SECRET EUROPE

IT'S STILL POSSIBLE TO ESCAPE THE CROWDS WITHOUT SAILING TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. CRUISERS SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE LOCAL OR SECRET SPOTS... PLUS HOW TO FIND A BARGAIN BERTH IN EUROPE THIS SUMMER

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HIDDEN GEMS

A European sailing holiday is where many of us first developed a love of discovering unfamiliar anchorages. There's something about nosing your way into a new bay ona balmy summer evening that never loses its appeal. A cooling dip, an explore ashore, dinner alfresco, and do it all again tomorrow: is there a more perfect way of whiling away a week or more?

There's no getting away from the fact that parts of Europe are busy. Some of the huge sales numbers manufacturers have reported in recent years often reflect significant charter fleet and base investment. Meanwhile many European marinas have up-spec'd to handle larger yachts, and are often operating at full capacity. These hotspots bring improved marine services and more - but is there anywhere you can still get away from the crowds?

We asked cruisers who have sailed, lived and worked around Europe for their recommendations. Some are within touching distance of major sailing hubs, but with careful timing can be enjoyed at their quietest. Others are truly off the beaten track and require a more expedition-style sailing approach.

There is also a temptation to think of Europe as 'easy', and paperwork-free. Any non-EU sailors will by now be very familiar with Schengen requirements and the extra admin that has brought (see right), not least that if sailing from Great Britain you need to notify Border Force and HMRC. Check-in procedures for British boats arriving into France have also evolved, with a new 'Protocol' for designated ports of entry in 2025.

But there are other curiosities to cruising in Europe. For example, you must check in to Greece, where you will be issued a transit log and have to pay a cruising tax, and must have stamps for both arrival and departure. For 2025 Norway has introduced specific rules for yachts over 50ft.

To stay up to date, visit noonsite.com, theca.org.uk and our sister title yachtingmonthly.com