Estela Shipping » admin

Oct 31

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Planning your superyacht marketing campaign for 2023? Here are FIVE good reasons to work with ESTELA

Oct 17

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

An interview with Pedro Suasi, Balearic Yacht Destination

James van Bregt, Editor of ESTELA’s The Y Yachting Itineraries, interviews Pedro Suasi, manager of Balearic Yacht Destination (BYD), on the sidelines of Monaco Yacht Show As the promotional face of Balearic Marine, BYD facilitates the participation of members in superyacht shows, events and initiatives designed to promote the Balearics as a centre of maritime technical excellence and as a cruising destination. We discuss what BYD is, its remit, forthcoming events and initiatives and efforts to grow its membership. https://youtu.be/O4H6-lkA3w0 #superyachts #yachting #refit #Balearics #palmademallorca #Monaco #monacoyachtshow #yachtdestination #BalearicMarineCluster

Oct 06

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

The Y Yachting Itineraries interviews SHADOWCAT at Monaco Yacht Show 2022

ESTELA’s The Y Yachting Itineraries with the team behind SHADOWCAT At the Monaco Yacht Show, the creators of groundbreaking support vessels such as Hodor, Wayfinder and Nebula tell us about the genesis of the catamaran platform and their partnership with digital shipbuilder, Incat Crowther, and Galician shipyard, Astilleros Armón, in northern Spain. Founder and CEO, Robert Smith, and Director of Sales & Marketing, Jennifer Johnson Smith, tell James van Bregt how a client’s brief to create a single chase boat carrier turned into an extreme 66-metre ‘toy box’. Hodor’s payload includes a 7.3m Novurania catamaran RIB, a 9m Metal Shark landing craft, a 16m Hydra-Sports 53 sports boat, a Ski Nautique and a 130-knot 388 Skater raceboat. Below deck are stowed nine jet skis, four Yamaha quad bikes, two Yamaha All Terrain Vehicles, four trail motorbikes, Laser dinghies and a Hobie Cat. The SEAmagine submersible sits in its own designated hangar. The team remained tight-lipped about their latest 79m SHADOWCAT project, capable of landing a Black Hawk helicopter, but we hope to learn more at next year’s show! #superyachts #yachting #supportvessels #shadowcat #astillerosarmon #incatcrowther #MonacoYachtShowhttps://youtu.be/iNNTj38IB1I

Oct 03

by admin in Crew Assistance & Support, SUPERYACHT AGENCY, Visa and immigration 0 comments tags: crew, EU, immigration, passport, Schengen rules, seafarers, Spain, stamping, superyachts, transit visa, visas

NOTICE FOR BRITISH CREW IN SPAIN AND THE EU

With the end of the Med season upon us, we have been asked by many (British) crew in the past days to sort out their passports for them. There’s a high occurrence of crew that have been aboard for the season without stamping out of the EU and onto the boat. This can mean that they have overstayed their permitted 90 days in the EU and is potentially a big problem. **Please note that these regulations are not new and have applied to British crew since Brexit came into effect.** Stepping onto a boat and marking up the crew list accordingly is not enough for non-EU crew. Only by attending Immigration police and having your passport stamped can your days in the EU be ‘stopped’. While the captain or purser should advise you of this requirement, it is ultimately the responsibility of the bearer to ensure that passports are correctly stamped and visas valid. A representative can visit immigration on most crew’s behalf; they are not required to attend in person. Note that crew must also stamp OFF the boat before travelling to the airport to fly home. Not doing so is technically illegal and can land you in trouble […]

Sep 27

by admin in Events, Marketing Opportunities 0 comments tags: 2022, crew, estela, event, mallorca, party, superyacht, the y

Yes, it’s back!

ESTELA’s End-of-Season Party returns after a two-year break, and we’re HERE for it!! Friday 7th October 7:00pm Blue Nest, Port Adriano, Mallorca Event Schedule: 7:00pm Opening Live Music: Kindalé – RUMBA 8:30pm Speech and event presentation 8:45 Finger food Live music: Small Axe – REGGAE 10:15pm Prize handout 10:30 Live Music: SIX OR NINE – ROCK 11:45pm DJ Partial free Bar Food The latest ‘Art Edition’ of The Y Yachting Itineraries is partly inspired by surrealist, Salvador Dalí. So wear something bonkers and show off your artistic self! A shuttle bus will bring guests from STP and Club de Mar to Port Adriano (and back). Places are limited, so to book your seat, send a wattsap message on +34 682 62 25 74 Previous events: https://www.flickr.com/photos/152389284@N03/albums

Aug 24

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments tags: B1/B2, B1/B2 Visa, estela, seafarers, superyachts, US Visa, USA Visa, visa, yacht crew, yachting

The A to Z of B1/B2 Visas

(Updated 20th September, 2023) The transatlantic yachting season is coming and crew recruitment remains hot. The Med season has seen a shortage of experienced crew, so those with B1/B2 visas are in especially great demand right now. If you don’t have yours already and are hoping to winter in the Americas, West Indies and the Caribbean, here’s what you need to know… The ‘B1/B2’ visa Non-immigrant visas for entering US territory temporarily are classified ‘B-1’ for business, ‘B-2’ for pleasure, or ‘B-1/B-2’ for a combination of both. Valid for up to 10 years for stays of up to six months, it is not specifically designed for yacht crew, but it is the most appropriate class of visa for the industry, says the US State Department. NB. DO NOT apply for the C-1 crewmember visa, as this is designed for other seafarers. Work restrictions Following a COVID-era tweak to the rules, non-US crew can work on foreign or US-flagged yachts in US waters, though NOT employed directly by a US employer or on a US-registered payroll. US taxation laws for foreign nationals are a world of pain anyway, so this is always best avoided in any case. Note that working, or […]

Aug 17

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments tags: AC37, AmericasCup, Barcelona, Barcelona2024, INEOSBritannia, PalmadeMallorca, sailing, superyachts, yachting

America’s Cup challenger, INEOS Britannia touches down in Palma de Mallorca!

Palma de Mallorca was chosen as the team’s Winter Training Camp, ahead of the Cup competition in Barcelona in the autumn of 2024. “As a venue, Palma will offer a lot and it’s a great place to go and be for a winter in the northern hemisphere…” says Giles Scott, Tactician & Senior Sailor, Team INEOS Britannia. Of course, we agree that Palma de Mallorca is a great place for yachts and yachting people all year round. Not least because the fantastic ESTELA team is here to support you! But don’t forget, if you are planning to come to Barcelona for the America’s Cup itself, our ESTELA Barcelona team is already busy making plans. Berths and hotels are being booked NOW, while we are putting logistics in place for surrounding events. Barcelona will be FULL, so please don’t delay if you intend to come. Contact our colleagues, Romy Bourguignon and Gemma Castiñeira on yachts.barcelona@estelashipping.net or call +34 650 39 51 13 and they will be happy to get your bookings in place. #AmericasCup #INEOSBritannia #PalmadeMallorca #Barcelona #sailing #yachting #superyachts

Aug 08

by admin in Events 11 comments tags: 2022, captain, crew, estela, event, fancy, october, palma, party, port adriano

We are excited to announce the return of ESTELA’s ‘End of Season’ CREW PARTY!

After a two-year break, we will host the legendary ESTELA ‘End of Season’ party for crew and partners, to mark the close of the Mediterranean season. As usual, it will be held in Port Adriano. It is a themed fancy dress party, with a free buffet, (partially) open bar, a live band and DJ, fuelling a fun-filled night. Complimentary transport from STP and Club de Mar in Palma will be laid on, while sponsor-donated prizes are awarded to the best costumes on the night. The venue will be decorated in keeping with the theme, while sponsors’ signage is prominent, in the form of unmissable banners, flags, on-screen ads and photocall. All sponsors of the event are name-checked during the prize-giving presentation, as well as appearing on printed and online invitations, as well as in our email newsletters. 2019’s closing party drew 250+ guests on the night.

Jul 25

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments tags: IGY Marinas, Málaga, marina, South of Spain, superyacht

Introducing IGY Málaga Marina, the new superyacht marina for South of Spain

ESTELA were at the official inauguration of IGY Málaga Marina, the brand new superyacht marina in a city that is on the up! The ceremony was attended by our very own Romy Bourguignon, presenting our hot-off-the-press 2022/23 edition of The Y – Yachting Itineraries (online version here https://bit.ly/TheY2022). The latest guide has the wonderful city of Málaga as its feature destination, which has so much to offer! A special thanks to Oscar Calero and Simon Bryan of IGY Marinas for the collaboration. View the inauguration photo gallery ➡️ here

Jun 28

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments tags: book, estela, itineraries, itineray, mallorca, superyacht, the y, yacht superyachr

The Y Yachting Itineraries 2022/23 is here!!

It’s been an unusual and hectic couple of years since we last printed ‘The Y’, so we’re delighted to be able to announce the launch of the 2022/23 edition! Chances are that you already know ‘The Y Yachting Itineraries’, so you will be familiar with the format. In each edition we suggest different destinations to visit by yacht, with ideas for things to see and do while you’re there, and the best places to eat. And even if a destination is somewhere you’ve visited before or it’s somewhere new, we guarantee we’ll show you things you didn’t already know. Hard copies will be available in the coming days, but in the meantime, the complete book is available online >>> here We have dubbed this book the ‘Art Edition’, inspired by Málaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and Costa Brava, which Salvador Dalí called home. Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, meanwhile, were home to Joan Miró, completing our trifecta of Spanish modern masters. We revisit Lanzarote and the Canary Islands, which are attracting strong interest from charterers, while by popular demand, we conclude this edition with a deep dive on The Bahamas. Remember, wherever you’re heading this season, ESTELA is on […]

Jun 27

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments tags: discount, fuel prices, Spain, yacht fuel

Spain removes yacht fuel discount with immediate effect

Spain extends €0.20/litre fuel discount to end of 2022, but *eliminates* fuel discounts for all pleasure craft with immediate effect. https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2022/06/26/pdfs/BOE-A-2022-10557.pdf

Jun 22

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments tags: Melilla, VAT, yacht charter

Melilla welcomes its first yacht charter

This week, the Port of Melilla welcomed 42m Heesen, M/Y Life Saga, kicking off its charter itinerary from the Spanish exclave. As we have highlighted many times in recent years, Melilla lies not only outside Spain’s VAT territory, but is also outside the EU customs territory and excise duties area. As of this year, no VAT is payable on time spent in Spanish waters for charters originating in Melilla, meaning that charters commencing here pay only the prevailing 4% local ‘IGIC’ tax for the duration of the entire trip. Fuel rates too now benefit from lower taxation, bringing prices at Melilla’s pumps down in line with Gibraltar. To boot, Melilla is a lovely city to explore, so if you would like more information about visiting Melilla and its tax benefits for yachts, get in touch on +34 638 81 68 03 or email melilla@estelashipping.net

Jun 22

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments tags: Dockwise, DYT, Palma de Mallorca, Spliethoff Group, yacht transportation

Video: DYT’s ‘Yacht Servant’ inaugurated in Palma

On June 6th, DYT chose Palma de Mallorca for the inauguration ceremony of its new semi-submersible yacht transporter, M/V Yacht Servant. This 214m long vessel, with its 46m beam, is the world’s largest dedicated yacht carrier, with 6,300m2 of deck capacity and a purpose-designed platform for tenders, containers and small race boats. The obligatory magnum of Veuve Clicquot was smashed against her hull, followed by a party on board for Palma’s yachting community. We were lucky enough to be invited, so we hope you enjoy our video of the event and tour of the vessel! For more information about the construction of ‘Yacht Servant’, visit https://www.yacht-transport.com/yourfuture/ and watch the official Palma launch video here.

Jun 21

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments tags: balearics, jetski, personal watercraft, regulations

PWC ‘jet ski’ regulations update

Spain Licence required: Yes Age: 18+ (or 16+ with written consent from a parent/guardian) Legal requirements: PWC must be registered with the Maritime Authority (or T/T mothership) PWC must have public liability insurance PWC driver must have a valid licence Licence, registration, insurance docs and proof of payment must be kept onboard All riders must carry government issued ID Rider and passenger must wear certified buoyancy aids PWC must: avoid PWC rental or regatta areas; keep a safe distance from swim zones (either outside yellow buoys or 200m from shore in their absence); stay under 3kn and follow shortest safe path to the shore; only be used in daylight hours, good weather and visibility Towing of water toys is prohibited PWC may not navigate in commercial ports/marinas, except to go directly out to sea, at max 3kn Most Spanish coastal locations have a 300m rule from any coastline and 150m from any other vessel Balearic Islands – additional rules PWC must stay 200m offshore and 100m from other vessels before exceeding 5kn A method of communication must be carried at all times (ie. mobile phone/VHF) Towing water skis or wakeboards is only allowed with a rider facing the person being […]

Jun 21

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments tags: COVID regulations, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Spain, Turkey, vaccination, yachting

Travelling to and around the Med; COVID regulations update

Last updated: 2 August 2022 Spain From the EU Health control measures no longer apply to travellers arriving in Spain by air or sea who are citizens of the EU or Schengen countries. From outside the EU All travellers aged 12 and over, regardless of their country of departure, must provide one of the following documents: Proof of full vaccination Validity: between 14 and 270 days after last dose. After 270 days, vaccination certificates must include a booster dose. Only vaccines authorised in the EU and WHO will be accepted. Negative result to an EU-approved pre-departure molecular test (72 hrs) or rapid antigen test (24 hrs). Proof of recovery from COVID-19 Validity: from day 11 after the first positive molecular test and up to 180 days after the sample date. For travellers entering Spain by sea, any type of official certificate meeting the requirements listed above is accepted. These travellers do not need to fill in the Spain Travel Health Control Form. In the absence of a recognised certificate, the Travel Health Control Form must be completed. Children younger than 12 are exempt from the obligation to provide these documents. Full details here: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/ESP/7002 Croatia From the EU […]

May 26

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Italy to extend annual work visas to non-EU crew

Following representations by several industry associations, including Federagenti, the trade union association, Italy’s government has moved to accommodate non-EU seafarers affected by a new protocol in passport stamping brought in last year. As we reported previously, some crew were experiencing difficulties having passports stamped (out) when joining yachts stationed in Italy, causing their available days to count down. While local agents reported some flexibility in a number of locations, an official workaround was brought into force on 22nd May. The new rule is designed to facilitate refugees fleeing Ukraine, to enable them to work in Italy, but also addresses the issue of the 90-day time limit for non-EU seafarers arriving into the country and stepping on board. While yacht agents would normally find amenable officials willing to stamp passports regardless of their next destination, the new legislation means that crew can now obtain an official one-year visa to cover time spent stationary in longer-term refit or maintenance in the country’s yards. As usual, visas will be issued by the local Italian embassy prior to departure for Italy. For further details, please contact us and we can connect you with our partners in Italy. #superyachts #yachting #crew #visas #stamping #Italy #EU […]

Feb 25

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Our superyacht events programme this spring is taking shape!

In April, we are hosting a three-day famtrip for 30 captains to discover Lanzarote. Later in the month, we host our second “Captains’ Dinner at the Museum” in Palma, two breakfast superyacht seminars, plus an end of Boat Show ‘Sunset Cruise’ aboard a classic yacht in Palma Bay! Your company can be part of it, with many sponsorship opportunities available. Suffering from FOMO? There’s no need, just get in touch! For details, contact francesco.gennai@estelashipping.net or call +34 638 81 68 03.

Feb 07

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

EU countries cease stamping passports of non-EU yacht crew; Spain unaffected

Yacht crew were reporting from Greece during the 2021 season that immigration officials were declining to stamp their passports (out of the EU), meaning that their permitted days in the Schengen area were running down. Now, it appears that following a ruling in February 2020 — clarifying seafarer stamping regulations first passed by the EU in 2016 — that more countries are enforcing a tighter stamping protocol. The regulation in question, contained in the Schengen Borders Code 2016 (Article 11, Paragraph 3 (c), states; “No entry or exit stamp shall be affixed: to the travel documents of seamen who are present within the territory of a Member State only when their ship puts in and in the area of the port of call” Interpretation and enforcement of the above regulation is variable between countries and, even, between ports in the same country. But generally, it means that some border officials are declining to stamp crew passports, unless the boat is leaving the port. Guidelines issued to border officials in Italy, Greece, Germany, Netherlands and Portugal are complicating travel for crew flying in and joining yachts there. To our knowledge, French border police have been informed of the new protocol, though […]

Dec 02

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Advertising to Superyacht Captains, Managers & Owners

How to stand out in a competitive marketplace Promoting a product or service in the yachting industry is hard. We know, because we do it. About us ESTELA Superyacht Agency is a port agent, based in the Balearics since 1850, with a global network of offices and partners that connects with yacht captains, owners and managers every day. Our business is supporting captains and crew with organising their guest/boss trips and managing yard periods. Our services range from port formalities, bunkering and cash-to-master, to VIP concierge services, provisioning, and itinerary planning. The problem Connecting with customers is always a challenge, particularly in yachting. Is your promotion aimed at the captain, the yacht manager, the purser, the engineer, someone else? Or, are you trying to reach yacht owners, representatives and guests? Whoever’s attention you want, your target audience is constantly on the move. Yachts rarely stay in the same place for long, personnel changes are frequent and everybody’s always on the go. The challenge is working out what they read, when and where. This makes placing your limited advertising budget very tricky. Magazines, directories, newspapers and social media all serve a purpose, but none last very long. Most magazines don’t make it on […]

Nov 04

by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

How to attract more superyachts to YOUR location (!)

. . Destination Marketing to Superyachts . . . Promoting a shipyard, marina or destination to superyachts is hard. We know, because it’s part of what we do. The problem? Superyachts usually circulate around the same places each season. Charter yachts stick to established itineraries that are popular with clients, owners tend to be stuck in their ways, and captains are reluctant to suggest new places that aren’t tried and tested. So, how to persuade them to try somewhere different? .We do it in several ways. ESTELA Yachting is a superyacht agency in Palma de Mallorca, with a global network of offices and partners that connects with yacht captains, owners and managers every day. Our business is supporting captains and crew with organising their guest/boss trips and managing yard periods. They trust us to plan their itineraries and to provide interesting ideas for places to visit and things to do along the way. . . . About ‘The Y Yachting Itineraries’ . Our superyacht travel guide is produced annually, created by us expressly for captains, owners, guests and crew. The book is free, both in print and digital (here), and is the only guide of its kind. We liken it […]

Planning your superyacht marketing campaign for 2023? Here are FIVE good reasons to work with ESTELA

An interview with Pedro Suasi, Balearic Yacht Destination

The Y Yachting Itineraries interviews SHADOWCAT at Monaco Yacht Show 2022

NOTICE FOR BRITISH CREW IN SPAIN AND THE EU

Yes, it’s back!

The A to Z of B1/B2 Visas

America’s Cup challenger, INEOS Britannia touches down in Palma de Mallorca!

We are excited to announce the return of ESTELA’s ‘End of Season’ CREW PARTY!

Introducing IGY Málaga Marina, the new superyacht marina for South of Spain

The Y Yachting Itineraries 2022/23 is here!!

Spain removes yacht fuel discount with immediate effect

Melilla welcomes its first yacht charter

Video: DYT’s ‘Yacht Servant’ inaugurated in Palma

PWC ‘jet ski’ regulations update

Travelling to and around the Med; COVID regulations update

Italy to extend annual work visas to non-EU crew

Our superyacht events programme this spring is taking shape!

EU countries cease stamping passports of non-EU yacht crew; Spain unaffected

Advertising to Superyacht Captains, Managers & Owners

How to attract more superyachts to YOUR location (!)

Categories

ESTELA SHIPPING PALMA, S.A