News

HMRC has made a further revision to the VAT 'Returned Good Relief' (RGR) rules that now apply to yachts following the end of the Brexit transition period. The headline news is that the "grace period" allowed for the return of yachts from the EU to the UK without VAT being due has been extended from 31 December 2021 to 30 June 2022.

The CA received the following statement from the Stakeholder Engagement Team of HM Revenue and Customs:

A survey carried out amongst Cruising Association (CA) members who keep their boats on the rivers and canals of Schengen countries has revealed that 80% are likely to sell their boats and give up cruising altogether, or move their base to a non-Schengen country.

Overall figures for coastal cruising boat owners are expected to be broadly similar although with more sailing out of Schengen waters to other cruising grounds.

From 30 June non-commercial vessels wishing to refuel in Northern Ireland must do so with white diesel. What’s the snag? There are no marine white diesel pumps in Northern Ireland, and demand is insufficient for commercial operators to make provision.

The Cruising Association (CA) is delighted that the government has reviewed its proposals for the reform of UK red diesel regulations for marine craft, as announced in yesterday’s Spring Budget. It has concluded that removing the entitlement to use red diesel in the commercial sector, including water borne freight, ferries, fishing vessels, operating at sea or inland, would have had a detrimental effect on their finances and viabilities.

Between 22 and 28 March, the CA is running an inclusive, online, Spring Promo Week that is sure to be of significant interest to anyone thinking of joining us, as well as providing plenty of online incentives to appeal to existing members, wherever you’re based. All you need is a computer or other device and an internet connection!

The CA has today launched its campaign to reduce the impact of Brexit on British small boat cruisers who have traditionally explored the coasts and inland waterways of Europe in sailing and motor boats.

There's a particular focus on the Netherlands, Greece, Spain and Portugal where the CA is lobbying for a 180-day cruising visa separate from the Schengen 90-day visa.

Marine red diesel is still on sale to leisure vessels in the UK, despite the Government’s plans to phase it out following a judgment from the European Court of Justice. Now that Britain has left the EU, red diesel will continue to be legal for the propulsion of vessels in the UK until April 2022. However, red diesel in crafts’ engine tanks is not permitted in the EU27 and other countries.

With the challenges of COVID-19 still likely to curtail face-to-face events being staged in the first few months of 2021, the Cruising Association (CA) is putting in place plans to stage an online Spring Promotions Week to coincide with the fitting out season, from 22-26 March.

The key Brexit issues affecting the sailing community have been addressed in a recently held Brexit Special Webinar entitled "Brexit Issues for Cruisers", the contents of which was researched and presented by members of the Cruising Association (CA) Regulations and Technical Services group (RATS).