NAUTICAL CHARTS have been in use since the end of the 13th century, the invention of the magnetic compass in the 12th century seems to have been the catalyst for the development of charts. It is only in the last 150 or so years that they have become accurate and generally available.

Medieval charts were just artistic impressions of what people thought a coastline was like, often with colourful pictures suggesting the presence of dragons and other awful sea monsters lurking just over the distant horizon.

ASMAA, the Algarve Surf and Marine Activities Association confirmed today that “Surf Schools” are not per-se considered as being “Tourism Activity” businesses by Tourism of Portugal. And we agree with Tourism of Portugal!

Does that mean that this is the end of Surf Schools in Portugal? Not at all, stated Laurinda Seabra, ASMAA’s CEO.

ASMAA Welcomes the “Capitania do Porto de Lagos” new Surf Schools licensing process for the beaches of Amado, Cordoama and Arrifana in the Western Algarve.

Lagos, Algarve, Portugal (9 May 2013): ASMAA, The Algarve Surf and Marine Activities Association announced today that a major breakthrough has been reached in what ASMAA’s members perceived as being an unfair licence allocation process for above beaches.

SOLAS V. If you and your boat don't comply, you are breaking the law!! It is not a legal requirement for British people to have a ‘license’ to operate a private vessel in either British or International waters, nor are our yachts and motor cruisers required to be put through any kind of inspection process prior to their use at sea.
This leads us to think that we can go to sea without any knowledge of navigation and in any vessel however badly equipped.

I am often asked by people for advice on importing a boat from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). My answer is always to exercise caution because what at first may seem to be a very cheap boat may well become an expensive nightmare.
Firstly, I think that we all know that VAT of 23% must be paid on boats that are imported from outside the EEC, in addition to this there is an import duty of 2%. These two taxes are based not on what you paid for the boat but on the estimated value of the boat in Portugal, the valuation of the boat is the responsibility of the Customs in Portugal.

It gives me enormous pleasure occasionally to meet people who are off on a long voyage who have previously done sailing or motor cruising courses with me. Two such people called into Vilamoura last week in a 46 foot ferro-cement long-keeled ketch called Leobhan.
The owner and skipper is Mike Colyer aged 38, a civil engineer who worked for local government in the east end of London.