I have my US documented vessel in France and would like to keep it
there but am not sure if I will get slapped with the VAT. We cleared
into the EU in the Azores in July 2004 which means my 18 months before
VAT is up this January.

Before we sailed to the EU from the USVI we checked other sailors with
Euro experience and were told don't worry because customs won't
catch you. However, my marina manager has told me that the French
Customs come to the yard twice a year and ask for a list of foreign
vessels. Could EU Customs have a central computer with a list of
foreign vessels on it?

The only thing I can do to make sure I don't get taxed is to sail to
North Africa in January. I don't want to do that! The weather is
rotten!

Does anyone have some light to shine on this dismal subject?

Vince