Zen Again 157

 

The scene, of seafront acrobatics, has shifted from the waves to the skatepark. As storm Nemo abates. Whilst aboard Stargazer, her skipper jumps through bureaucratic hoops; and blesses his 'Brexit Freedoms.'

Today’s first priority is to secure a Schengen stamp out. The laptop succeeds in opening the Le Havre digital form, where the phone fails. A visit is paid to the Capitainerie, who must negotiate with the Police aux Frontieres on our behalf. The outcome is a probable stamp out appointment at 17.00 on Thursday. 'But come back tomorrow to confirm.'

The next priority is to book back into Britain, with Border Force. 'Our login process has been updated. Please re-register.' Thankfully Stargazer's stored details transfer, and the form self populates, as before. All goes smoothly, until we strike a new supplementary section. We must justify why Stargazer should not be charged twenty percent of her value in VAT, upon re- entry. 

Common sense says that Stargazer's VAT was paid at purchase. Since she is UK based, and was in the UK on Brexit day, no more should be owed. But a recognised government exemption code must be supplied. After much hurried research, ours turns out to be RGR: Returned Goods Relief. Relief being the operative word!