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
Yes, the countdown is ON! Less than Three weeks, to go until ESTELA’s epic ***END OF SEASON PARTY***Save the date, put it in your calendar, and come and join us in Port Adriano for a fancy dress extravanganza, featuring free drinks, food, three live bands, a DJ and PRIZES!! Friday 7th October 19:00h Blue Nest Restaurant- Port Adriano See you there!(If you’re a business interested in sponsoring the event, putting up a prize, or partnering with us, get in touch)
(Updated 14th November, 2022) The transatlantic yachting season is here 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 […]
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
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.
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
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 […]
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
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
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
On the occasion of the Palma Superyacht Village, ESTELA hosted its second annual “Captains’ Dinner at the Museum”. Staged in the stunning setting of Palma’s San Carlos Military Museum, this exclusive event was attended by 100 guests, including captains and their partners, sponsors and guests. The evening kicked off with sunset cocktails overlooking Palma Bay, leading to a candle-lit four course dinner, under canvas, in the atmospheric courtyard of the military fortress. Entertainment was provided by an operatic soprano, followed by a jazz trio, with our DJ turning up the heat well into the early hours. Huge thanks go to our sponsors and partners who made the evening possible: AYSS; Coral Marine; Charter Itinerary; Autovidal; Termopetroli; Swisspath Yachting; Jotun; Antigua Yacht Club Marina & Resort; Moncada Hispania Boutique; Gym Marine; Bluewater; The Crew Network; Díaz & Asociados; Argentario Yacht Services; Express Bunker; Fronda
Our breakfast seminars raised some interesting discussions. On Day One, we covered crucial information for the upcoming Med season, such as stamping protocols, chartering and VAT, and rules & regulation changes across various jurisdictions. Many thanks to our panellists: John Wyborn, Director at Bluewater and President of MYBA; Alex Chumillas, Managing Director at Tax Marine; and Andrea Farinaceo, Director of Operations at Argentario Yacht Services. Day Two’s topics were more contentious, looking at the possible repercussions of the current Russia-related Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) sanctions on yacht ownership structures; Know-Your-Customer Regulations, Flag States, Crew Contracts, etc. Our expert panel consisted of: Anthony Galea, Director at Vistra, Sebastián Díaz, Partner at maritime law specialists, Bufete Díaz & Associates; and Ian Petts, Director at Equiom Group. Due to a technical hitch, we have no recording of Day One, but the Day Two panel session is here, in full: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R0LTMOrm9o Many thanks too to our seminar sponsors: Termopetroli, Gym Marine, Coral Marine, Vistra, Bufete Diaz & Associates, Charter Itinerary, The Crew Network, Swisspath Yachting, Agencia Melia Vives, Bluewater, TaxMarine, Calero Marinas, Kingsber Crew Support
Last month, ESTELA took a group of captains, brokers and industry guests to Lanzarote, to discover the island as a cruising destination. It’s fair to say that they found it an eye-opening experience. Watch: https://youtu.be/Th1tJZizFzk The trip was organised in partnership with Lanzarote Tourism and Lanzarote Superyacht Destination, taking in the spectacular sights and taste of the island, as well as its marinas and yard facilities. It was the second event hosted by ESTELA, promoting Lanzarote as a superyacht destination, following our themed ‘End of Season Dinner’ in October of last year. Lanzarote will again feature in the forthcoming edition of ‘The Y Yachting Itineraries 2022/23’, to be published next month.
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:
Deep in ESTELA’s archives, this 1970s video has been discovered after all this time, in 2022! Fantastic proof that VIP clients have been choosing ESTELA as their trusted agency for decades. Here, Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso are on board M/Y Falcao Uno in the bay of Palma, with the help from their #1 agency and some famous friends…
“Come for dinner, stay for breakfast?” The Palma Boat Show is upon us! In the ‘Superyacht Village’ section, more than 50 yachts up to 60 metres will be on show and, of course, ESTELA is hosting some special events to coincide with the festivities. On Saturday 30th April, we are hosting our annual dinner for captains, and their partners, at a fabulous outdoor venue overlooking Palma Bay. ESTELA BREAKFAST SEMINARS April 29th & 30th We are again hosting two (free) breakfast seminars for captains and crew next Friday and Saturday, 29th and 30th April. Held at a venue directly next to the show entrance (details provided upon registration), this the perfect opportunity to meet up with colleagues and friends to start your day. Come and enjoy a hearty breakfast, while listening to some interesting discussion about hot topics in our industry. This is also your chance to have your questions answered by experts, free of charge! PROGRAMME DAY ONE: Friday, 29th AprilCruising the Med in 2022; Stamping Protocols, Chartering and VAT, Rules & Regs UpdatesJohn Wyborn – Bluewater (President MYBA) – FranceAlex Chumillas – Tax Marine, SpainAndrea Farinaceo – Argentario Yacht Services, ItalyTBC, Croatia/GreecePlus: Lanzarote; New Chartering Opportunities in the Canary Islands DAY TWO: Saturday, 30th AprilRepercussions of […]
April 29th & 30th (these events are now past) 08:30-10:00h On the occasion of the Palma Boat Show, ESTELA is pleased to invite you to two free breakfast seminars on Friday 29th April and Saturday 30 April. Join us for a pre-Show breakfast and listen to a panel discussion on topics captains and crew tell us they want to hear about. Each morning we will be joined by a panel of industry experts, sharing their insight and giving you the chance to put your questions to them. Programme DAY ONE Friday, 29th April 08:30-10:00h Cruising the Med in 2022; Stamping On/Off, Chartering and VAT, Rules & Regs Updates John Wyborn – Bluewater (President MYBA) – France Alex Chumillas – Tax Marine, Spain Andrea Farinaceo – Argentario Yacht Services, Italy TBC, Croatia/Greece DAY TWO Saturday, 30th April 08:30-10:00h Repercussions of UBO sanctions on yacht ownership structures; KYC regulations, the role of flag states Anthony Galea – Vistra – Malta Sebastián Díaz Ribes – Bufete Díaz y Asociados – Spain Ian Petts – Equiom Group – Monaco The venue is directly next to the Moll Vell entrance (details provided upon registration), so this the perfect opportunity to meet up with colleagues and […]