Cyprus is the eastern end of the Mediterranean yachting world and the last EU territory before the Levant. Limassol Marina takes large yachts in the middle of the city and has become the island’s wintering and refit centre; Ayia Napa Marina, newer and at the eastern tip, serves the resort coast and the run toward Israel and Lebanon.

Its EU status is the practical point and it is worth stating plainly. Wine moves to Cyprus from our French cellar on ordinary EU logistics, no customs frontier, no import licence, duties and paperwork handled, which is emphatically not the case for the coast a short passage further east. For yachts working the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is the sensible place to store.

It is a long way, and we would rather be honest about that than optimistic: plan on four to five working days, and a week in high season. For a yacht basing here for a winter refit or an eastern season, the right approach is one considered delivery well ahead of need rather than a series of urgent ones, and we will plan it that way with you.

Cyprus has the oldest named wine still in production anywhere in the world. Commandaria has been made here since the crusader period and a good aged bottling is a genuine after-dinner event. The modern island wines are improving quickly too, Xynisteri makes a fresh mountain white, Maratheftiko a serious red, and they belong on a list here alongside the classics.