Estela Shipping » Since 1850

Sep 26

by James in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

ESTELA at Monaco Yacht Show 2023

Today, every yacht in the #MonacoYachtShow now has a copy of ‘The Y Yachting Itineraries 2023/24’ on board. Our unique ‘Lonely Planet’ style guide is delivered to more than 5,000 superyachts every year, with destination ideas, points of interest and suggestions, plus essential need-to-know information for captains. If you would like to put your destination, service, product, or facility in front of thousands of yacht captains, managers, owners, crew and guests, check out our media kit and events programme, or speak to our colleagues, Francesco and Romy at the Show! Email MYS@estelayachting.com or call +34 638 81 68 03

Sep 22

by James in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Date announced for ESTELA’s Captains’ Dinner at the Museum 2024

For partners planning their events and marketing budgets and schedules for 2024, please note that ESTELA’s 4th annual ‘Captains’ Dinner at the Museum’ will be held on Saturday 27th April 2024, to coincide with the Palma Superyacht Village. In 2023, 180 guests joined us for a gala dinner at Pueblo Español, enjoying an evening of music and performance, socialising with friends and colleagues into the early hours. The photo gallery is here. For information about sponsoring the most prestigious event during the Palma Boat Show, please contact Francesco Gennai on +34 638 81 68 03 or email francesco.gennai@estelashipping.net

Sep 22

by James in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

ESTELA’s * END OF SEASON PARTY!! *

Join us for ESTELA’s END OF SEASON PARTY!! Yes, we’re hosting our legendary End of Season Party on FRIDAY Oct 6th, at Blue Nest in Port Adriano. Mark your diary now and join us for an evening of drinks, food, live bands, DJ and dance! And there will be PRIZES for the best fancy dress costumes, as we celebrate the ‘GREATS OF THE AGES’… We’re celebrating people who made their mark in history, from the beginning of time to yesteryear, so come as anyone from the past who takes your fancy. From rulers, royals and politicians, to leaders of religions; from pioneers, artists and inventors, to notable dissenters. It could be someone who broke the mould, an athlete who won gold; a warlord, scientist or pioneer, or an explorer who broke a new frontier. Anything goes, icon, idol, villain, dictator, the choice is yours! For inspiration, check out the party video and photogallery from 2022 To book your place on the free shuttle bus from STP – Port Adriano – STP, click here: https://bit.ly/EndOfSeasonPartyBus. Places are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. WHEN: Friday 6th OctoberTIME: 18:30h until lateWHERE: Blue Nest, Port Adriano Partial free bar, […]

Sep 22

by James in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Spain to implement stamp-less EES border e-gates by end 2023

Delayed a number of times since an initial launch planned for 2022, Spain’s Interior Ministry has announced that its nationwide rollout of Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric terminals will be completed around the end of the year. 1,500 Automated Border Control eGates (ABC eGates) will be installed at all border-crossing points. EES is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling to or through the EU for a short stay or transit. All visitors requiring a short-stay visa, or visa waiver (including the new ETIAS which had been due to be introduced in 2024, though now expected in 2025), will be affected. The biggest change will be that passports are no longer stamped physically, but entry and exit will instead be recorded electronically on the EU-wide system. The purpose of EES is to make the border control process more secure and efficient, automating day-counting and recording refusals of entry. Travellers will be verified biometrically by a camera and fingerprint scanner. To date, only Lithuania is ready for launch, with its borders fully equipped with the required technology. Even though the introduction of EES has been long anticipated, there remains uncertainty, even now, about how its introduction will affect third-country seafarers. As EES involves […]

Sep 06

by James in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

The countdown to the End of Season Party is ON!

We’re celebrating people who made their mark in history, from the beginning of time to yesteryear, so come as anyone from the past who takes your fancy. From rulers, royals and politicians, to leaders of religions; from pioneers, artists and inventors, to notable dissenters. It could be someone who broke the mould, an athlete who won gold; a warlord, scientist or pioneer, or an explorer who broke a new frontier. Anything goes, icon, idol, villain, dictator, the choice is yours! Friday 6th October, 18:30h – late – Blue Nest, Port Adriano Book your place on the bus from STP – Port Adriano – STP here: bit.ly/EndOfSeasonPartyBus 3 LIVE BANDS – DJ – FOOD – DRINKS – PRIZES FOR BEST COSTUMES Thank you to our sponsors:

Aug 07

by James in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

The Y Yachting Itineraries 2023/24 launched in Puerto Portals

Thanks to everyone who came to the launch of The Y Yachting Itineraries 2023-24 on Friday. And a special thanks to our friends at Eat Sicily in Puerto Portals, whose pizza and gelato are 🤌🏻🤌🏻 #superyachts #yachting #itineraries #yachtagent #TheY #puertoportals #Captains

Jul 26

by James in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Come join us for the launch of The Y Yachting Itineraries 2023/24 and pick up your free copy!

To celebrate the release of the latest edition of 'The Y', join us for drinks, food & music on FRIDAY 4th August at 17:30-19:30h, at Eat Sicily, in Puerto Portals.

Captains, crew, partners and suppliers, all welcome.

Bring a friend and see you there?!

Jul 17

by James in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Podcast: ESTELA Lithium-ion Battery Safety Seminar 2023

ESTELA’s Lithium-ion Battery Safety Seminar was held on the occasion of the Palma Boat Show 2023 in Palma de Mallorca. The panel and an audience of 75 superyacht captains, crew, suppliers and industry colleagues discussed responsible decision-making, safety protocols, battery chemistries, and best practice in choosing and managing battery-powered toys and systems on board. The panellists discussed lithium-ion batteries, their significance in the marine industry, their benefits, hazards, and the need for proper management. Professor Paul Christensen, a world-renowned academic in the field of battery energy storage systems and electric vehicles, highlighted the importance of understanding and managing the associated risks to ensure safety in their usage. Robert Smith, of support vessel builder Shadowcat, emphasised the need for manufacturers to ensure safe usage and continuous improvements to prevent thermal runaway. Pantaenius Marine Insurance is among a number of insurers not to have implemented specific conditions in their policies regarding lithium-ion battery vehicles and onboard installations, despite ongoing discussions about fire safety on superyachts. Marine Claims Service, a claims surveyor, pointed to improper water toy management and supervision as a frequent cause of battery failures. The level of awareness regarding lithium-ion battery fire safety in water toys is expected to increase, […]

Jul 11

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments tags: estela, superyacht, the y

‘The Y’ 2023/24 is here!

If proof were needed that all good things are worth waiting for, you now have it in the shape of a brand new edition of our annual superyacht travel guide, ‘The Y Yachting Itineraries’ 2023/24. We’re proud to present the sixth edition of our superyacht travel guide, packed with destination information and itinerary ideas. As regular readers and guests at our events know, at ESTELA we enjoy a theme. Historians recently marked the 200th anniversary of the death of Napoleon Bonaparte, which seemed a good excuse to retrace the French Emperor’s exploits around the Mediterranean and beyond. This year we travel from our home in the Balearics to Napoleon’s birthplace Corsica, then Sardinia and his first place of exile, Elba. Our feature destination this time is Croatia, where Dalmatia was once part of the Republic of Venice, which in turn fell under control of the French Empire. We explore every nook and cranny of its 3000nm of coastline, from Dubrovnik in the south to Rovinj near the Italian border. Via Malta, Napoleon’s fleet landed on Alexandria, Egypt, which sets the design theme for the guide. We visit ‘Alex’, also taking in El Alamein and Rosetta in the Mediterranean, before passing […]

Jul 11

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Sprinkling sand ‘deters orcas’ advises Cruising Association

Sprinkling sand ‘deters orcas’ advises Cruising Association As we have mentioned previously, and has been reported widely on social media, a number of sailing yachts have been the subject of rudder attacks by pods of aggressive killer whales in recent months. One of our clients, a 25m sailing yacht, was also attacked in the Strait of Gibraltar on their way to the Mediterranean. Now, the Cruising Association has shared advice that throwing sand into the water can create a haze that disrupts orcas’ echolocation ‘vision’, as the sand varies the density of the water, causing an acoustic mirror effect. Sprinkling sand is a harmless tactic that effectively obscures the rudder from sonic view, the report suggests. More advice comes from the Spanish transport ministry, which advises cruisers to “navigate as close as possible to the coast” and, in the event of an interaction, motor away as fast as possible towards shallower waters until the orcas lose interest. Scientists have undertaken many runs with orcas at sailing yacht speeds but using motorboats, reporting that the orcas did not follow for long and that little rudder damage was incurred. This unofficial website is tracking and mapping killer whale activity in the vicinity […]

Jul 11

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Advice for British seafarers using e-gates at the airport

Since last summer, British passengers arriving at Spanish (and Portuguese) airports have been able to use e-gates at Border Control, which is convenient, but can lead to problems for seafarers. If joining a boat here in Palma and you need to be stamped on (ie. out of Spain/Schengen), the port police can and will only do this if you are presently stamped into the country. If you entered via an e-gate without getting stamped, you CANNOT be stamped on. As per the UK government website (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements), British passport holders (especially crew) should get a stamp, even when they have been directed through an e-gate upon arrival. We have had some instances in the past weeks of crew being turned away by the maritime police. Non-EU crew trying to stamp onto boats without a stamp in, need to return to the airport with their travel details, to request a stamp in. Any queries? Get in touch palma@estelashipping.net or call us on +34 971 72 25 32.

Jul 07

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

UK’s MCA issues guidance for fire safety and storage of small electric (Li-ion battery powered) devices and watercraft on yachts

The Marine & Coastguard Agency has, for the first time, issued Guidance MGN 681 (M), concerning personal watercraft, toys and other battery powered devices on yachts. The issue of Lithium-ion battery safety was a topic discussed in one of our Superyacht Breakfast Seminars in April, a transcript of which we will make available in the coming days. Our panel included the world-renowned authority on battery safety, Professor Paul Christensen. Paul could be heard on BBC Radio 4’s PM programme this week, on the dangers of LiB devices in the home (listen to the 5-minute segment here https://bit.ly/ESTELA-PaulC-PM The MCA Guidance is here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mgn-681-m-fire-safety-and-storage-of-small-electric-powered-craft-on-yachts/mgn-681-m-fire-safety-and-storage-of-small-electric-powered-craft-on-yachts?fbclid=IwAR1naF9PLWhuPZsrd7FwP6VeOp1iBbIN9PHfId6Tqfch1R6qJuZoYPNJwmI

Jul 04

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Balearics – Anchorages, Beach Clubs, Restaurants

This map is for guidance only and is subject to changing local regulations and restrictions, which must be observed at all times. Coordinates are approximate only. Anchoring on, touching or disturbing posidonia seagrass in any way is strictly prohibited and must be avoided at all cost. Fines are severe and adherence is policed vigorously by local authorities, including use of patrol boats, satellite imagery and AIS information. For more information, see http://bit.ly/ESTELA-posidonia For real-time support in anchoring, please contact us at palma@estelashipping.net or call +34 971 72 25 32.

Jun 30

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Posidonia Alert; where can I drop my anchor?

Posidonia Oceanica is a seagrass species that is endemic to the Mediterranean sea. It forms underwater meadows that are a vital part of the marine ecosystem and is therefore protected under environmental legislation. Vessels are strictly forbidden from dropping anchor, or any part of the anchor chain, on the seagrass. Because superyachts are the preserve of the wealthy, the fines for anchoring on posidonia can be truly eye-watering, by any measure. To add insult to injury, yachts are also named and shamed by the authorities via social media. The ultimate sanction for the most egregious offenders can be a custodial sentence, so it is vital that you take the utmost care when anchoring. Each season, hundreds of boats are moved on by officers from Guardia Civil, while transgressions are tracked via AIS and fines can be issued retrospectively. The good news is that fines and sanctions are entirely avoidable. As Balearic experts, ESTELA keep abreast of local rules and regulations, ensuring that our clients know to avoid anchoring in forbidden locations. To access the dedicated map online, visit: https://ideib.caib.es/posidonia/, though it should be noted that this information is not 100% complete and as seagrass is a living organism, fields may […]

May 11

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Superyacht Breakfast Seminars 2023

On the occasion of the Palma Superyacht Village, ESTELA hosted a trio of Superyacht Breakfast Seminars. Over three days, we held wide-ranging panel discussions on Crew Matters, Yacht Management, and Lithium-Ion Battery Safety, which proved highly informative and sparked a lot of debate. Thank you to our panellists, who made the sessions so interesting: Day One Showcase presentation AYSS Erica Lay, ElCrewCo; Captain Brendan O’Shannassy; Sophie Allerton, Bluewater; Karine Pouwels, Fraser Yachts; Jenny Colton, The Crew Network Day Two Showcase presentation Costa Brava Yacht DestinationJeff Ames, Computer Network Defence; Campbell Stichbury, Ocean Independence; Diana Soussi Avellano, Gibraltar Maritime Administration; Sam Thompson, JMS Yachting Day Three Showcase presentation Lanzarote Yacht DestinationRobert Smith, Shadowcat; Prof Paul Christensen, Lithium Ion Safety; Juan Roig, Marine Claims Service; Imme Schmidts, Pantaenius Yacht Insurance; Michal Sastinsky, BatteryCheck Podcasts and transcripts are in production, but in the meantime, you can enjoy the photo slideshow here 👇🏼 https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjABZNx Thanks to our sponsors who made this event possible:

May 03

by ESTELA Shipping in Events, Marketing Opportunities, SUPERYACHT AGENCY, what's on 0 comments

Captains’ Dinner at the Museum 2023

ESTELA’s 3rd Captains’ Dinner at the Museum is done for another year! With 180 guests joining us for dinner, music and dancing at the fabulous Pueblo Español, this was the best one yet! Mouse over the photo below for the slideshow or jump directly to the photo gallery, HERE. Who can you spot?

Apr 26

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Thanks to overwhelming response, please note that ESTELA’s Captains’ Dinner at the Museum is now FULL

To join the waiting list, please contact us: dinner@estelayachting.com +34 619 655 955 Captains, sponsors and guests, we look forward to seeing you on Saturday! Please remember that the dress code is Black Tie Optional. As Pueblo Español has cobbled paving, stiletto heels are not advised.

Apr 05

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SUPERYACHT BREAKFAST SEMINARS

at the Palma Superyacht Village 2023 THURSDAY 27 APRIL, FRIDAY 28 APRIL, SATURDAY 29 APRIL Venue: VIDA by Um, C/ Moll 6, 07012 Palma – map On the occasion of the Palma Superyacht Show 2023, ESTELA is hosting three FREE Breakfast Seminars. DAY ONE: CREW MATTERS, THURSDAY 27 APRIL Showcase Presentation: Carlos Miquel, President, AYSS We will be discussing everything from recruitment, career development, training, retention, to remuneration, wellbeing on board, financial planning, contracts and employment agreements. Hear from industry experts and join the conversation! On the panel: – Erica Lay, ElCrewCo – Captain Brendan O’Shannassy – Sophie Allerton, Bluewater – Karine Pouwels, Fraser Yachts – Jenny Colton, The Crew Network Book your place here >>> CREW MATTERS, 27 April, 08:00-10:30h DAY TWO: YACHT MANAGEMENT, FRIDAY 28 APRIL Showcase Presentation: Costa Brava Yacht Ports Discover the latest developments in cybersecurity, communications & security at sea, KYC and (sanctions) compliance, flag implications, cryptocurrencies in yachting and payment systems. On the panel: -Jeff Ames, Computer Network Defence -Campbell Stichbury, Ocean Independence -Diana Soussi Avellano, Gibraltar Maritime Administration -Sam Thompson, JMS Yachting Book your place here >>> YACHT MANAGEMENT, FRIDAY 28 APRIL, 08:00-10:30h DAY THREE: LITHIUM ION BATTERY SAFETY, SATURDAY 29 APRIL Showcase […]

Mar 27

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Case study: Italy’s D-Visa for seafarers

The debate over Italy’s D-Visa — what it does and doesn’t cover, who is eligible and how to get one — rumbles on. In the meantime, British captain, Billy Stevens, has kindly provided some detailed, factual information based on his and his crew’s own experience. Their boat will shortly be relocating to a new base in Italy, making for an excellent case study of crew requiring a long-term visa, which enables them to live and work in Italy for a year at a time. 1. Having attempted to apply for the D-Visa in Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Madrid*, they managed to book appointments** (with three weeks’ notice) in the UK, via the link below. Cost of the appointment is £15.00. https://conslondra.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-straniero/visti/ *Captain Stevens reports that while the Italian visa department in Madrid has issued D-Visas in the past, it will not be issuing any more.**Italian visa processing is carried out by visa outsourcer, VFS Global. 2. Having made the appointment, a list of required documentation is sent to the applicant. However, in Captain Stevens’ research, he learned that this list of documents is *incomplete* and further documentation is needed to complete the application at the in-person interview. Failing to […]

Mar 27

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Update: Italy’s D-Visa for seafarers

Following our news update in December about the Italian D-Visa for seafarers, there has been a fair amount of discussion about how it works and where to get one. We have also received feedback from clients aiming to obtain the newly available visa. The Italian association of maritime agents, Federagenti, has issued the below clarification about the D-Visa and what it covers. To recap, seafarers stationed in Italy, holding a contract requiring them to stay in the country for an extended period — beyond the 90 days (per 180 days) permitted by the Schengen C-Visa — can now apply for the D-Visa, which grants stays of up to one year. The D-Visa incorporates the C-Visa, obviating the need to apply for both, if travelling elsewhere in Schengen in the interim. However, it is important to note that the ‘D’ element of the visa is valid for Italy only. Elsewhere within Schengen, the 80/190 limitation remains, as per the standard C-Visa. Within Spain, the D-Visa is issued only by the Italian embassy in Madrid. To our knowledge, consulates in Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona will not issue the D-Visa, though please do let us know if you have managed to obtain […]

ESTELA at Monaco Yacht Show 2023

Date announced for ESTELA’s Captains’ Dinner at the Museum 2024

ESTELA’s * END OF SEASON PARTY!! *

Spain to implement stamp-less EES border e-gates by end 2023

The countdown to the End of Season Party is ON!

The Y Yachting Itineraries 2023/24 launched in Puerto Portals

Come join us for the launch of The Y Yachting Itineraries 2023/24 and pick up your free copy!

Podcast: ESTELA Lithium-ion Battery Safety Seminar 2023

‘The Y’ 2023/24 is here!

Sprinkling sand ‘deters orcas’ advises Cruising Association

Advice for British seafarers using e-gates at the airport

UK’s MCA issues guidance for fire safety and storage of small electric (Li-ion battery powered) devices and watercraft on yachts

Balearics – Anchorages, Beach Clubs, Restaurants

Posidonia Alert; where can I drop my anchor?

Superyacht Breakfast Seminars 2023

Captains’ Dinner at the Museum 2023

Thanks to overwhelming response, please note that ESTELA’s Captains’ Dinner at the Museum is now FULL

SUPERYACHT BREAKFAST SEMINARS

Case study: Italy’s D-Visa for seafarers

Update: Italy’s D-Visa for seafarers

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