RoRC report from the Baltic
by Ernie Godshalk 13 Sep 2020 14:15 UTC
Well...things have dramatically changed since my last report in January and no more cruising in the Baltic for me.
COVID-19 has caused the same tumult in the Baltic found in the rest of the world. I have not heard of serious illness among OCC members there - although, unfortunately, that is likely - or strandings on board such as are occurring in more remote parts of the world. But there are many constraints on travel, cruising and OCC functions.
I was sorely disappointed, along with so many others, not to meet old and new OCC friends at the AGM planned for Annapolis. Maybe next year, or 2022!
Instead of, as planned, heading for Lübeck and the German and French canals, the Med, Mallorca, Gib, Canaries, Cape Verde and Caribbean, I found myself barred from returning to Denmark, likely for the whole summer of 2020. And I have my doubts regarding 2021. So, on short notice, I had Golden Eye delivered to The Netherlands, loaded onto a Sevenstar ship and - voilá - here she is being unloaded in Newport, RI last month!
Ten years of cruising the wonderful waters, idyllic islands and spectacular scenery of northern Europe have come to a close. Ten years of finding wonderful people and new, life-long friends in every country between Brittany and St. Petersburg. Ten years of benefiting from the OCC Port Officer network from the Hamble River, as far north as Ålesund, Norway and into Russia. A life-changing experience for me and my many crew. I sincerely thank Ocean Cruising Club for helping to make this possible (and enduring my RoRC reports).
I would be happy to hear from other members contemplating cruising in the Baltic/Norwegian Sea and wishing to compare notes.
COVID-related restrictions are changing frequently and apply differently to different circumstances, e.g. nationality, and immigration and VAT liability may be affected, too - the Port Officers and OCC website have the latest information re some of these issues. Apparently, due to the border restrictions, demand for used boats in the Baltic is reportedly very strong - everyone wants to cruise locally. I hope to see many OCC friends in the next few years between Newport and Newfoundland!
This article has been provided by the courtesy of Ocean Cruising Club.