After signing up with Dream Yacht Charter in December 2017, this was our first charter as owners with them and this was ‘our’ boat.
We were keen to see the boat. We had, somewhat rashly some would say, signed up to basically buy it without even seeing one of the same model , let alone this boat. Nevertheless you can do a lot of research on the internet these days and I was comfortable with the 380 as a good compromise between size, accommodation, sailing performance and budget. In real life it didn’t disappoint. I have to say the boat’s design met my expectations in virtually every way. I thought it was the best ‘bang for your buck’ going and I still think so after 6 weeks and 1000 miles.
I wanted 6 weeks in one go as I had set my mind on sailing to Greece this year, (which started off the whole business) , which DYC also agreed to. What I didn’t realize at the time was the amount of paperwork required to enter Greece, especially on a charter boat. To complicate matters, between the planning stage and the actual trip, Greece had modified their law on foreign charter boats entering Greece. This included prohibiting any crew or guests embarking or disembarking in Greece, with heavy penalties threatened.
By this time we had a list of crew lined up to leave and join the boat in Greece , flights booked and everything. A flurry of emails and phone calls to agents and lawyers in Greece ensued. It looked too hard and to be honest, we nearly dropped the whole plan to go to Greece, but eventually decided to give it a go and see what happens. What could go wrong, right? We could only have to turn around and sail the 180 miles back. As it turned out, we got in and out okay by calling it a private yacht, but that’s another long story. Put it this way, I don’t think I would do it again…
All this meant we had to ask DYC in advance for a raft of paperwork they wouldn’t normally have to supply with a standard charter. To their credit, when we turned up in Dubrovnik, they actually had it all prepared and didn’t even charge me extra for the mucking around. Tick.
To the actual boat then: Firstly the cleaning and presentation was almost impeccable. It was almost like walking onto a brand new boat. By this time the boat had done 1 and a bit seasons, it was actually launched for start of the 2017 season. For the most part, it presented like new.
There were a few minor knocks and scratches to be sure, the worst of which were some scratches on the bench-top where some ignorant sod had not bothered with a chopping board. It seems this is accepted as wear and tear by DYC as opposed to willful damage. I guess I just have to accept it as part of the deal, but if this, (or 5 times this), is the worst that happens over 6 years of charter I can live with it.
OUTBOUND:
The technical briefing was thorough and we went through everything. All systems were turned on and an explained, including the excellent B&G Nav system. All in good working order. The only equipment problem we had during the trip was a leaky fresh water foot pump, which got replaced by the DYC base in Corfu immediately and hassle free when we pulled in there. The boat was well inventoried including a decent dinghy with 5hp outboard that worked flawlessly.
In other general use indications, engines had about 930 hours on them at the start and gave us no issue. The sails were like new. One of the benefits of ‘owning’ a charter yacht in Croatia, if not for actually sailing one, is that there doesn’t appear to be much wind during Croatia’s summer season. If it keeps up at that rate I might not even need to buy a set of sails when the contract finishes!
INBOUND:
The check out briefing on our return was also easy; they checked if every system still worked, they are very concerned with the toilets. A diver checked below the waterline, but I noticed not much attempt to check whether we had done any cosmetic damage or not. Mind you, they didn’t have anything to compare to, not having taken any photos prior to departure. Also, there wasn’t much room on the inventory sheet to record every scratch.
The impression I got was that they want to know about any systems not working so they can fix it, but any cosmetic damage will be accepted as ‘wear and tear’, unless its real bad and obvious! Good for a charterer, not so good for an owner. Having said that, the level of wear and tear on this boat is, I think, acceptable for this stage of its life. The yacht now done 1.5 seasons , or ¼ of its way through it’s tour. I’m very much looking forward to getting her full time.
Oh and the actual trip? Well yes that was awesome, but that’s a whole other story…
Hi John,
Thank you for taking the time to share this experience with us. Great read and I am glad you had a positive experience. I will update the ‘Boat Reviews’ page over the next couple of days to list your yacht there as well so it’s easy for people to find as a reference if they want.
Hello John,
A year after your post, so I don’t know if receive this: I was wondering how the VAT is handled. I was offered a Lagoon with Dream Yacht, 35% dow payment and 25% balloon. But I don’t get a clear view on the VAT status. Are you familiar with that?
Regards,
Frank
Frank, I let John know you are asking. From what I have been told by my dealer when I brought No Shoes, if you are not an EU resident, no VAT is due at handover.
As I understand it, the boat will be Non VAT Paid status at handover.
It will be the same rules as any non VAT paid boat:
If you take it straight out of the EU , no EU VAT would be payable.
If you are a non EU resident and will register it in a non EU country , you must take it out of EU briefly but then it can return and stay in the EU up to 18 months at a time under the temporary import scheme without paying VAT. You can take it out every 18 months and bring it straight back in again.
If you are an EU citizen or reside in EU snd wish to keep it in EU, you will have pay the VAT.
Hi John,
I have just been talking to my broker and that’s closely to what he advised after talking to DYC at the boatshow in Cannes just now. As a non EU resident, no VAT is due but you have 18 months from handover to take it out. No need to leave the EU after the handover for the first 18 months period.
Nils
On the Med Sailing Facebook group, I have seen people talk about having to sail 12 miles offshore and then back again to re enter and complete entry formalities in their own name after buying a boat in Croatia. Whether that is necessary or not I guess I will find out at the time but its no big deal either way
Pingback: Another year in charter: 2017 Lagoon 380, DYC Croatia
John,
Thanks for sharing your experience. With these boat ownership clubs it can be so hit or miss with the quality and reviews like this are essential for helping to inform other people who may be in the market. Organizations vary so much in the upkeep of their boats, their process for ensuring that their members have the technical proficiency to operate the vessel, and their overall customer care. Thanks!