Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms sad times

My boat owning reality has changed a bit lately-

It’s in Croatia and since the VAT was paid there when the UK was part of the EU, I can’t now bring it to the UK without paying VAT for the second time or clearing out of UK waters every 18months.

Due to COVID we haven’t seen it since September 2019 but the bills keep rolling in.

I’m going out there on the 8th July to get it lifted out and bottom painted along with changing anodes etc etc. This involves buying insurance that covers for travel against FO advice, going into quarantine when I return and booking a PCR test before coming back and for days 2 and 8 of quarantine and if I want to come out of quarantine after 6 days I have to book a release test for another £150 and I still have to take last the test on day 8… go figure.

Then there’ll be the inevitable spontaneous breakages and malfunctions that need sorting and paying for along with fuel, tourist tax, mooring fees, etc. etc.

To top it all my Brooklands M3W is out of action with a cracked exhaust

Toys?

I've had many boats of my own but, now I'm old, I go out on the very best and most economical sort of boat -- one owned by a friend.

Sorry to hear about you selling your sailing yacht, Howard.
I recall the difficulty I had when my btother and I sold made the rational decision to sell ours. This was 28 years ago, when we realized it became just too impractical. Focus on the pleasant memories that nobody can steal from you and look at things that are posdible still.
Cheers,
Bert

Howard, You and me both, I sold my boat last year due to a number of factors, increasing old age being one of them but I have had some comfort when I count up the mooring fees I haven't had to pay. I still read "Classic Boat" just to keep the spirit alive.

Age closes doors and it opens doors.
I understand exactly where Howard is coming from, pick up something new and look back with a smile on all the past adventures.

Another option taken up by a number of ex yachties here is radio control model yachting, though the stress of the quick fire "fun" races does seem to affect some rather badly- I have seen people nudged into the pond! For a christmas meet a few years back we stumbled upon a wonderful way of handicapping, the winner of each race had to have a shot of rum --remarkably effective and pleasant way to wind up the year.

I sold my Anderson 22 a long time ago and still remember my friends saying "don't be too sad - owning a yacht is like standing under a cold shower burning £50 notes - only, with a yacht, you can succeed!" So, the answer to your sadness is obvious - buy a three wheeler - they are somewhat similar!!!

Howard that's a bugger. No other word for it. I dread the day I hand in my pilot's license or am denied one. However it sounds as though you have many good memories and they're much better than regrets.