 11 May. This will include, driving no more than 100 Kilometres without paperwork that would give legitimacy to the journey. Beaches and Bars will definitely be closed until the 1 June. I can understand the wish to stop people from moving around from a highly infected region to a low infected region, however, driving across France in one day to exit the country might still be deemed acceptable, if the borders are open of course and that is a further problem, it just seems to get more and more complicated. I think you need to keep an eye on those car ferries; the end of May might still see many obstacles stoping you access your boat. Yep in my case I currently have UK and Bulgarian passport and able to acquire German and Greek one if needed ... But I do not think there will be a problem to cross BG/GR border with any passport that do not require VISA for Greece - is is about which border is crossed - and there are already negotiated rules re COVID-19 crossings between the Balkan countries for the summer - keep in mind that the whole northern Greece is relaying on Bulgarians to survive - also most of the Greek population there has their companies, cars, bank accounts in Bulgaria... The main issue that I can see is that the travel should be done by car and you need to get access to a car in Bulgaria to travel to Greece..
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Post by alenka on Apr 29, 2020 18:48:41 GMT
My latest info from Greece.
As you may know yesterday evening our Prime Minister has made an announcement about easing the lock down measures in Greece. Below you can find the schedule that has been published which is due to changes depending on the situation. Unfortunately we have no information yet about borders or when traveling to the islands will be possible but it is expected to be some time in June, as always we will keep you updated.
Monday the 4th of May 2020: 1) Movement in one's district of origin/residency will be permitted normally and without a written declaration or sms to the authorities.
2) Public transport: There will be additional vehicles working per route but from 07:00 to 10:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00 they will only be used by people moving to/from work In general private vehicle usage is advised instead of public transport.
3) The following retail shops will open at 10:00am and in cases with extended working hours: -Bookstores -Opticals -Sport equipment -Flower shops -Shoe stores -Hear aiding shops
The rules that will be applied in all the above cases are: - 2 meters distance between each other - For stores up to 20m² up to 4 people inside at the same time For stores from 20m² to 100m² 4 people + 1 per 10m² For stores above 100m² 12 people + 1 per 15m² - Protective masks must be used from both customers and employees - No elevator usage is permitted (exception only when the store has no escalator and there is a need to use the elevator with only 40% of it's capacity)
4) Hairdressers and beauty salons will also start working only by appointment Monday to Friday 07:00-22:00 and Saturdays 07:00-21:00
5) Churches and other temples will be open only for personal worship and with only 10 people permitted in total inside.
6) Exercise in open spaces and beaches (not the organized ones, only free beaches) will be allowed but always by keeping distance from each other.
Monday the 11th of May 2020: 1) Schools will start opening gradualy
2) All remaining retails shops will open with the same rules as above.
3) Relax rules for Churches and other temples
Monday the 18th of May 2020: Depending on how the situation is, on that day movement outside of one's district of origin/residency will be permitted but there is no clarification about the islands.
Monday the 25th of May 2020: 1) Archaeological open spaces (with strong suggestion of using a protective mask)
2) Zoos and botanical gardens (no shows allowed)
Working hours from 10:00am and in cases with extended working hours
Monday the 1st of June 2020: 1) Shopping malls with the same rules as the retail stores
2) All restaurants and cafes in open spaces but with the following rules: - 2 meters distance between each table and up to 4 people per table - Protective one-use gloves and masks should be used by both customers and employees - Maximum 1 customer per 3m²
Also during June hotels will start opening too along with cinemas and other entertainment facilities, sports centers, organized beaches, inside restaurants and cafes but always with the same protection rules as above.
As we already mentioned above, depending on how the virus situation will evolve in Greece the above measures could change. The Greek government along with the relevant health services will be monitoring and evaluating the situation daily and will adjust them as necessary.
As soon as we have more information on borders and traveling to the islands we will immediately let you know.
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Post by MalcolmP on May 12, 2020 6:53:00 GMT
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Post by jy51 on May 12, 2020 8:27:18 GMT
That made very interesting, if not disturbing news, Malcolm. To think we used to use that old sailing expression any port in a storm. I recall a story, very relevant to this, while living on our boat. It was 2009 and we were over wintering in Portugal, In the same marina was a very interesting elderly American couple who had circumnavigated a number of times and were now resting on what was a very small and old yacht obviously in need of urgent maintenance. Unnoticed for a number of years, they were eventually approached by the authorities and told they had to leave immediately, as they were being classed as illegal immigrants, having out lived their visa access rules. Anyone who knows the Portuguese Atlantic cost will understand that in the middle of winter the weather can be treacherous, with very rough seas and gigantic swell running. The wife was not well, so they decided that she would fly back to the States and the husband in his eighties would single handedly sail the boat out of the EU region to Morocco. Unfortunately arriving at his destination, tired, confused and unwell he hit a rock while trying to enter a port and the boat was lost, the only happy part of this story was that he survived and was rescued. This incident stayed with me and opened my eyes to how unjust and how uncaring bureaucracy can be. It seems eleven years later and nothing has changed.
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Post by alex1949 on May 12, 2020 12:08:03 GMT
Hi folks. Covid sailing & cruising here in Israel.
Most of restrictions are off now and life starts crawling towards normal.
All sea sport activities are allowed and we are all spending sea time as much as we can grasp.
Weather here is at its best.
Our ports are not yet opened for non locals and the 14 days lockdown is still enforced. Cruisers leaving the Suez canal Egypt are not yet welcomed at our marinas.
We all wonder here whether the Corona will continue going down as it does now or maybe we are looking for a new wave.
People are voting loudly allowing life back to normal willing to take all Corona risks and since local health system managed to control the disease quite successfully, no doubt we will go this way. Life back to normal probably does not include us the seniors, 70 and up. Looks like we should learn how to keep relatively isolated if we want to keep out of problems. If Corona is a must , you better-off do not belong to our age group. I myself sail with one single friend that keep all rules and avoid all others that used to sail with me weekly.A 40' sailboat does not support an acceptable separation that is going to be a day to day major demand. Whish you all the best, back onboard.
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Post by MalcolmP on May 12, 2020 13:30:13 GMT
That made very interesting, if not disturbing news, Malcolm. To think we used to use that old sailing expression any port in a storm. I recall a story, very relevant to this, while living on our boat. It was 2009 and we were over wintering in Portugal, In the same marina was a very interesting elderly American couple who had circumnavigated a number of times and were now resting on what was a very small and old yacht obviously in need of urgent maintenance. Unnoticed for a number of years, they were eventually approached by the authorities and told they had to leave immediately, as they were being classed as illegal immigrants, having out lived their visa access rules. Anyone who knows the Portuguese Atlantic cost will understand that in the middle of winter the weather can be treacherous, with very rough seas and gigantic swell running. The wife was not well, so they decided that she would fly back to the States and the husband in his eighties would single handedly sail the boat out of the EU region to Morocco. Unfortunately arriving at his destination, tired, confused and unwell he hit a rock while trying to enter a port and the boat was lost, the only happy part of this story was that he survived and was rescued. This incident stayed with me and opened my eyes to how unjust and how uncaring bureaucracy can be. It seems eleven years later and nothing has changed. Yes indeed JY51. I know I have had a very fortunate life and have luckily kept clear of bureaucrats on our travels, often probably not by good judgement, and even being on a motorbike back in heading east in 1979, in quick succession we just missed the Islamic revolution in Iran, then the USSR invasion of Afghanistan (although a Soviet official was shot in the hotel we were staying at...) Maybe we were just young and naive but always had a welcoming reception. Things change, especially under crisis, but in recent years the UK home office should not get any plaudits either.
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Post by MalcolmP on May 12, 2020 13:35:39 GMT
Hi folks. Covid sailing & cruising here in Israel. Most of restrictions are off now and life starts crawling towards normal. All sea sport activities are allowed and we are all spending sea time as much as we can grasp. Weather here is at its best. Our ports are not yet opened for non locals and the 14 days lockdown is still enforced. Cruisers leaving the Suez canal Egypt are not yet welcomed at our marinas. ..... Hi Alex Thanks for the update and glad things seemed to be improving for you. Regarding Suez, yachts seem to be able to transit the canal without too much difficulty and can get supplies and fuel, although can't land or formally enter Egypt. The Sun Odyssey 51 I mentioned is making excellent progress and now in Greek waters after stopping for a few days at anchor off Crete. very best Malcolm
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Post by MalcolmP on May 19, 2020 13:27:55 GMT
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