Logistics

Part of being a constant traveller (and that is now a very accurate description of our family), involves research, and some places involve more than others. It is safe to say I now know more about various countries on our agenda than ever before. We had originally planned on starting out in the Med and then changed our minds when our broker convinced us it was easier to buy a boat in the Caribbean. Yeah, that may be true, but throw in a couple of hurricanes and our plans were majorly screwed up. So, I find it ironic that here we are planning on re-starting our sailing adventure...back in the Med.

For whatever reason, fate has pointed us back in this direction, and so we prepare to head off on this path, once again. I had done a little research a year or so ago, but now that we are actually buying a boat there, I needed more specific information. Being as we will start out in Greece, I am currently reading up on activities, places to visit, restaurants, islands, dog import requirements, and ports along our route west.

Due to the travel visas being suspended between the USA and Turkey, we had to figure out how to take possession of the vessel. Since we could not be in Turkey, we decided our surveyor would represent us and assist the captain (appointed and insured by The Moorings) with the delivery to Greece. We will then move aboard and be on our merry way. Or will we? We still have to wait for the paperwork so we can check out of the country and make our way towards the Atlantic. We have heard this can be a couple of weeks to over 6 months! We are working with our broker now to ensure we have a quick turn-around and our running papers in hand when we take ownership. This involves the use of a documentation agent, which requires their own separate fees. At least, we can be sure everything is handled correctly and will ease our way through customs.

We expect to close sometime around the 15th of November, but this all hinges on the results of the survey, haul-out, and sea trial. This all took place last week. We are now waiting for the response from the seller as to what items they will repair. After these have been completed, our surveyor will conduct a follow-up survey and if all is well, sign off. Then, and only then, can the close of escrow date be scheduled and the delivery can follow afterwards. All of these factors have to align before we can purchase our airfare and find a temporary place to stay while we await the delivery. I imagine it will be like dominoes, as one falls into place, the rest will follow.

On another note, we have our two pallets of stuff we shipped to St Thomas (that is still there, miraculously) that we need to pick up. If it looks like we are going to be stuck due to paperwork, I want to be able to press the "ship now" button. If we can leave soon, then we will just pick it up when we sail back to the islands. It would be nice to have it all before we make the Atlantic crossing though, as our foulies and all sorts of other much needed items are there. We are getting closer, but there are still lots of stuff to figure out!