The Vanabond Talesvideo
Buying a Boat in the Mediterranean
June 25, 2026 · 10 min · 3K views · Mediterranean
What this video covers
Purchasing a sailboat in the Mediterranean requires navigating complex logistics, including broker negotiations, independent surveys, and regional registration requirements. After outgrowing their starter boat, *Whisper*, the owners searched for a replacement by monitoring platforms like Yacht World, Boats.com, and private Facebook groups.▶ 2:02 A failed attempt to purchase through a broker—which resulted in a partial loss of their deposit—led them to a private sale in Leros, Greece.▶ 3:22 They utilized Transpact for secure escrow and managed the survey and paperwork independently.▶ 3:46 Following the purchase, they registered the vessel in Poland to simplify EU compliance for non-EU citizens and paid the Greek cruising tax online.▶ 6:32 The transition involved moving gear via courier and ferry, followed by a period of intensive systems familiarization and docking drills without a bow thruster.▶ 4:52 The process concluded with a formal christening ceremony to rename the vessel.▶ 9:56 Thorough due diligence, including verifying rigging age and engine hours, is essential to avoid costly repairs and contract disputes when buying abroad.
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