The walk-in COVID vaccination sessions at Sa Dureta have finished, with more than 90% of the eligible population now vaccinated with at least one shot. Crew are now no longer able to turn up without an appointment. This means that seafarers must now register in advance, with a vaccination appointment coming through around 48hrs later. Required are passport/ID details, boat contract, plus a Spanish mobile telephone number. On the plus side, the only vaccine being offered specifically for seafarers is the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) single-shot variety. Vaccination itself remains free, courtesy of Spain’s national health service, though there is an administration charge for each registration we make on your behalf. To register you, we require boat paperwork and your passport details. After your injection, we can apply for your digital vaccination passport with that all-important QR code. For more details, please contact us at palma@estelashipping.net
The 2021 edition of the Yachting Festival was an undisputed success. With many shows cancelled since last year, people’s appetite to get back to business appeared strong. Crowd numbers were on par with recent editions of the Cannes show, though the number of exhibitors was understandably down on previous years. As they had in Palma in June this year, many exhibitors held their powder dry, with some marketing budgets paused until 2022. As usual, the show consisted of three distinct areas. Vieux Port, one of the oldest harbours on the French Riviera, was the showcase of prestigious new boats, presented by many of Europe’s major shipyards. Port Canto, a short hop across the water via a courtesy tender service, was devoted to large used yachts and water toys, while across the pontoon bridge lay the sailing area, featuring sailing boats, monohulls and multihulls. The various COVID-related health measurements barely impinged on the enjoyment to be had from viewing many world yacht premieres and the wide array of watertoys always on show here. Indeed, several attendees we spoke to suggested that Cannes benefited from a more expensive and restrictive forthcoming Monaco Yacht Show. An innovation we could have done without was […]
ESTELA will be travelling to Cannes next week, for the first major boat show on the Côte d’Azur since 2019. We will be distributing the 2021 edition of ‘The Y Yachting Itineraries‘ and catching up with friends, clients and partners that we haven’t seen here in Palma. It feels like it’s been a long time, so we’re looking forward to seeing everyone! If you’re going and fancy a coffee or a glass, get in touch! If not, perhaps we’ll see you in Monaco later this month. Salut! About Cannes Yachting Festival As usual, the Vieux Port and Port Canto will host the 2021 edition of Cannes Yachting Festival. This year, professionals and enthusiasts will be able to discover nearly 600 of the latest boats from around the world. The show opens its doors on Tuesday, September 7, for six days of business and pleasure on the French Riviera. The Yachting Festival brings together more than 50,000 visitors every year and nearly 550 exhibitors, in a spacious and relaxed atmosphere. The show will feature more than 110 monohull and multihull sailing yachts, motor boats, used and new, up to 50 meters.
The much anticipated Palma Superyacht Show 2021 was a welcome return to (almost) normal for boat shows. At ESTELA, we had our usual stand at the Show for four days, but new was our “Captains’ Dinner at the Museum” and three consecutive breakfast seminars, talking about topics ranging from chartering and VAT to Brexit effects on the yacht industry and personal finance for seafarers.To watch the event highlights and see how we mix business with pleasure, grab a coffee and watch this: https://bit.ly/PSYS2021video Huge thanks to our sponsors and partners who made this all possible:The Port Authority of MelillaSwiss Ocean Yacht ManagementBegüm YachtingMoonen YachtsCoral Marine IbizaTermopetroliAstilleros de MallorcaTax MarineNautipaintsKingsber Property & Crew SupportAlcaidesa MarinaTAM Asset ManagementAntigua Yacht Club Marina & ResortArgentario Yacht ServicesAYSSA special thanks too to the organisers of the Palma Superyacht Show, who made the event happen, in the face of significant challenges, namely Jane Thompson, Amanda Picornell and Danielle Berclouw.We hope to see you here next year, if not before. If you are interested in collaborating with our events or the 2022 edition of our annual superyacht guide, ‘The Y Yachting Itineraries’, get in touch with Francesco Gennai on +34 638 81 68 03 or email francesco.gennai@estelashipping.net
The travel and yachting situation around the Mediterranean region is fluid, with countries and regions adjusting measures frequently. The guide below should be taken as information only and you are advised to consult with a local agent before planning your visit. This information is drawn from a network of agencies, as well as official sources. If you have new updates that we should include, please send us an email to palma@estelayachting.net SPAIN Travel Spain is open to flights from: EU/EEA countries, subject either to vaccination* or a negative antigen test*** Countries worldwide**, subject to complete vaccination* United Kingdom, subject to complete vaccination or PCR/TMA/LAMP/NEAR test (antigen is NOT accepted). Balearic Islands only are green-listed by the UK from 04:00 on 30-Jun (no quarantine required upon return to the UK) USA, without vaccination or COVID test Australia, China, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan and Rwanda, subject to a negative PCR test Minors travelling with vaccinated adults may also arrive in Spain, though do require a negative COVID test and must, like adults, complete a Passenger Locator Form. Children under 12 years are exempt from testing and locator form. For visitors from within the EU/EEA area, Spain […]
As part of tightened controls during the coronavirus pandemic, the Ship Sanitation Certificate is now being demanded by maritime authorities for yachts in Spain and throughout EU waters. Until recently, the requirement for yachts to carry a Ship Sanitation Control Certificate or Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate had been widely disregarded by Spanish authorities for vessels under 500gt . Last summer, this informal threshold was lowered to 400gt, though now inspectors are clamping down on all passenger ships, regardless of size. Introduced through Article 39 of the WHO’s International Health Regulations 2005, the regulations brought in common sanitation standards to certify that a vessel is free of sources of contagion and chemical and radiological agents. Valid for a maximum of six months, the SSCC or SSCEC must be logged on the EU SHIPSAN ACT Information System for all types of ships sailing in the European Union. As licensed consignees ESTELA Shipping can obtain your SSCC/SSCEC from Spanish health authorities, upon completion of the requisite inspection and documentation. Should you be planning to navigate in international waters, please note that legionella sampling requires 14 days for results, so you should allow sufficient time before departure. The checklist of documentation includes: Previous […]
Please be aware that according to information we have received from Spanish health authorities, any clinic or clinician in Spain administering vaccines privately, is not authorised. If you were to consider going for private vaccination, you must ask: who is administering it? is it legal? will I receive a recognised vaccination certificate? which vaccine is it? Please note that if it is ‘Sputnik V’ being offered, this is not recognised by either the EMA or the WHO, so it’s not valid for travel purposes. The Netherlands and Belgium are about to roll out vaccines to seafarers, while Spain has committed to do the same, though there is, as yet, no timeline. While ESTELA is in no position to offer medical advice, we would urge anyone considering private vaccination to consult a doctor.
Our Palma Superyacht Show Breakfast Seminars are now available to watch online. On three consecutive mornings, a panel of experts discussed wide-ranging topics, from chartering and VAT, to all things Brexit and property investing for seafarers. Day One: Chartering in Spain, VAT, Temporary Admission and TPA: https://youtu.be/x1sPqhHcBbo?t=1215 Day Two: Brexit effect on tax, licensing, certification: https://youtu.be/zGIaLrKWN4M?t=958 Day Three: Personal finance for seafarers; banking, investing, property, and tax planning: https://youtu.be/xpL7XJiwwLM?t=1278 If you have any questions, contact us or put them in the comments and we will ask the panelists to answer.
The EU’s Digital Green Certificate, or ‘COVID passport’ will become available for all EU citizens and residents, as well as for specific categories of travellers from third countries, by July 1st. A number of countries, as well as some regions in Spain, have begun the roll-out, with the rest of the EU Member States expected to implement the system in the coming weeks. Intended to eliminate travel restrictions, the ‘passport’ is designed to facilitate travel throughout Europe for vaccinated persons, as well as for people recovered from COVID or tested negative. The single DGC document can be issued in both paper and digital format, comprising either proof of completed COVID vaccination, a NAAT or antigen test certificate, or recovery certificate. Eligible third-country citizens may apply for the certificate through their destination Member State participating in the scheme. Member States are obliged to cover the costs of DGCs, making them free of charge for travellers. The Balearics will make the DGC available from Thursday, 10-Jun.
Restrictions eliminated for travellers vaccinated with EMA/WHO-approved vaccines Antigen tests now accepted coming from EU/EEA countries Expiry time of valid tests reduced to 48 hours before arrival Spain is now open to visitors from worldwide areas, provided they have been fully vaccinated for at least two weeks with an EMA- or WHO-approved vaccine, according to an official government bulletin ‘BOE’ released at the weekend. Minors travelling with vaccinated adults may also arrive in Spain, though do require a negative COVID test and must, like adults, complete a Passenger Locator Form. Children under 6 years are exempt from testing and locator form. Exceptions are visitors from South Africa, Brazil and India, who remain barred from entry, regardless of vaccinated status or testing. For visitors from within the EU/EEA area, Spain now accepts either a NAAT test or an antigen test, though the validity of such test results is reduced to 48 hours, down from 72 hours, from the time of issue. Visitors from this area with a valid COVID-recovered certificate are also accepted for arrival in Spain. A COVID recovery certificate is also accepted for arrivals from the EU/EEA area. Vaccination certificate Accepted vaccination certificates are issued by the authorities of […]
On the occasion of the Palma Superyacht Show, ESTELA is hosting the first “Captains’ Dinner at the Museum”. This exclusive invitation-only event is for captains and senior officers only. Invitations have gone out, but if we have missed you, we may not have up-to-date contact details for you, so please get in touch! Call us on +34 638 81 68 03 or email dinner@estelayachting.com
On the occasion of the Palma Superyacht Show, ESTELA is pleased to invite you to aseries of free breakfast seminars on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Come and join us for a pre-Show breakfast and listen to panel discussions on topics that we are regularly asked about by captains and crew. Not only are these events designed as a great way to start the day and meet up with friends and colleagues, but hopefully the conversation will be informative too! These seminars are invitation-only and guests must register* via the dedicated Eventbrite page for each event. Programme Captains’ Breakfast SeminarFriday, 4th June, 09:00-10:30h Chartering in Spain, VAT, Temporary Admission and TPAMiguel Angel Serra, Partner, Albors Galiano Portales SLPAlex Chumillas Amat, Director, Tax Marine & Aviation Spain SLLuis Ayala Navarro, Director, Autoridad Portuaria de MelillaCristina Martinez, Yacht Projects SL Book your place here: http://bit.ly/estelacaptainsbreakfast1 Captains’ Breakfast SeminarSaturday 5th June, 09:00-10:30hBrexit effect on tax, licensing, certification, importation and immigration Miguel Angel Serra, Albors Galiano Portales SLPAlex Chumillas Amat, Tax Marine & Aviation Spain SLJaime Moranta, Agencia Moranta SAKristy Hollingsworth, Estela Shipping Palma SA Book your place here: http://bit.ly/estelacaptainsbreakfast2 Yacht Crew Breakfast SeminarSunday 6th June, 09:00-10:30h Personal finance for seafarers; opportunities in banking, insurance, […]
It’s three weeks to go until the Palma Superyacht Show opens its doors! The excitement here is palpable, as hotels and hospitality have reopened and the Show itself is under construction. Spain’s vaccination programme has gathered pace and life is gradually returning to normal, so we hope to see you here. Aside from our usual (or unusual) stand at the Show, we have a programme of new side events this year: Friday, 4th June, 09:00-10:30h – Captains’ Breakfast Seminar:Chartering in Spain, VAT, Temporary Admission and TPA Saturday 5th June, 09:00-10:30h – Captains’ Breakfast Seminar:Brexit effect on tax, licensing, certification, importation and immigration Sunday 6th June, 09:00-10:30h – Yacht Crew Breakfast Seminar:Personal finance for seafarers; opportunities in banking, insurance, mortgages, investing and tax planning for expats and nomads Thursday, 3rd June, 19:30hESTELA Captains’ Dinner at the Museum Our usual cocktail party on the occasion of the Show becomes a private, seated dinner for captains and clients, to be held in an exclusive private venue in Palma. If you are going to be in town and would like to receive an invitation, please drop an email to palma@superyachts.agency These events are only possible with the kind cooperation of sponsors and partners. If […]
The Balearic Government has introduced new de-escalation measures, in effect now:● Night-time curfew now starts one hour later, at 23:00h, until 06:00h● Outdoor bar/restaurant terraces may open Mon-Thu from 20:00h until 22:30h● Mixing of households is now permitted without limitation, though overall restrictions on group/table sizes remain● Shopping centres may reopen on Sundays and bank holidays Please see below the latest situation in Spain, specifically the Balearic Islands:● No yacht restrictions, subject to arrival health declarations and PCR tests (<72 hrs)● All Spanish waters are open for cruising and recreation as normal● Hospitality is open on terraces until 17:00pm (and from 20:00-22:30h on Monday-Thursday only)● Curfew from 23:00 to 06:00h● Groups ashore may be no more than 6 anywhere, while max people per dinner/bar table is 4 persons● Limit on board is ten guests, plus crew. No limits now on household mixing.● Shops are open 7 days, with some capacity restrictions and closing at 21:00pm for non-essential items● Arrivals by air from South Africa and Brazil, including crew, must quarantine for 10 days, or release after 7 days with PCR● Non-Schengen tourism is not allowed, with some exceptions (incl Australia, NZ, China/HK, S. Korea)● We are aware that owners/guests on private flights have arrived successfully from outside […]
The world’s first fully-automated PCR test analyser from Bosch is now available to order from ESTELA.Operating on the ‘Vivalytic’ platform from Bosch Healthcare Solutions, the device returns accurate PCR test results in just 39 minutes. Swabs are inserted into a cartridge containing all the required reagents and the machine does the rest. With an accuracy of over 95%, Vivalytic meets the quality standards of the World Health Organization. Tests have a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 100%. The world’s first fully-automated PCR test analyser from Bosch is now available to order from ESTELA.Operating on the ‘Vivalytic’ platform from Bosch Healthcare Solutions, the device returns accurate PCR test results in just 39 minutes. Swabs are inserted into a cartridge containing all the required reagents and the machine does the rest. With an accuracy of over 95%, Vivalytic meets the quality standards of the World Health Organization. Tests have a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 100%. The world’s first fully-automated PCR test analyser from Bosch is now available to order from ESTELA.Operating on the ‘Vivalytic’ platform from Bosch Healthcare Solutions, the device returns accurate PCR test results in just 39 minutes. Swabs are inserted into a cartridge containing all the required reagents and the machine does the rest.With an accuracy of […]
On the occasion of the Palma Superyacht Show, ESTELA will be hosting two free, invitation-only breakfast seminars at a neighbouring venue. Aside from an agreeable way to start the day and meet up with friends and colleagues, we will host brief presentations and Q&A on topical issues affecting the superyacht industry. Suggested topics of interest include: Chartering in Spain (licensing, VAT and regulations); Brexit effects on yachting (VAT, RYA, employment, travel, taxation, goods importation, flag state issues); COVID challenges and best practice on board. If you have a suggestion for a topic you would like to learn more about from a relevant expert, please tell us at palma@estelashipping.net If your organisation is interested in sponsoring the event and any other of our activities around the Palma Superyacht Show, please contact francesco.gennai@estelashipping.net or telephone +34 638 81 68 03.
First announced last October, in the Balearics an On-Board Health Control Certificate (SSC) is now a requirement for all yachts over 400GT, private or commercial. Previously, the threshold stood at 500GT.Yachts below 400GT are exempt, though it may be advisable — particularly for charter yachts — to certify that the vessel complies with WHO sanitary standards.The SSC covers items such as air, water, aircon, oil and waste systems, medical facilities, food sanitation and bathing facilities. Vessels over 400GT must be able to present a valid SSC to Sanidad, logged on the SHIPSAN platform. For any queries or to arrange your inspection, please contact us onpalma@estelashipping.net
We receive many calls from captains and crew, asking about COVID vaccinations. There is no vaccination-on-demand available anywhere in the world that we are aware of, except the UAE and Russia. The UN’s ILO and IMO agencies, as well as various maritime unions and organisations, are pressuring governments to make vaccinations a priority for displaced seafarers. There is, as yet, no framework in place to make this a reality, so we await further news. For information about the vaccine roll-out in the Balearics, please visit https://www.ibsalut.es/es/es-vacuna-covid-19. Gibraltar has one of the world’s most advanced vaccination programmes and we have asked the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) whether any provision had been made for seafarers transiting through its port. The GHA referred us to its online COVID ‘vaccination interest’ form, which you can complete here: https://www.gha.gi/covid-19-vaccination-interest-form/. There is no indication that vaccination will be made available to non-residents, though given the success of Gibraltar’s roll-out, strong demand may help to persuade authorities to prioritise seafarers.
Creams, lotions and other toiletries are considered pharmaceutical products in Spain and can only be imported from outside the EU by licensed medical agencies. If you have previously ordered dermatological or toiletry products directly from UK suppliers, please note that these will now be intercepted and returned by customs, or destroyed. To avoid problems with importation of pharmaceuticals from the UK, please order via the likes of Amazon.co.uk (not third parties on the platform), as these still appear to arrive unhindered. However, please check shipment terms before ordering. Better still; if your products are available from eg. Amazon.de/.es/.fr, order from there instead, to ensure smooth delivery. A handy tool is https://euzon.eu/, which enables you to search all of Amazon’s European sites in one go. If we can help you source anything, please contact us: palma@estelashipping.net