Hello,
I have been sailing in the Mediterranean and my 18 months end on Dec 23, 2024. I'm planning to cross back to the Caribbean from the Canary Islands around the end of the year, 7 days later. I understand that you could get the boat out of the water for repairs ( bottom paint) and, the time that she's out would not count on the 18 month window. I'm thinking to haul out in October for three weeks while I go back home. 
I would appreciate if someone can point me out to the regulations or, just give me an informal opinion.
Thanks,
Gian Luca
s/v Vivaldi

+x

 

Gian Luca Fiori - 12 Aug 2024

Hello,
I have been sailing in the Mediterranean and my 18 months end on Dec 23, 2024. I'm planning to cross back to the Caribbean from the Canary Islands around the end of the year, 7 days later. I understand that you could get the boat out of the water for repairs ( bottom paint) and, the time that she's out would not count on the 18 month window. I'm thinking to haul out in October for three weeks while I go back home. 
I would appreciate if someone can point me out to the regulations or, just give me an informal opinion.
Thanks,
Gian Luca
s/v Vivaldi

Gian, the extension only exists in certain countries, it is not EC wide.  For example, Spain does not recognize it, at least it didn’t when my boat was last there in 2019/20.  However, I believe the Canaries are not part of the EU customs union so VAT is not payable if your boat is there.   So you should be ok as long as you leave continental Europe within the 18 months period.  Please double check me on that, though.  Cheers Joerg