I know of several CC19's that like us are registered on the UK SSR (Small ships register). It is open to UK citizens who are resident in the UK or who, like me, have sufficient ties (treated as a resident for tax purposes) despite me being a tax resident of Greece. Those with larger cruising liveaboard boats maybe a little more informed with resolving some problematic issues caused by Brexit. Despite anticipating problems, the RYA, Cruising Association etc. have been unable to get clarity on what would be the fate for UK registered boats in EU waters once the UK withdrew from the many freedoms of membership. So whilst we have exchanged our driving licenses for Greek ones, we have obtained protected rights as UK residents in Greece (or elsewhere in the EU27 for others) under the withdrawal agreement, boats remained in the think about it later category. Many hoops have been jumped through to get to where we are so I am now focussing on definitive answers about my boat. Much of this is to do with UK boats that were VAT paid within the EU during membership and were not liable for further VAT payments if they were based in another member state. UK Gov has announced that any UK boats outside the UK but within the EU on 31.12.20 would have to return to the UK by 31.12.21 or be liable for a further VAT payment on return to the UK at a later date. It is apparently agreed with the EU that UK boats that can prove they were in the EU on 31.12.20 retain their VAT paid in the EU status thereafter (but lose the right to return to the UK from 2022 without repayment of VAT). Unraveling this is typical of the Brexit induced nightmares that we have sadly become used to.
From what I understand, we can continue to keep our boat within the EU and not be liable to new VAT payments if we stay here. However, if we retain the SSR the boat would be almost unsaleable in the UK after 12 months as it would be liable to VAT (which of course I paid in 2006 when the boat was new). Many are casting doubt on our continued right to be registered under the UK SSR as permanent Greek residents, which is quite possibly true. I have written to the UKSR (Ship register) on this question but so far without an answer.
Other cruising yacht owners suggest as non UK residents of UK origin boats we could move to registration under Part 1 of the Ship Register. This is normally associated with large commercial vessels I thought but it may be a solution to registration, but not the VAT liable were the boat to return to the UK. Even with a valid UK registration, the rules in Greece will be the boat must be removed from Greek waters after 18 months. Such a boat could then return and apply to start a new 18 month period of visiting. For Kaliope this would mean trailing her to Bulgaria/Albania/North Macedonia, crossing the border, obtaining proof, and then returning. A 2 day pointless return journey.
A logical solution for me is to change to a Greek registration. It is a more complicated and expensive process than the UK online system but it is a route I am exploring. So far I have had a meeting with Volos customs office, but to be honest, they are confused over issues of VAT and the presence of small boats (under 7 metres) in Greece permanently. Boats under 7 metres are exempt from cruising taxes and thus tend to exist below the radar. So I am waiting for an answer from our local customs office once they have obtained guidance from the ministry of Shipping in Athens. I have also written to the Greek department of Brexit issues and asked them to look kindly with exemptions for boats under 7 meters (bowsprit raised!)
Sorry to go on, but I know there are other boats in a similar position. We are used to having very difficult issues to overcome to enable Brexit believers to enjoy their sunlit uplands, luckily we have the time and resources to overcome most of them eventually.
None of the above should affect UK boats visiting the EU for up to 90 days, but it might create problems for boats wishing to relocate permanently. (VAT liability).
The 2022 Aegean rally plans should not be unaffected by any of this.
The point of this post is to hear of any other issues related to Brexit and better still any solutions. I will eventually let you know how we resolve our issues and I hope those who dream of relocating long term to our beautiful and welcoming sailing grounds can still do so.
Our options appear to be,
a. Continuation under the SSR or Part 1 UKSR. (but we have to temporarily leave Greek waters every 18 months unless exempted.)
b. Obtain Greek registration and sail under a Greek flag.
c. Join the pirates of the Aegean.
Happy days, keep smiling!
Cheers
Chris