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 […]
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, […]