Gladlee of Guernsey

An article for Yachting World magazine in 250 words.

CYPRUS.................Nigel Morley and Julie Smart

            Anyone planning a visit to Cyprus should beware of charges for clearing in and out of Customs which may otherwise come as an unwelcome (and expensive) surprise.  The standard charge for clearing in or out is C£9 (about £13 sterling), but a charge of C£20 (£29) may be made after 1400 hrs on a working day or on weekends and public holidays.  You will not normally be charged for clearing out to another harbour in Cyprus, but you will have to clear in (and pay) again at each harbour visited.  Thus a yacht arriving at Limassol from, say, Turkey in the middle of the afternoon,  moving on to Larnaca and returning to Turkey via Paphos (the last two in normal hours) will have to pay a total, including VAT at 8%, of C£50.76  (almost £75) in Customs charges.

            Limassol Pleasure Harbour, located some 15 kms out of town, includes water and electricity in a daily summer rate of C£7.94 (about £11.60) for a boat of  8-12m LOA.  There is a well-stocked mini-market and a chandlery, but otherwise shopping relies on a slightly erratic bus service.  Larnaca Marina is conveniently central and charges a modest C£0.30 (£0.44) per metre LOA, water included, though for a minimum of three days (all rates exclusive of VAT).  Space for visitors can be very limited, particularly early or late in the season, and it may be worth checking on the availability of a berth before setting out for either marina.

                                                                                                                        245 words