Elsewhere in the world...

Seal © Noonsite

Penguin © Noonsite

While Europe has started shutting doors once again, some other countries have finally started welcoming back visiting yachts, albeit it with rigid protocols.

At last South Africa has opened a window of time (until 15 December) in which Indian Ocean yachts can clear into the country.

Thailand are open, but the 2-week quarantine and string of expensive tests are limiting.

The Galapagos are keen to re-activate the economy writing welcoming letters to sailors, but unfortunately little has changed in the Pacific islands with only Fiji and French Polynesia permitting yachts to enter at this time (via an advance application system). Active cases are increasing in French Polynesia and a curfew is in place to try to curb the spread of the virus.

While Australia announced a new exemption to yachts needing safe haven this month, New Zealand is still closed as are the majority of the Pacific islands. Yachts thinking about crossing the Pacific in 2021 should do so with caution.

This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com.