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 […]
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES On the occasion of the rebranded Palma Superyacht Show, ESTELA is planning a number Following last year’s inaugural “Captains’ Dinner at the Museum”, we are planning a larger event this time, at a spectacular venue overlooking Palma Bay. Captains’ Dinner at the Museum 2022Saturday 30th AprilMuseo Histórico Militar de San Carlos, Palma de Mallorca Event audience (c. 100 guests)• Yacht captains• Yacht industry executives• Sales & charter brokersProgramme• Live music• Cocktails• Welcome speeches• Dinner• After-dinner show ESTELA Breakfast Seminars 2022 Friday & Saturday, 29th & 30th AprilUmami, Moll Vell We are hosting two free pre-Show seminars at a great new venue adjoining the show, where we will cover some hot topics over breakfast. Each morning will feature brief panel discussions and Q&A on issues concerning captains, crew and colleagues in the superyacht industry. During the Palma Superyacht Show 2021, we hosted three consecutive Breakfast Seminars, at Varadero Restaurant, next to STP. Panel discussions covered topics including Brexit effect on tax, licensing, certification, importation and immigration; chartering in Spain, Temporary Admission and TPA, personal finance for yacht crew, among others. Click here for video of all our events during the 2021 Show If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
. . 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 […]
ESTELA Superyacht Agency presents the 2021 End of Season Dinner, in collaboration with Turismo Lanzarote. ‘Flavours of Lanzarote’ was held in Port Adriano, Mallorca, on 8th October, celebrating the end of a hectic Mediterranean yachting season. 150 guests enjoyed an evening of Canarian cuisine, wine and cocktails, prepared by a team of Lanzaroteño guest chefs flown in for the occasion, with three live bands providing the music. Thanks go to our partners, Turismo Lanzarote, Council of Lanzarote and Lanzarote Superyacht Destination, whose collaboration made this prestigious event possible. Thanks also to our sponsors; Port Authority of Melilla, AYSS, Termopetroli, Jotun, Yacht Projects, Autovidal, Azimut Spain, Osifar, Mr Jeff, Antigua Yacht Club Marina, and Fronda. We hope to do it again next year, so if your company is interested in working with us on this event, or any other, contact us at palma@estelashipping.net Album:
Boat shows are generally much the same, though there’s always a frisson of excitement around the Monaco Yacht Show. By far the largest European in-water show, and as much of a business networking event as a charter/sales forum, ‘everyone’ in yachting goes to Monaco. This time was different, though, following the cancellation of the 2020 show and the 30th edition deferred by twelve months. Many attendees left it to the last minute to commit to attending, in case COVID would again spike travel plans, doubtless giving the organisers a few headaches up until the show opening. There was evidence of some exhibitors not taking up their booked slots and a few regulars were missing. Understandably, there were also fewer yachts on show, though was it a success? The evidence suggests it was. The success of any exhibition, trade fair or boat show is always difficult to measure, given that they are often merely a barometer of prevailing market conditions. New build order books are full and the pre-owned market is hot, so the only people not smiling this time were brokers with no more stock to sell or charter. The biggest innovation was the ‘VIP’ pass on the opening day, […]
Following an update to the EU’s ‘Union Customs Code’ (UCC), Spain has reinterpreted the rulebook governing TPA (Tráfico de Perfeccionamiento Activo), or ‘Inward Processing’. The key change in Spain’s regulation for yachts is the removal of the requirement for non-EU flagged vessels to exit the EU upon completion of work carried out under TPA, in order to avoid customs duty and VAT on repairs or maintenance. In other words, it is now no longer necessary for yachts to depart Spain for Melilla, Gibraltar, or any other ex-EU port, after refit work has been completed. The TPA can now be closed by calling at any other customs port in Spain in transit, or by simply sailing twelve nautical miles offshore into international waters. The change came into effect in September, in order to make refit in Spain more attractive to foreign owners. About TPA TPA enables non-EU owned and flagged yachts to carry out repairs and maintenance while in the EU, without paying 21% VAT. Only authorised yards in Spain, France, Monaco and Italy are able to facilitate work under TPA. Work carried out must be overseen by a licensed administrator and comply with strict fiscal and customs regulations, with detailed […]