News

How has Brexit and COVID affected yacht berthing?

With the UK having left the EU there have already been some ripples on the water around marina berths.

COVID has also caused many to move their vessels to their home country as travel restrictions continue or are tricky.

It’s still early days, but here are some of the things that we at Triangle Berth Brokers have noticed.

Boats returning to the UK

We have been busy helping boat owners who prior to 2021 moored their yachts in European marinas.

There has been an increase in enquiries for assistance during 2021/2022 and the pace hasn’t slowed down.

COVID travel restrictions and Brexit VAT issues have been the main drivers. This has led to marina occupancy levels rising in the UK and in some cases marinas are now running at 100% occupancy.

Nic talks about this in the following podcast –

European buyers snapping up berths

Throughout 2021 and the start of 2022 we found that we have been helping a lot more European clients to buy berths that are for sale in Europe.

European boat owners are of course seeing the same travel issues and many have chosen to move their vessels back to the country they live in at least in the immediate future.

European vessels in UK waters also potentially have the same VAT issues as British vessels. VAT issues are quite complicated and we always recommend getting specialist advice.

How does this leave cruising in your home country for 2022?

All of the factors above mean that marina berthing is going to be tight during 2022. Planning ahead for your cruising is a must.

Make sure you have your berthing booked ahead of schedule or have contingency plans if marinas are full when you arrive.

If Triangle can assist with your marina berthing or mooring please contact us and we would be delighted to help.