Hello again,
I make no apologies for printing the long letter (See Features Section) from Mike Wood who is incarcerated in a Greek jail because I think that many of you yachties can only say, (there, but by the grace of God...etc).
This type of smuggling must be now added to the list of dangers to shipping that yachtsmen must be aware and wary of!
According to Mike’s version of the story he was cynically set up, framed and sold down the river, with collusion between the real crooks and Mike´s so-called lawyer.
We have been in touch with both the Athens British consul and Mike’s MP in the UK plus the local Lancashire newspaper to keep up the pressure.
Because of the close down of the judicial system in Greece until mid- September nothing at all can be done at the moment.
Mike has phoned a couple of times and he seems incredibly buoyant despite his situation.
The battle between International Yachtmaster Training and those locals who have a grievance against them continues unabated.
I have been forwarded some incredible emails to local people from Mark Fry the CEO based in Ft. Lauderdale.
The upshot is that I don’t believe a word!
In one attachment he has written a long, self-congratulatory letter which contains, and I quote, "Recently, unflattering articles have appeared about International Yachtmaster Training in a Palma publication and website".
Notice the word used is, "unflattering"; not "untrue" nor "incorrect" nor "biased" nor "libellous"!
At the time of going to press the rumours that the local yacht painting and refinishing company, Ocean Coatings went into liquidation in late July are very strong indeed.
The comparative silence about the whole thing is perhaps due to the August holidays.
Although I’ve sent several messages for the MD of Ocean Coatings, Dave Cole to contact me- nothing yet!
More perhaps, on this subject, in the next issue.
In talking around, it’s not a massive problem but it certainly exists and perhaps the subject isn’t aired enough so that others don’t fall foul.
What am I going on about? Bad payers- at best; downright pirates at the other end of the scale.
Too many times I’ve heard those words, "I wish you´d told me about him, her or them"!
So, if you’ve got the balls, we have, and we will publish a black list so that others are aware and are less likely to be caught out. It might even prompt some of the intentionally dodgy ****ards to clear their name or not want to get listed!
If you’ve got a grievance get in touch- we’ll see what we can do.
As warned in the last issue, the taxman seems to be on the warpath- the stories on the front page and regarding Alicante should be ringing warning bells here!
Regards,
John Rule
STOP PRESS: Mike Wood called from Greece- he has been transferred to a prison hospital for treatment for nerve damage in his shoulder as a result of ´manhandling´ when arrested.
New address:- Hospital Agios Pavios, Korydalos, TK18110, Greece