Midnight Sun out of Limbo - eventually
Last week we had a story (6,000 Adventurous Miles to Limbo) about what happens when the delivery turns to custard and the bureaucratic walls come down. Happily, Jim Ellis and his crew are now out of the woods. Here's the tale: 
'Four smiling Frontier Police visit the Midnight Sun in Italy'
Jim
Ellis
Limbo, day 5.
1000 hrs. Our lawyer has spoken to the Thai Consul and the faxes are flying.
1800 hrs.
The lawyer states that the Frontier Police have given us two options:
1 have the boat surveyed and declared unsafe, or
2 haul the boat out of the water (in which case as the crew cannot stay aboard, they have no choice but to give the cook a transit visa). These are the same police that have twice confirmed an appointment at the boat with an English speaker in tow, but have not shown up.
1930 hrs.
The lawyer has found a surveyor available for the following afternoon.
2030 hrs.
The Captain learns that two days earlier the cook had been stopped at the washroom block by the marina based local police and told she should not be leaving the boat. Additional distress for her.
2100 hrs.
Owner sms's that he has had enough of waiting in Croatia and is going home to Sweden.
Limbo, day 6
1000 hrs. Lawyer produces the letter from Thai Consul formally requesting that the cook be given a transit visa, and proceeds to Frontier Police.
1130 hrs. Lawyer states that Frontier Police still insist on a letter from surveyor testifying to poor condition of vessel. They (Frontier Police) and that say that the visa will be issued upon receipt of survey. Surveyor coming late afternoon.
1800 hrs. Surveyor is shown broken inner forestay, dead autopilot and radios, damaged mainsheet blocks and genoa cars, and fridge compressor mount. He is told how the steering has failed once already. His report will be written and faxed to Frontier Police tonight.
1930 hrs. The lawyer calls to say that the Frontier Police will return cook's passport, with 3-day transit visa, in the morning. Hooray!
2000 hrs. Lawyer is paid. He returns ship's papers and confirms that Frontier Police will bring passport with transit visa in the morning.
2015 hrs. Frontier Police arrive at boat and ask to see cook and her passport. Fortunately one of them speaks a little English - it is only a mix-up - we start breathing again.
Limbo, day 7
0900 hrs. Frontier Police arrive. without passport. Apparently, it is just a call to say 'hello'!
1000 hrs. Frontier Police (4) arrive WITH passport AND transit visa! They will hand the documents over as soon as they have seen a copy of the cook's plane ticket (which, of course, could not be purchased without the visa). The jovial mood is in sharp contrast to previous encounters - to the point that due to Jim's (very slight) resemblance to Chuck Norris they ask if he was formerly a Texas Ranger! (note: they had not had a cold, wet and expensive week hoping to stay out of jail). Frontier Police accompany Philippe (the cook) to travel agent.
1130 hrs. Philippe returns with passport, visa and flight ticket. Stress gone!
1400 hrs. Philippe and Rattana leave by bus for Rome and airport. Jim and Emmy sail to Split in wet and rough conditions where they hand over the boat to the owner and depart for warmer and hopefully smoother sailing
Total cost to crew:
1 week in marina 400 euros
Lawyer 400 euros
Surveyor's letter 200 euros
Hair loss Substantial, but unspecified
A happy ending with lessons learned and, hopefully, not to be repeated!
by Jim Ellis 
perth, WA
