Nov 17
by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support, what's on 0 comments

Spain introduces PCR test requirement for arrivals from high risk countries

The move affects travellers coming from more than 60 countries from 23rd November, including most EU member states. The negative PCR test must be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in Spain and must be issued in English or Spanish, in paper or electronic format. Who is affected? This measure applies to travellers coming by sea or air, not to arrivals through land borders. Exemptions may apply for yacht crew demonstrably in transit to a boat that is departing imminently, or from a boat to outside Spain, departing without delay. Exemptions will also apply for arrivals who may have been unable to undergo a PCR test within the 72 hour window, having been continuously at sea or arrived from a departure point where tests are unavailable.  In each instance, arrivals seeking an exemption are advised to check with us and we will consult with the local health authority for a confirmed exemption for your circumstance. High Risk Countries For European countries of origin, Spanish authorities will rely on the risk map by the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC). For countries outside this area, the reference point will be the 14-day cumulative coronavirus incidence for every 100,000 inhabitants, […]
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Nov 05
by admin in Crew Assistance & Support, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

NEED CASH ON BOARD?

As official ‘consignatario’ port agents, ESTELA is authorised to offer Cast-to-Master service. Owners and managers can send money to us by bank transfer, enabling captains to withdraw cash on demand, as and when they need it. CTM is available in all ESTELA locations. For more details about our CTM service, please contact us. palma@estelashipping.net
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Nov 05
by admin in Crew Assistance & Support, SUPERYACHT AGENCY, Visa and immigration 0 comments

DO YOU REQUIRE A TRAVEL LETTER?

With national lockdowns and border closures on the increase, international travel is again becoming more complicated. While seafarers are generally exempt from restrictions designed to curtail tourism, carrying a travel letter from a licensed ‘consignatario’, setting out your reason for travel, can be helpful when boarding flights and crossing borders. For more information or to request your travel letter, please get in touch. Equally, when stamping off your boat and re-entering the Schengen zone, we can assist with the documentation required by Spain’s immigration police. palma@superyachts.agency
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Nov 04
by admin in Itineraries, SUPERYACHT AGENCY, what's on 0 comments

ESTELA opens in Lanzarote

So confident of the Canaries’ potential as a superyacht destination are we, that ESTELA Shipping have now opened an office in Lanzarote! In partnership with Calero Marinas, we have appointed Monica Iren Lungard as our local representative, to support our superyacht clients and provide the same high standard of service that ESTELA already offers in Palma, Gibraltar, Barcelona and Panama. Monica joined Calero as an administrator two years ago and has been living in the Canary Islands for eight years, the past six of which in Lanzarote. She has also lived in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, giving her great insight into what the islands have to offer. A Norwegian national, Monica speaks fluent English and Spanish. She can be reached by telephone/WhatsApp on: +34 660 54 89 74 or by email at: monica.iren@estelashipping.net
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Oct 09
by admin in Melilla, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Wintering closer to home? Check out Melilla’s unbeatable proposition 50-metre berths start from just €60 per day!

For yachts planning on spending the winter in Europe, consider berthing in Melilla.  The Spanish city on the North African Med coast offers a multitude of benefits to visiting yachts, for short or long stays. Just 95 nautical miles from Almería, Melilla’s airport is only 2.5 kilometers from the city with direct flights to Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Seville and Almería. The port enjoys state-of-the-art security, with 400 berths, 12m draft and a dock of 240m, suitable for yachts of any length. There are fifteen moorings to accommodate yachts of up to 50 meters. For yachts up to 50m LOA and 10m beam, a 30-day stay costs just €2,263. The 90-day rate falls to €6,790, or €21,969 for a full year. For smaller yachts up to 30m LOA and 7m beam, these rates are respectively €978, €2,933 and €9,491, inclusive of taxes. Melilla is part of the EU, but not of the Customs Territory of the Union (TAU) or the Territory of VAT application (TAIVA), making it a useful point in the exit of TAU, for the purpose of finalising ‘Temporary Admission’ (RIT) and the Inward Processing Regime (RPA). Neither is Melilla part of the Territory of Application of […]
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Sep 28
by admin in Law and Regulations, Safety on board, what's on 0 comments

On-Board Health Control Certificate (SSC) now required for ALL yachts (Over 400GT) in the Balearics

Under WHO health regulations issued in 2007, the Europe-wide requirement for Ship Sanitation Certificates had been applied by Spanish authorities, until now, only to commercial vessels over 500 GT. We have been advised by the Balearic branch of the Department for Health (‘Sanidad’) that with immediate effect, the SSC, or ‘Certificado de Control de Sanidad a Bordo’ is now a legal requirement for any yacht (over 400GT ) visiting or stationed in the Balearics . The SSC covers items such as air, water, aircon, oil and waste systems, medical facilities, food sanitation and bathing facilities. Each vessel 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 on palma@estelashipping.net
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Sep 25
by admin in Crew Assistance & Support, SUPERYACHT AGENCY, Visa and immigration 0 comments

Did you know that Spain now issues 90-day Schengen tourist visas?

Any non-European crew requiring a visa in order to fly in and join a yacht will know that Spain has not been the optimal Schengen zone country to arrive in first. Spanish authorities have in the past offered only Transit Visas with two-day validity to travel through the zone. However, this changed earlier this year… While there was no fanfare at the time, the introduction of a new Schengen Visa Code in February meant that Spain joined other Schengen members in issuing 90-day, multi-entry Schengen visas! No longer must you plan to arrive first in France, Germany or elsewhere for your 90-day ‘golden’ visa, to enjoy the freedom to move freely around Europe or leave and re-enter in your time off. Another change the new code brought in is that you can now apply SIX MONTHS in advance of your intended arrival, compared with three months previously. This means that you can start planning your 2021 season already and get your visa in place. (The latest you can apply for it is 15 calendar days before your trip) For assistance with your 90-day Schengen visa application and to obtain the required invitation letter, please contact us at palma@estelashipping.net
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Sep 08
by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support, Law and Regulations, Visa and immigration 0 comments

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CREW FLYING HOME ON TRANSIT VISAS

Spanish police issue new guidance for issuance of transit visas Spanish immigration police have issued new guidelines for the issuance of Schengen transit visas to seafarers departing the zone or travelling to join another vessel within the territory. Stipulations requiring a negative PCR test result prior to being admitted at destination country has been leaving crew in visa limbo in recent weeks. Having presented at Spanish airports for departure with transit visa in hand but without the requisite PCR test, crew can be denied boarding of their flight. The result is that crew are being left stranded in Spain illegally, unable to return to their boat and unable to travel onwards. To prevent this from happening, immigration officials have instructed authorised port agents to verify each crew member’s itinerary and the need, or not, for a PCR test at hand, PRIOR to applying for a transit visa. If you intend to fly home, or to any destination that requires a PCR test, you will be unable to obtain a transit visa from Spanish authorities without producing a test result that meets the requirements of your destination country. Compliance must be verified by an authorised consignatory port agent.
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Sep 03
by admin in Marketing Opportunities, The Y - Yachting Handbook 0 comments

Estela in media collaboration with superyacht vlogger, eSysman

Whether you like slick supercar videos, watching pro gamers play Call of Duty, or enjoy practical content such as online cooking or yoga classes, YouTube has it all. The world of superyachts is no different, with many crew and enthusiasts creating brilliant content in a variety of styles, designed to entertain and provide insight into yachting and life on board. One vlogger in particular whose style we like is ‘eSysman’. This senior technical officer continues the day job, actively working on board, and prefers to remain nameless. When not on board, this industry insider manages one of the more insightful YouTube superyacht channels, https://www.youtube.com/c/eSysman/videos The channel is packed with original content and packages that cover everything from new yacht launches, accident analyses, yacht specifications, crew life, and protocols on board. Another feature is regular Q&As, where this industry veteran answers questions from the channel’s subscribers, which can range from technical queries to gossip about bosses’ mistresses.   Whether you are in the superyacht industry, or looking to enter it, you will find something here to entertain and enlighten you.
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Aug 27
by admin in Balearics Experiences, Charter & Brokerage, Marketing Opportunities, The Y - Yachting Handbook 0 comments

‘The Y Yachting Itineraries’ 2021 is out!

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. […]
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Aug 27
by admin in Itineraries, SUPERYACHT AGENCY, The Y - Yachting Handbook 0 comments

Season almost over? Consider the Canary Islands this autumn, really.

September is looming into view already, signalling the final weeks of the usual Mediterranean season. But this season has been anything but ‘usual’, with many trips curtailed or cancelled altogether, due to the wretched coronavirus. So, here’s a suggestion for owners and charterers to spend some bonus time on board this year, in a safe destination and with warm weather. Without crossing the Atlantic. The Canary Islands have much 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. Click here to read the Canary Islands chapter of the latest edition of ‘The Y Yachting Itineraries’. Hard copies of the guide are now available, so please contact us for your copy. 
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Jul 03
by admin in Coronavirus, Law and Regulations, what's on 0 comments

Mallorca is OPEN!

Last week Spain re-opened its borders to tourists from the EU/Schengen zone, as well as a select number of non-European countries, including the United Kingdom. Without quarantine or COVID-testing requirements, Spain is one of the most easily-accessible places for yachts and for private flights, with up to 50 arrivals at Palma’s private LEPA terminal daily! What’s more, Mother Nature has enjoyed the rest that lockdown has provided, with our beaches and calas in pristine condition, and Balearic waters looking even more crystalline than usual. What’s more, summer is here and no rain is expected for the whole of July! Restaurants and bars and beach clubs are open, with masks required to be worn only in confined spaces where distancing is impossible. Smaller clubs are open, offering table service. Just leave your dancing shoes on board, as dance floors are closed. Reports of long delays for arrivals into Greece, for example, are no issue here in Mallorca, with all ports and marinas operating normally. Guests and crew are free to disembark and enjoy the island as normal. How safe are the Balearics? The first tourists to arrive in Mallorca this summer, from Germany, in a pilot programme last month, scored hygiene measures here at […]
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Jun 24
by admin in Law and Regulations, Melilla, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Need to clear out this year?

Looking beyond the imminent Mediterranean cruising and charter season, you may need to complete your TA and exit EU waters later this year. Consider doing this by visiting Melilla. Melilla is part of Spain, but is not in the Customs Territory of the EU (TAU) or the Territory of VAT application (TAIVA). This makes it a useful point in finalising Temporary Admission, as part of the Inward Processing Regime (RPA). Why not spare yourself the usual ‘cost of doing business’ in Algeria, with the associated inconvenience, and instead enjoy Melilla’s renowned hospitality and professionalism! And, in the event that coronavirus is still a cross-border problem to contend with, you will also avoid the need to quarantine upon your return to Spain. Oh, and as Melilla is part of the Territory of Application of Special Taxes (TAIIEE), you’ll find it very advantageous for tax-free refuelling and provisioning too! Contact us for assistance or information.
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Jun 24
by admin in Balearics Experiences, Charter & Brokerage, Coronavirus, what's on 0 comments

Anticipation, preparation, LIFT OFF!

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!
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Jun 24
by Estella in SUPERYACHT AGENCY, The Y - Yachting Handbook 0 comments

Grab YOUR last-minute placement in The Y Yachting Itineraries 2021!

Here at Estela, we normally print the 330-page ‘The Y Yachting Itineraries’ every April, but this year is like no other. The coronavirus lockdown meant we were forced to stop the clock, until now… We are printing the 2021 edition at the end of next week, which gives us the unusual opportunity to share a complete draft of the book with you ahead of printing. And, if you like what you see, it’s not too late to get involved! Today, the back cover, inside front cover and inside back cover are all available and you can make them yours at last-minute prices. Obviously, time is running out, so these prime slots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. We know many plans and budgets have been affected by the COVID emergency. At our end, we unfortunately lost some advertisers when budgets were suddenly frozen, so we now have some prime slots still available. Distribution will extend into next year’s season, making up for the months lost this year and providing a longer shelf life than ever before. And with fewer pages of advertising throughout the book, your placement will stand out even more. The Y 2021 highlights: Extend your Mediterranean season! Melilla to Tangier; Mediterranean itineraries with an exotic twist Canary Islands; The forgotten year-round cruising destination Balearics; Gastronomy special Panama; An extraordinary […]
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Jun 04
by Estella in Charter & Brokerage, Coronavirus 0 comments

Resumption of passenger flights in Spain

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 […]
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Jun 04
by Estella in Coronavirus, Law and Regulations, Melilla 0 comments

Heading to Spain from the Atlantic? Need quarantine exemption?

There have been many discussions in the past week about quarantine requirements for yachts arriving in Spain from the Caribbean. By the letter of the law, as issued by the central government, all seafarers are exempt, without exception. This ruling does not discriminate between private and commercial vessels, as professional qualifications are IMO-compliant for both categories. However, having approached Maritime Health Authority in Mallorca, there is no consensus about the applicability of exemption and consider that ALL arrivals must be quarantined for 14 days regardless. Importantly, this includes those that arrive here having sailed for at least 14 days non-stop, prior to arrival. However, through our working relationship with the Port Authority of Melilla, we have managed to obtain definitive quarantine exemption for our clients, issued directly by Ministerial order, leaving no room for misinterpretation. So, if your yacht is due to arrive in the coming weeks from across the Pond, the smart move is to stop first in Melilla. There, we can furnish you with a Ministerial quarantine exemption and provide you with some of the lowest-cost yacht fuel in the Med and get your summer season off to a good start. Contact us for assistance or information.
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Jun 03
by Estella in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

‘Yachting in a global pandemic’

Coronavirus protocols and best practice for captains, crew, owners and guests The coronavirus outbreak has thrown the maritime industry into turmoil, with no vaccine or treatment available for the time being, and testing not yet universally available. It’s fair to say that yachting has some unique challenges with COVID-19 on the scene. We asked some specialist maritime medical experts how captains can mitigate the risks of cruising with owners or chartering with guests. Specifically, what steps can captains take to minimise the health risk to crew in the day-to-day operation of their yacht? Dr. John Ross is an emergency physician at the Halifax Infirmary, Nova Scotia, Canada, and serves as medical director of Praxes Medical Group, a private sector telemedicine provider to remote sites around the world, and as provincial advisor on emergency care to the Deputy Minister of Health. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC) in emergency medicine and is a professor of emergency medicine at Dalhousie University, with a focus on acute airway management. He also works as a trauma team leader, teaching rural trauma team development courses throughout the Maritimes. Michelle Currie is Operations Manager for Praxes Medical Group. Michelle […]
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May 15
by Estella in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Visas

Given the current border closures, restrictions on travel and uncertainty about the Mediterranean season, we are understandably receiving MANY queries from crew about their visa status. Anyone in Spain currently, stamped onto a boat but with an expired tourist or Schengen visa, should not worry about overstaying. Visas are currently suspended and no punitive action will be taken by authorities upon inspection. However, travelling to anywhere that is not your country of residence on an expired visa, or stamping off a boat without departing the country, may prove problematic. There are no easy answers, but if you have a specific question about your visa status, we will do our best to find you an answer.
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May 15
by Estella in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Testing, testing…

The issue of coronavirus testing is a live one, with much information and disinformation being shared on social media and, worryingly, by some agencies. The Balearic government has approved the provision of clinical tests by just two private hospital laboratories in Mallorca. The PCR test (checking for coronavirus) has an efficacy of 80-90%, with results available after 24-48 hours. The price of the PCR test is capped at €200 for non-residents, or €150 for permanent residents. In addition, an immunological test is available, checking for antibodies, to indicate whether someone has had the virus. This test is available additionally or separately, at €50. The two tests are carried out by physicians at a private hospital after carrying out a general medical check, costing €103.42. In total, we offer the following procedure: Medical check             €103.42 PCR test                     €200.00 Immunological test      €  50.00 Additionally, Estela charges a €35.00 + VAT fee for agency assistance and administration. Best practice is to take both tests after 6/7 days of arrival into Mallorca, to allow time for coronavirus cells to develop following possible infection. Optionally, new arrivals may choose to take the immunological test immediately upon arrival, where the presence of antibodies would […]
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Yachting Itineraries 2021
Yachting Itineraries 2019
Yachting Itineraries 2018
Handbook 2017
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ESTELA SHIPPING PALMA, S.A

Avenida Gabriel Roca, 37 local C, entrada Carrer de la Pedrera
07014 Palma de Mallorca (Spain) – P.O. box 415
Tel. +34971722532
Fax. +34971511726
Email: palma@estelashipping.net

Introducing 'The Y' 2019/20

Why fuel in Spain

When Seconds Count
Nautic Rent A Car