Spanish authorities have published new exercise guidelines in a de-escalation of the COVID-19 state of emergency. The schedule for de-escalation varies from region to region, so for the sake of simplicity, these are the new regulations for Palma de Mallorca only, valid from Saturday 2nd May. If you are outside of Palma, please consult your local authority for permitted exercise times and restrictions, as this is regulated per municipality, depending on population size. Adults and minors aged 14 years and up may go out for walks or exercise between 06:00-10:00h, and from 20:00-23:00h, once per day. For walks the maximum radius from home is 1km. Exercise may extend further but is limited to the municipality where you reside. ✅ You may use bicycles, scooters, roller-skates, surf boards; as long as the exercise is done SOLO, once per day, staying within municipality. ✅ You may walk with one other person from your household, within 1km from home, once per day. ✅ Masks for walks or exercise are highly recommended, though not obligatory. ✅ You must at ALL TIMES keep at least a two-metre distance from other persons. ✅Always clean/disinfect any equipment used while outside and remember to observe hand-washing guidelines. 🚫Use […]
From today (Monday 4th May) Spain’s Ministry of Transport has relaxed restrictions covering general transportation The use of masks that cover the nose and mouth is mandatory for all users of bus, rail, air and sea transportation. In the case of passengers on ships and boats, the use of masks is necessary only in shared or public spaces. It is also mandatory for users of passenger transport in vehicles of up to nine seats, including the driver. Transport service workers in direct contact with travellers must be provided with masks and have access to hydro-alcoholic solutions to practice frequent hand hygiene. In private and supplementary vehicles of up to nine seats, including the driver, two people can ride per row of seats, provided they use masks and respect the maximum possible distance between occupants. In vehicles such as vans, with only one row of seats available, a maximum of two people may travel, provided that occupants use masks and keep as much distance as possible. https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2020/05/03/pdfs/BOE-A-2020-4789.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0D8OOB6G_DQIDPWEtfsq_EELayRZPBN1iSwQcrPpkHrkwt-iPN3pnE3Wo
Port of Melilla, with the agreement of the Government Delegation, has reopened to yachts wishing to carry out operations in the port or for long stays, taking advantage of Melilla’s financial&custom benefits. To enter the port, these requirements must be met: -Declaration of the captain with body temperatures of each crew member. -Only crew are permitted on board and upon arrival, crew will be tested for COVID-19 (by AP) -Obligatory 14 days’ quarantine on board, before being able to disembark. -Obligatory to use a consignatory agent for supplies during the 14-day quarantine. Contact us for assistance or information
On 30th April, Spain’s Ministry of Transport issued the following clarification regarding the phased easing of the Coronavirus lockdown and a return to new normality, specifically for the recreational nautical sector. These are the key steps, as planned, which are subject to amendment in the event that the current health emergency re-escalates. Key steps Phase Zero, from Monday, 4th May You may not navigate by boat for leisure, unless it is done solo, for sport, as an amateur physical activity. Certain sailing boats (eg dinghy) can be sailed as a sport. You must reside in the same municipality where the boat is located and navigation is subject to geographical limitations. NB. Please remember that paddling by oar or hand is not permitted inside the port area, as is sailing. You must motor, or be towed, to outside the port area. Phase One, from Monday, 11th May Recreational cruising may start as a cultural and leisure activity, by limited groups of people residing in the same municipality. Health measures such as heightened hygiene standards must be observed. Cruising is restricted to the waters of the province or island. Phase Two, from Monday, 25th May Recreational cruising is permitted for larger groups […]
The latest edition of our annual superyacht travel guide is ready to go and will come off the press in May, as soon as we are able to resume operations. If cancelled or rescheduled events or activities have re-opened your marketing budget, this is your opportunity to promote new event dates, products or services! Our itineraries are: Melilla to Tangier, Best of Balearics, Canary Islands, Antigua and Panama. There is still time to get involved and put your brand in front of 9,000 owners, captains, guests and yacht industry professionals, so get in touch! Contact us at palma@superyachts.agency or telephone: +34 971 722 532
Like other suppliers, we have been offered self-testing coronavirus kits for re-sale to clients. The demand for tests certainly exists and we receive enquiries daily, though the efficacy of such tests is doubtful, with accuracy no better than 60%. In other words, you may as well flip a coin. For this reason, we are declining to offer the kits currently available, as we can’t vouch for their usefulness. In particular, a negative reading does not mean the user does not have SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19, and can give false reassurance. It is, however, advisable to carry oxygen on board and we can provide you with oxygen kits or spare cylinders. Oxygen is no substitute for medical ventilation, but may be used in emergencies prior to hospitalisation. If you have been in physical contact with anyone with COVID19 or are displaying any of the symptoms below, we can arrange for a test carried out at a private hospital, after consultation with a doctor. Being a private facility, any test or treatment is not free. The local public health emergency number is 061. Symptoms: Persistent cough Headache Tiredness, muscle pain Mucous secretions from the throat Loss of taste and smell
There has been a small number of yacht departures from, and arrival to, Mallorca in recent days. While the guidance around yacht movements remains unchanged, successful representations have been made for allowing yachts to return to their home port or shipyard. Regular arrivals by yacht transporters continue to set local chat forums alight, but as such yachts qualify as commercial cargo, up to the point of discharge, operators continue to work as scheduled. Yachts delivered to Palma may be moved to marinas or permitted to continue on to their home port, so should your yacht be out of position and in need of relocating, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Following revised guidelines issued by the European Commission on 14th April, crew changes may be permissible, though no official decree has been issued to that effect by the Spanish government. This means that an official request to the Spanish authorities must be presented in each instance, in order to obtain explicit authorisation for inbound travel. As consignatory agents, we can prepare and present crew-change requests on owners’ behalf, prior to crew embarking/disembarking. Please note that inbound crew can be required by the Spanish authorities to observe a 14-day quarantine on-shore before embarkation, to be spent in accommodation close to the embarkation point. Arrivals may be infected and are a potential threat to the health of fellow crew members and anyone else with whom they may come into contact on board. Note that an authorisation to enter from Spanish border police does not guarantee permission to board a flight in the country of origin. Contact us for more details
On the recommendation of the European Commission this week, current travel restrictions in Spain are to remain in force until 15th May at least. In general, this means that travel in Europe remains limited to repatriation for nationals or residents. There are, however, exceptions for key workers, such as transportation workers (including seafarers), or those travelling for reasons of safety or emergency. An essential condition is that inbound transportation workers ensure the immediate continuation of the trip. There may be exceptions for people travelling for imperative family reasons, or reasons of force majeure, each assessed on a case by case basis. Inbound travellers without prior authorisation from the Spanish authorities may be denied boarding in the country of origin, while local authorities may yet deny departure, depending on local restrictions and criteria for travel. If you require clarification or assistance, feel free to contact us: Contact us on +34 638 816 803 /+34 971 722 532 or email palma@superyachts.agency
Last night (9th April), the Spanish government did not renew the interim restrictions that brought all non-essential work activity in Spain to a halt two weeks ago. As such, limited works are again permitted and are set to resume after the Easter break. Now permitted, subject to strict guidelines: Non-essential work inside yards and workshops, by crew and contractors For clarity, these restrictions remain in force: No yacht/crew arrivals or departures Travel remains severely restricted and must be authorised by yachts’ management As ever, enforcement remains open to interpretation by the individuals making inspections, so it is advisable to check with yard management and enforcement officers before proceeding with any non-safety related works. Work sanitation guidelines remain in force: Access to the workplace is prohibited to those individuals tested positive, or symptomatic, or having been in contact with any suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases Social distancing guidance must be observed Masks and gloves, at a minimum, must be worn during interaction with outside contractors. Hand sanitiser must be available. To subscribe to our coronavirus special newsletters, please take one minute to sign up: bit.ly/Estela-Coronavirus-Emails. To receive critical updates by WhatsApp (admin posts only, no chatter) click here: bit.ly/WhatsApp-C19-Alerts
Estela is working hard to respond to all the challenges that the coronavirus emergency brings. Now, we are able to provide you with services and products to disinfect your yacht and minimise the risk of spreading the virus on board. Our deep cleaning service uses the most powerful sanitising products, applied methodically by professional cleaners, in accordance with strict usage guidelines. Depending on the most suitable solution for each area of the boat, application is either liquid or aerosol, applied hot, cold or micro-sprayed. The sanitation process takes place after crew members have disembarked. Cleaners will proceed to disinfect all areas and systems on board; crew mess, galley, staterooms, aircon vents, engine room etc. Once crew move back on board, it is crucial to remember that the SARS-CoV2 virus can remain on many surface types for long periods of time. All areas must be cleaned with disinfectant, including door handles, railings, banisters, push buttons, switches and any surfaces touched by hand. Outer clothing or footwear worn ashore must also be cleaned upon boarding. Any items brought on board (including cardboard/paper) such as packages or food items should also be cleaned individually. The above processes are recommended to maintain good health […]
We have heard from a number of yachts still in the Americas, reluctant to cross back to the Med among the current uncertainty. It remains possible to transport your yacht this month, with a number of slots remaining available. As commercial cargo, yachts continue to be transported and can be discharged in a number of European locations, while we are able to secure berths as needed. Contact us to enquire about sailings.
Even with lockdowns in place worldwide, it remains possible for yachts to take on fuel, either in the Caribbean or in Spain. Our bunker partners in Antigua can supply you or we can assist you in Mallorca or elsewhere in Spain, depending on your itinerary. Even if you still have fuel on board, prices now are favourable than before the closures, so it is an opportune time to top up. Contact us to ask about arrangements and pricing.
There was a stir in one of Palma’s largest social media groups this week, when a large sailing yacht was spotted cruising, seemingly leaving Mallorca for Italy, according to AIS. Indeed, today Estela managed to obtain official permission for another yacht to leave Mallorca, again for Italy. In principle, the current restrictions continue to prohibit any yacht from leaving or arriving in the Balearics, though under extenuating circumstances, an application to depart may be considered. There is no established protocol, though should any yacht be needing to return to its home berth, please contact us and we can make representations on your behalf.
The Port Authority of the Balearics on Monday issued fresh guidelines for yachts stationed in yards and marinas. The clarification follows reports of yacht crew having been stopped by authorities from washing down over the weekend. In addition to existing restrictions already in place, which prohibit work of any kind being undertaken in yards, the new clarification stipulates the limitations for activities undertaken by crew living on board. The only work that may be carried by live-aboard crew while in yards and marinas is: work that can be done autonomously, without any non-crew coming on board work within the confines of the boat’s deck perimeter, including the superstructure and interior Work on, including cleaning of, the exterior part of the hull is not permitted. For boats without crew living on board, the Port Authority clarifies that authorised personnel may inspect boats daily for security and safety purposes, subject to the same restrictions as above. Unchanged restrictions Please note, that only essential travel is permitted, solo, to and from the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, etc, and you can be asked to produce receipts. You may also be required to produce written authorisation from the boat’s Captain/CO/Manager to travel to and from the […]
Here is a status update for Antigua and Barbuda, from our partners, Anchor Concierge & Superyacht Services in Falmouth Harbour Marina: The government of Antigua and Barbuda has declared a State of Emergency in an effort to curb the spread of the Coronavirus – COVID 19 A 24 Hour curfew from Thursday, April 2 from 12:01 a.m. (immediately after Mid-Night Wednesday) to Thursday, April 9, 2020 has been imposed. This time period will be reviewed and may be extended. There will be no movement during the day by non-essential workers Essential workers and others should continue to practice social distancing of six feet between persons Persons are confined to their places of residence during the 24-Hour curfew hours The protocols will change as the government reviews the situation with the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Essential Services permitted to operate during State of Emergency Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (to include Fire Service) Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) Customs Department and ancillary staff to include freight forwarders Immigration Department Emergency Medical Services and E-911 Services State Media and other Broadcasting Services Her Majesty’s Prison Air Traffic Control Service […]
#superyachts #yachting #monaco #france #covid19 #coronavirus In Spain, COVID-19 related restrictions were tightened over the weekend, but in the meantime, here is a status update for Monaco and France from our partners in Monaco, Catalano Shipping: – All ports are closed – no arrival or departure are accepted– Only yachts with long-term contracts are allowed to arrive– Ad hoc requests can be made for yacht wishing to leave– No anchorage is allowed in French and Monegasque waters– Crew holding EU Passport are allowed to circulate– No non-EU passport holders are allowed in. Departure can be organised only in exceptional circumstances
Further to our recent communications, we have been seeking clarification of the notification process to the local port authorities, to authorise crew to travel to and from your boats. In the meantime, our lawyers have created an authorisation, which your crew may use to travel to and from the boat, for safety or security reasons. You should complete, sign and stamp this document, to be carried at all times by each crew member. Our details as your yacht’s ‘consignatories’ are pre-filled on the form, so if you would like to formally appoint us as your representative, you MUST send us all completed and stamped forms for our records (palma@estelashipping.net) and we will send them back to you, stamped by us. This way, we can formally represent* you to the local authorities. *We cannot guarantee you will not be fined, but as your agents, we can make representations on your behalf. Please note, that only essential travel is permitted, solo, to and from the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, etc, and you can be asked to produce receipts. In addition to the document above, you must carry passport/ID, crew list and documentation from the yard/marina confirming where the boat is stationed. Please note […]
Given newly-tightened travel restrictions this week, only Spanish citizens and residents are now permitted to enter Spain. This means that captains and crew not already here will be unable to take charge of their yachts upon discharge. Yachts will need to be moved into a nearby marina, for the duration of these emergency restrictions. Please contact us if you require: A berth Temporary crew to move your yacht from the commercial dock to marina Us to liaise with your transport ship’s local port agent Access to the commercial port for unloading of the yacht Permission to commute/travel while in Mallorca Customs clearance and Temporary Admission of the yacht into the EU for 18 months Bunkering or provisions and permission to move as necessary Sanitary certification We have details of several qualified captains and crew, if you would like us to provide some CVs and put you in contact. For contractual and insurance reasons, you must contract with this crew directly. Contact us for details, on +34 638 81 68 03 or palma@superyachts.agency
Any crew planning on joining or re-joining vessels in Spain in April, MUST NOT book flights. Until 22nd April, there will be ZERO flights into or out of Spain, without exception. We are advised by the authorities that crew in Mallorca on a time-limited visa, including transit visa, should not be concerned about visa expiry dates. As you will have been here before the latest decree was put in place, you are in a ‘force majeure’ situation, unable to sign on or off and unable to travel. Day-counting has been suspended for all such visas. If you have any query or require assistance, please contact us. Call us on +34 619 65 59 55 or email palma@superyachts.agency