Earlier this month we attended the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, making a welcome return after a disrupted couple of years. Around forty of the largest charter yachts were on show to brokers and clients, with some 300 intermediaries in attendance and a similar number of colleagues from the maritime industry. Always a relaxed event, Francesco Gennai used the opportunity to catch up with friends, clients and partners, keeping a video diary, touring some boats on show and conducting interviews. In the videos below we start with pre-Show preparations and Day One activities. On Day Two, we spoke with Captain Barry Duck on the freshly refitted S/Y Afaet, talking about what makes an Antigua charter so enjoyable. On Day Three we tour the magnificent 1964 classic, MY Sherakhan, and chill out at the day’s after-party 🇦🇬 🎹 🎶 💃 🍹
April was an extremely busy month for ESTELA, starting with an exploratory ‘famtrip’ to Lanzarote, followed by two breakfast seminars at the Palma Superyacht Village and ending with a spectacular Captains’ Dinner at the Museum 2022. Thanks to all our friends, partners and sponsors that made these events possible, and to those who attended. Our next major extravaganza will be the ‘End of Season’ event in Port Adriano on Friday 7th October. To find out more about collaborating with us, get in touch. Call +34 638 81 68 03 or email francesco.gennai@estelashipping.net. NEWSLETTER:
Many non-EU flagged yachts in the Mediterranean complete an 18-monthly ‘VAT dash’ to Algeria, to clear out of the EU zone ahead of their TA deadline. This year, the clearance dash has been complicated by restricted movements of both yachts and crew, while UK-flagged vessels are having to plan around this for the first time. We have been advising clients to ‘clear out’ in Melilla instead. This can mean a longer sailing, but the extra time and fuel consumed is offset by the lack of any PCR testing and/or quarantine requirement if coming from and returning to other Spanish ports. Melilla is Spanish territory, obviating the need to complete immigration clearance. Upon arrival, authorities in Melilla will provide a recognised Customs Authorities Certificate, while captains can be sure that there are no unexpected ‘shake-downs’ or on-board inspections. Fees are transparent, while security and port facilities are of the highest standard. Local fuel tax is rated below the cost of VAT, while pump prices are among the lowest in the Med. Merlilla’s port has a commercial dock of 240 meters, suitable for yachts of any length, as well as space to moor 15 yachts of up to 50 meters, with a […]
Spain has relaxed its ‘use and enjoyment’ rule for charters beginning in Melilla, enabling the country’s exclave on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast to reduce its VAT rate to just 0.5% this coming season. The rate is available to yachts that have ‘Union goods’ status, on any flag. Melilla is part of Spain, but is not in the Customs Territory of the EU (TAU) or the Territory of VAT application (TAIVA). This also makes it a useful point in finalising Temporary Admission, as part of the Inward Processing Regime (RPA). As Melilla is part of the Territory of Application of Special Taxes (TAIIEE), it is also advantageous for tax-free refuelling and provisioning. Aside from the financial benefits of using Melilla as a base, the city is an appealing destination in its own right, while offering some fascinating cruising possibilities along Morocco’s unspoiled coastline. Read all about Melilla in ‘The Y Yachting Itineraries’, here. Melilla also has its own small airport — conveniently, directly next to the port — for private flights, while a number of daily scheduled flights provide ample international connections via mainland Spain. Larger private planes can use nearby Nador, just outside the city’s perimeter. By sea, Melilla lies 125 […]
Yes, it’s finally here! Delayed for several weeks by the small matter of a global pandemic, but the fourth edition of our annual yachting guide, ‘The Y’ 2021 is now available. If this is the first edition of our guide you have seen, each year we feature different destinations and fresh ideas for things to see and do on your travels. As well as recommendations for where to go, we provide useful and important information and detailed maps, which are also available online. Many yachting plans for 2020 will have been changed, deferred or cancelled due to the coronavirus, so in this edition we present some alternative itineraries designed to extend your Mediterranean season well into autumn or even winter! We present some interesting holiday ideas without an Atlantic crossing, so owners and guests need not miss out on time on board. Perhaps the biggest surprise you’ll find in these pages is what the Canary Islands have to offer cruising yachts and their guests. Long established as a stop-off for passing transatlantic traffic, this archipelago boasts enormous biodiversity and natural beauty, as well as cultural and architectural variety. The icing on the cake is a year-round warm climate and more Michelin-starred restaurants per square inch than you’ll find in many yachting hotspots. […]
Spanish borders are once again OPEN to tourists and visitors arriving from within the EU and Schengen zone, without the need to quarantine! Private flights into Palma de Mallorca kicked back into life on Sunday, while yachts stationed here have started greeting their owners after a long, three-month separation. If your owners or guests are due to arrive from further afield, we should have more news later next week. In the meantime, we may be able to find you a workaround, so don’t hesitate to contact us. Spanish waters, and those beyond, have also been reopened for cruising. Yachts that had kicked off their season in Croatia and Italy are heading back to the Balearics, to enjoy the natural beauty that has benefited from the breather that the lockdown presented. Our beaches are looking beautiful and the lockdown has done the precious seagrass the power of good and Balearic waters are clearer than ever. Only last week 132 sea turtle eggs were laid on Punta Prima beach in Menorca, for the very first time! This season has been a long time coming and we can’t wait. If you are coming our way, get in touch, we’ve missed you!
Understandably, there are many owners keen to rejoin their yachts as soon as permitted, though there is, as yet, no news of when this will become possible in Spain. Many countries in Europe are targeting 15th June as the date that their borders will re-open to tourism, and while Spain is rumoured to be considering joining these, nothing has been announced. While crew are able to move around without too much difficulty, guests must be patient or be open to moving their boats elsewhere. Here’s a round-up of the state of play elsewhere around the Mediterranean: Italy Borders now open, with boats able to arrive and EU citizens allowed to fly in, no quarantine required. Cruising is restricted to Italian waters. Greece Borders now open, with boats able to arrive and EU citizens allowed to fly into Athens only. Until 14 June, all arrivals, including Greek citizens, are swab tested at the airport and must stay at a designated hotel until COVID test results are back. If negative, a 7-day quarantine is required. If positive, a 14-day mandatory quarantine applies. From 15 June, this process applies only to arrivals from higher-risk countries, as assessed and reviewed daily by the European […]
Almost the same age as our yacht agency in Palma, the Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting was the event’s 57th year. The show’s six-day programme was filled with viewings and trial mini-charters of more than 80 yachts, interlaced with social events, presentations, meetings and crew competitions. As a show without exhibition stands or sightseeing members of the public, it is particularly good for professional networking and viewing some of the finest yachts on the charter market. Luckily, there was also time for some private tours, so we invite you to join us on video tours of M/Y Sherakhan and M/Y Siren. We would like to thank their respective crew for taking the time to show us around and permitting us to film.
Superyacht virtual itinerary starting from Port Adriano. Mallorca, Cabrera, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera. A complete itinerary for yacht captains, owners and guests. Remember to use our Yachting Handbook ‘The Y’ for more details, tips and indispensable information. Our services include: For Captains • Fuel and lube oil • Immigration arrival and departure notice and clearance • Visas, licenses • Cash to master • Charter authorization • Logistics • Importation • Repairs, maintenance, refit and chandlery • Yacht transportation and storage • Shipment and shrink wrap For Owners and Guests • Itinerary planning • Event tickets • VIP tables • Transfers • Tax free shopping • Flight and transfers • Medical support • Courier services For Crew • Provisioning and supplies • Laundry • Accommodation • Transfers • Crew activities • Recruitment and training • Medical support • Certification • Visas and immigration services • Uniforms Contact us at: palma@superyachts.agency +34 971 722 532
We are always looking at new ways to show off the wonderful areas of Spain for you to enjoy. We have compiled different virtual itineraries which will give you a birds eye view of all bays and attractions, making the planning of your guests and owners trip that much easier. Contact us for your personalized itinerary! Costa del Sol Formentera – Port Adriano Port Adriano – Palma
Summer is approaching and you might be planning your next trip throughout the Mediterranean. Whether you are a member of the crew or you want to enjoy your stay while sailing on board your yacht, Estela Superyacht Agency wants to make your life hassle-free. First, we listen to you! As a super yacht service provider, we deliver a wide range of services to our clients, but first we listen to them and make sure that we know what their needs and requirements are. At the recent Palma Superyacht Show 2016 we had the opportunity to meet many of our partners as well as to welcome new visitors who are currently looking for ways of expanding their businesses. After discussing several aspects of this niche market, we could identify many points that need to be looked after throughout a super yacht´s journey. And that´s why we are here for! How can we help you? At Estela Superyacht Agency, we advise you and support you at every stage of your journey, not only from our office in Palma de Mallorca but also throughout our international network of offices and our presence in all the major ports worldwide. Before your arrival we can assist you […]
An event not to be missed! As the date for the Palma Boat Show 2016 is approaching, Estela Shipping is getting ready for the most important and prestigious event in Palma de Mallorca nautical industry. “Make your life easier!” In the 2015 edition we celebrated our 165th year of activity in the Balearics, and Estela’s stand was one of the most visited during the yacht show. This year, Estela Superyacht Agency has a full programme of events, presentations and activities, very much aligned with our ambition and company vision to ‘Make Your Life Easier.’ Print your ticket invitation here We will welcome visitors at our stand 33 during the 5 consecutive days the show is held. Everyone will have the opportunity to discover the real philosophy of our agency, meet our partners and friends and have a clear understanding of the services we offer. Amongst our programme for this year´s show, Estela will present a tailor-made healthcare service for the yachting industry as part of our partnership between ClipperTelemed+ and WSC – When Seconds Count project (by Estela Superyacht Agency). The service includes telemedicine and medical assistance, medical training and other on board services. Read our full article here. […]