"StarWindSurfer" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi,

Ive done lots of sailing here in the states, but what about going
abroad?
My specific questions a

Who and where do i go in a forgien country to "clear customs" ya know,
passport and what not.

Also, what about firearms. Here in the states I have no problem, my
ship is registered in america. Is there a protocall for this? Do I
check them into customs and pick them up on my way out? Or am I not
even allowed to bring them into dock?

Im trying to plan a trip around the world, stoping off at places like
the UK, Germany (ok, well, most of europe) Egypt, South africa,
Austrailia, Maybe India, Japan, and bring it on around to Hawaii have
some fun in central america and then bring it on home to the gulf (and
maybe mexico,cuba,puter-rico). I am just starting to plan this, so any
information at all is welcome. Honestly im pretty clueless at this
point.

Also, what is better/safer/easier/quicker when say going from the US to
the UK, I will be sailing a 40Ft Catamaran, should I cut straight
across or shore hug up to green/iceland and over to the UK?

Any and all info would be apreciated.

You carry the "Q" flag and hoist it on approach. ( it means you require
Pratique). You sail directly to the customs/immigration wharf in the
city/town you have arrived in. Contact them on radio and do not have any
contact with land or other vessels without pemission from the officials.

"Always" fly the flag of your country of origin and the country you are
visiting at the same time. However, you always hoist the visiting countrys
flag higher than that of your own, as a sign of respect. Often, the visiting
nation on the startboard spreaders and your own country on a flagstaff on
the stern.

Exiting is pretty easy. Pull up at the same place you entered the country.
Go through the paperwork etc with the customs officials and simply sail
away- but you cant have contact with land or other boats once this has been
done. Once out of thier waters you may drop thier flag.

Dont carry guns. You will find that not every country in the world has a
"right to bear arms". Without getting politcal about it, just leave em at
home. If for some reason your last name is Heston and you have to take your
gun along make sure you declare them at customs. They will most likely
confiscate it for the period you are visiting.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Exp...476800418.html

If you must take your gun. Dont use it! Its one of the most well known rules
of sea.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Blake_(yachtsman)

DP