Wintering in Lebanon

Created by sue. Last modified on 2008-11-30 20:11:56
Countries: Lebanon

WINTERING IN LEBANON

I had decided to spend a part of the winter in Lebanon.

When you arrive you have to call Oscar Charlie on VHF. It is the Lebanese military service. I was called by FINUL (United Nations) several times in the night. They asked me some questions and when I was fed up with them I asked them to let me sleep. They told me to enter territorial waters in front of Beyrouth and not in front of Jounieh. I did not obey. I was told later that I was right.

The most convenient marina is Jounieh ATCL Club. Formalities for clearance were 4O euros. To leave the country, it costs 80 euros. In winter for my eleven metre boat I pay 300 euros per month.

The captain had told me there was no berth for more than a few days. In fact I can stay some months but I can’t leave the country without my boat.

Jounieh marina is not really a marina. It is a very select club including a marina (a swimming pool, tennis courts, etc..). But don’t worry, everybody is simple and friendly and they accept every yachtman. The climate is milder than in Turkey.

I didn’t feel any insecurity while travelling in Lebanon. There are some check points as usual in the Middle East. They never stopped me when I rented a car.

It is a good place to spend the whole winter or part of it.

Daniel and Monique
SY PANDORA
December 2008