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Sanya, the Hawaii of China in Hainan Province is fast becoming a major superyacht destination in China. With $1.5 billion invested into yachting infrastructure, a claimed 350 navigable sailing days per year and 30-second customs clearance, local authorities are pushing to make Sanya the yachting capital of the Asia-Pacific. A planned freeport, and a pilot scheme for free yacht movement between Hainan, Hong Kong, and Macao, are all geared to attract more and larger yachts to the region. So much so, that here at ESTELA we feature China in the latest edition of The Y Yachting Itineraries, also setting the theme of our annual guide. Read all about Sanya as a destination here: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/70732541/the-y-yachting-itineraries-2025-26/130 Sanya riding growing wave of yachting popularity https://www.ecns.cn/travel/2025-10-15/detail-ihewchry5004535.shtml

Sanya, the "Hawaii of China" in Hainan Province is fast becoming a major superyacht destination in China.

With $1.5 billion invested into yachting infrastructure, a claimed 350 navigable sailing days per year and 30-second customs clearance, local authorities are pushing to make Sanya the yachting capital of the Asia-Pacific.

A planned freeport, and a pilot scheme for free yacht movement between Hainan, Hong Kong, and Macao, are all geared to attract more and larger yachts to the region.

So much so, that here at ESTELA we feature China in the latest edition of 'The Y Yachting Itineraries', also setting the theme of our annual guide. Read all about Sanya as a destination here: https://yumpu.com/en/document/…

Sanya riding growing wave of yachting popularity
https://ecns.cn/travel/2025-10-15/… ... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago
⚠️ Embarking? Expect Stress: EES goes live on Sunday! ⚠️ (Pass it on) The EUs Entry/Exit System (EES) goes live across the Schengen Area from SUNDAY 12th October! In a phased rollout over the next six months (until April 2026), all airports and official Schengen Border Crossing Points (BCPs) will cease passport stamping, replaced by biometric kiosks. The self-operated kiosks require all non-EU visitors arriving and departing to scan their passports, along with a fingerprint and face scan. Because many maritime ports do not have live EES kiosks from the outset, the delay creates a significant interim vulnerability. The primary risk is that an electronic entry record (by air or sea) may not be successfully linked to a later exit, potentially generating an overstay alert. For yacht crew specifically, the mismatch between digital passport scanning at airports and analogue stamping at sea ports presents the additional risk of being unable to be stamped (out) on board their vessels. Arriving at Palma, for example, seafarers from the UK, South Africa, or elsewhere will be EES-checked at the airport, instead of receiving an entry stamp in their passport. Later, when presenting at Palmas Port police with all the commensurate boat documents, officers will decline to stamp them out because of the absence of an entry stamp. No stamp in means no stamp out. Here at ESTELA, we have periodically enquired with local police over the past few months, asking about a possible interim process until EES is installed at the port. Our hope had been that officers may be able to verify digital entry/exit records on a centralised system and thence issue the usual ink stamp on board, and vice versa. Imagine our disappointment at their reply this week… “The electronic system is not scheduled to begin in October at the port of Palma de Mallorca. We will keep you informed” Thatll be a no then. Prepare for chaos Regardless of any electronic EES registration at the airport of arrival, crew must ensure a border officer physically stamps their passport. This stamp provides the essential, verifiable proof of entry that maritime border officials require to process an exit from a seaport BCP without fully operational EES equipment. An EES entry record created at an airport may not be immediately visible or accessible to authorities at a maritime BCP that is still using transitional procedures. A passport stamp is the definitive fallback credential during the systems rollout. Essential protocol for crew Upon air arrival: Proactively request a passport stamp from the border officer at the airport immigration booth. Do not rely solely on the electronic EES process; ensure a physical ink stamp is applied. Upon sea departure: The stamped passport must be presented to border officials at the designated maritime BCP for exit processing. The stamp is the primary document that facilitates and justifies the exit record. Retain documentation: Keep all supporting documents, such as boarding passes and flight itineraries, to corroborate the entry stamp if required. If possible, carry a letter from the boat to document any shore leave and any other documentation pertaining to your travel. Conclusion Until EES is fully operational and integrated across all Schengen BCPs, the passport stamp remains the most critical document for crew. It is the indispensable link that connects an air entry to a sea exit. Ensuring you receive this stamp upon arrival is the single most important action to mitigate the risk of being incorrectly flagged for an overstay. NB. EES does not apply to holders of residence permits and long-stay visas For any queries or support with visas and immigration, contact us at palma@estelashipping.net or call +34 971 722 532

⚠️ Embarking? Expect Stress: EES goes live on Sunday! ⚠️ (Pass it on)

The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) goes live across the Schengen Area from SUNDAY 12th October!

In a phased rollout over the next six months (until April 2026), all airports and official Schengen Border Crossing Points (BCPs) will cease passport stamping, replaced by biometric kiosks. The self-operated kiosks require all non-EU visitors arriving and departing to scan their passports, along with a fingerprint and face scan.

Because many maritime ports do not have live EES kiosks from the outset, the delay creates a significant interim vulnerability. The primary risk is that an electronic entry record (by air or sea) may not be successfully linked to a later exit, potentially generating an overstay alert.

For yacht crew specifically, the mismatch between digital passport scanning at airports and analogue stamping at sea ports presents the additional risk of being unable to be stamped (out) on board their vessels.

Arriving at Palma, for example, seafarers from the UK, South Africa, or elsewhere will be EES-checked at the airport, instead of receiving an entry stamp in their passport. Later, when presenting at Palma's Port police with all the commensurate boat documents, officers will decline to stamp them out because of the absence of an entry stamp. No stamp in means no stamp out.

Here at ESTELA, we have periodically enquired with local police over the past few months, asking about a possible interim process until EES is installed at the port. Our hope had been that officers may be able to verify digital entry/exit records on a centralised system and thence issue the usual ink stamp on board, and vice versa. Imagine our disappointment at their reply this week…

“The electronic system is not scheduled to begin in October at the port of Palma de Mallorca. We will keep you informed”

That'll be a 'no' then.

Prepare for chaos

Regardless of any electronic EES registration at the airport of arrival, crew must ensure a border officer physically stamps their passport. This stamp provides the essential, verifiable proof of entry that maritime border officials require to process an exit from a seaport BCP without fully operational EES equipment.
An EES entry record created at an airport may not be immediately visible or accessible to authorities at a maritime BCP that is still using transitional procedures. A passport stamp is the definitive fallback credential during the system's rollout.


Essential protocol for crew

Upon air arrival: Proactively request a passport stamp from the border officer at the airport immigration booth. Do not rely solely on the electronic EES process; ensure a physical ink stamp is applied.

Upon sea departure: The stamped passport must be presented to border officials at the designated maritime BCP for exit processing. The stamp is the primary document that facilitates and justifies the exit record.

Retain documentation: Keep all supporting documents, such as boarding passes and flight itineraries, to corroborate the entry stamp if required. If possible, carry a letter from the boat to document any shore leave and any other documentation pertaining to your travel.

Conclusion

Until EES is fully operational and integrated across all Schengen BCPs, the passport stamp remains the most critical document for crew. It is the indispensable link that connects an air entry to a sea exit. Ensuring you receive this stamp upon arrival is the single most important action to mitigate the risk of being incorrectly flagged for an overstay.

NB. EES does not apply to holders of residence permits and long-stay visas

For any queries or support with visas and immigration, contact us at palma@estelashipping.net or call +34 971 722 532 ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
PlayMARCOPOLOOZA!

If the movie wrap-up of Marcopoolaza flew by in a flash, here's the more leisurely slideshow, featuring lots and lots of faces 😃

For the complete set in high resolution, visit our Flickr page, here: ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
PlayMARCOPOLOOZA!

That little shindig we hosted on Friday? Marcopolooza, this is how it went 🤩

Thanks to our sponsors:
Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Arash Rent a Car, Atlante Marine Solutions, AYSS, Blue Oceans Yachting Powered by Crew Unlimited, Bluewater Yachting, Calfrío Palma, D-Marin Palma Cuarentena, DYT Yacht Transport, HUISFIT by Royal Huisman, IMS International Medical Services, Islaw Abogados, Maritime Shipcleaning Spain, Mr Jeff & Co, Polish Team Mediterráneo, Port Tarraco, Termopetroli Versilia, Versilia Supply Service

As the movie flies by in a flash, here's the more leisurely slideshow, featuring lots and lots of faces 😃

For the complete set of photos in high resolution, visit our Flickr page, here:

Thanks for coming, and if you couldn't make it this time, we'll see you next year! ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
Crew on explorer yachts often embark on long, adventurous expeditions involving months at sea and long travel times. The trade-off is the opportunity to see incredible places and have unique experiences in remote destinations. This article from The Triton examines the pros and cons of working on explorer yachts. Explorer Yacht Crew: Is the Job Right for You? https://www.the-triton.com/2025/09/explorer-yacht-crew-is-the-job-right-for-you/

Crew on explorer yachts often embark on long, adventurous expeditions involving months at sea and long travel times. The trade-off is the opportunity to see incredible places and have unique experiences in remote destinations.

This article from The Triton examines the pros and cons of working on explorer yachts.

Explorer Yacht Crew: Is the Job Right for You?
https://the-triton.com/2025/09/… ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago
Play

See you TONIGHT!! 💥💥💥

Yes, it's here, ESTELA's End of Season Party is TONIGHT!!! (and you're invited) 👯‍♀️🕺💃🎺🎸🎼🆓🎶👨‍🎤🍻🥂🎎🤟

What? Fancy dress theme: "From Venice to Beijing" (anything goes!). Three live bands + DJ
Where? Koku, Port Adriano
When? Friday 3 October, 18:30 - LATE!
Weather? No worries, it's under cover!
More? Open bar until the tab runs out, free food, prizes, only good vibes 👯‍♀️

All the details here >>>

#endofseasonparty #superyachts #yachtcrew #PortAdriano #party #fancydress #livemusic #openbar #food #free ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago
ONE WEEK TO GO!! Yes, its just seven days until ESTELAs End of Season Party in Port Adriano! Friday 3rd October is the date, 18:30h till late. Join us at MARCOPOLOOZA!! - Fancy Dress - Live Music - Buffet - (Partial) Free Bar ….and PRIZES! Kuko, Port Adriano (free bus transfer from/to STP, but book your place ASAP!) Details below 👇

ONE WEEK TO GO!!

Yes, it's just seven days until ESTELA's End of Season Party in Port Adriano!

Friday 3rd October is the date, 18:30h till late.

Join us at MARCOPOLOOZA!!

- Fancy Dress
- Live Music
- Buffet
- (Partial) Free Bar
….and PRIZES!

Kuko, Port Adriano (free bus transfer from/to STP, but book your place ASAP!)

Details below 👇 ... See MoreSee Less

4 weeks ago
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MARCOPOLOOZA! ESTELA’s End of Season Party 2025: videos and photos

MARCOPOLOOZA! ESTELA’s End of Season Party 2025: videos and photos

That little shindig we hosted on Friday? This is how it went... Thanks again to our sponsors: Antigua Yacht Club Marina ❀ Arash Rent a Car ❀ Atlante Marine Solutions ❀ AYSS ❀ Blue Oceans Yachting Powered by Crew Unlimited ❀ Bluewater Yachting ❀ Calfrío Palma ❀ D-Marin...

Charting new waters: The future of superyacht expeditions

Charting new waters: The future of superyacht expeditions

Leading industry experts gathered at Palma's Port Centre in May to discuss the evolving landscape of yacht exploration, from Arctic ice fields to technological frontiers Moderated by Lucie Gardiner from Yachting International Radio, the panel brought together six...

The countdown to ESTELA’s End of Season Party is ON!

The countdown to ESTELA’s End of Season Party is ON!

ESTELA's END OF SEASON PARTY! Mark your diary now, the date is *Friday 4th October*, the place is *DiQue, Port Adriano* And the fancy dress theme is... Poseidon’s Underwater Kingdom In keeping with the Greek theme of this year’s edition of ‘The Y Yachting...

YOU’RE INVITED! ‘The Y 2024/25’ Book Launch

YOU’RE INVITED! ‘The Y 2024/25’ Book Launch

The latest edition of our colourful superyacht travel guide, The Y Yachting Itineraries, is here! To celebrate the seventh edition of ESTELA’s fabulous guide, we are hosting drinks, food and live music on Friday, 23rd August from 18:00h to 20:30h at Pueblo Español,...

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Oct 10

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⚠️ Embarking? Expect Stress: EES goes live on Sunday! ⚠️ (Pass it on) estelashipping.es/embarking-expect-stress-ees-goes-live-on-sunday-pass-it-on/

⚠️ Embarking? Expect Stress: EES goes live on Sunday! ⚠️
(Pass it on)

estelashipping.es/embarking-expect-stress-ees-goes-live-on-sunday-pass-it-on/ ...

5 3

estelasuperyachtagency

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Oct 10

Open
⚠️ Embarking? Expect Stress: EES goes live on Sunday! ⚠️ (Pass it on) estelashipping.es/embarking-expect-stress-ees-goes-live-on-sunday-pass-it-on/

⚠️ Embarking? Expect Stress: EES goes live on Sunday! ⚠️
(Pass it on)

estelashipping.es/embarking-expect-stress-ees-goes-live-on-sunday-pass-it-on/ ...

6 2

estelasuperyachtagency

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Oct 7

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That little shindig we hosted on Friday? Marcopolooza, this is how it went 🤩 Thanks to our sponsors: Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Arash Rent a Car, Atlante Marine Solutions, AYSS, Blue Oceans Yachting Powered by Crew Unlimited, Bluewater Yachting, Calfrío Palma, D-Marin Palma Cuarentena, DYT Yacht Transport, HUISFIT by Royal Huisman, IMS International Medical Services, Islaw Abogados, Maritime Shipcleaning Spain, Mr Jeff & Co, Polish Team Mediterráneo, Port Tarraco, Termopetroli Versilia, Versilia Supply Service Thanks for coming, and if you couldn't make it this time, we'll see you next year!

That little shindig we hosted on Friday? Marcopolooza, this is how it went 🤩

Thanks to our sponsors:
Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Arash Rent a Car, Atlante Marine Solutions, AYSS, Blue Oceans Yachting Powered by Crew Unlimited, Bluewater Yachting, Calfrío Palma, D-Marin Palma Cuarentena, DYT Yacht Transport, HUISFIT by Royal Huisman, IMS International Medical Services, Islaw Abogados, Maritime Shipcleaning Spain, Mr Jeff & Co, Polish Team Mediterráneo, Port Tarraco, Termopetroli Versilia, Versilia Supply Service

Thanks for coming, and if you couldn`t make it this time, we`ll see you next year! ...

21 4

estelasuperyachtagency

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Oct 2

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Are you ready?? It's ESTELA's End of Season Party TOMORROW!!! (and you're invited) 👯‍♀️🕺💃🎺🎸🎼🆓🎶👨‍🎤🍻🥂🎎🤟 All the details here >>> https://estelashipping.es/marcopolooza/ #endofseasonparty #superyachts #yachtcrew #PortAdriano #party #fancydress #livemusic #openbar #food #free

Are you ready??

It`s ESTELA`s End of Season Party TOMORROW!!! (and you`re invited) 👯‍♀️🕺💃🎺🎸🎼🆓🎶👨‍🎤🍻🥂🎎🤟

All the details here >>> https://estelashipping.es/marcopolooza/

#endofseasonparty #superyachts #yachtcrew #PortAdriano #party #fancydress #livemusic #openbar #food #free ...

7 0

estelasuperyachtagency

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Oct 1

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Are you ready?? It's ESTELA's End of Season Party THIS FRIDAY!!! (and you're invited) 👯‍♀️🕺💃🎺🎸🎼🆓🎶👨‍🎤🍻🥂🎎🤟 All the details here >>> estelashipping.es/marcopolooza/ #endofseasonparty #superyachts #yachtcrew #PortAdriano #party #fancydress #livemusic #openbar #food #free

Are you ready??

It`s ESTELA`s End of Season Party THIS FRIDAY!!! (and you`re invited) 👯‍♀️🕺💃🎺🎸🎼🆓🎶👨‍🎤🍻🥂🎎🤟

All the details here >>> estelashipping.es/marcopolooza/

#endofseasonparty #superyachts #yachtcrew #PortAdriano #party #fancydress #livemusic #openbar #food #free ...

2 0

estelasuperyachtagency

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Sep 29

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If the weather in Palma is looking a bit end-of-seasonish right now, that can only mean one thing........ It's ESTELA's End of Season Party THIS FRIDAY!!! (and you're invited) 👯‍♀️🕺💃🎺🎸🎼🆓🎶👨‍🎤🍻🥂🎎🤟 All the details here >>> estelashipping.es/marcopolooza/ #endofseasonparty #superyachts #yachtcrew #PortAdriano #party #fancydress #livemusic #openbar #food #free

If the weather in Palma is looking a bit end-of-seasonish right now, that can only mean one thing........

It`s ESTELA`s End of Season Party THIS FRIDAY!!! (and you`re invited) 👯‍♀️🕺💃🎺🎸🎼🆓🎶👨‍🎤🍻🥂🎎🤟

All the details here >>> estelashipping.es/marcopolooza/

#endofseasonparty #superyachts #yachtcrew #PortAdriano #party #fancydress #livemusic #openbar #food #free ...

2 0

estelasuperyachtagency

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Sep 23

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Bonjour Monaco! 🇲🇨

Bonjour Monaco! 🇲🇨 ...

2 0

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Sep 18

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Word's getting around. See you on 3rd October?! All the details here: estelashipping.es/marcopolooza SPONSORED BY Antigua Yacht Club Marina & Resort Arash Rent A Car Mallorca Atlante Marine Solutions AYSS Superyacht Global Network Blue Oceans Yachting Bluewater D-Marin Palma Cuarentena DYT Super Yacht Transport Huisfit by Royal Huisman IMS International Medical Services Islaw Abogados Maritime Shipcleaning Spain Port Tarraco Termopetroli Versilia Supply Service

Word`s getting around. See you on 3rd October?!

All the details here: estelashipping.es/marcopolooza

SPONSORED BY

Antigua Yacht Club Marina & Resort
Arash Rent A Car Mallorca
Atlante Marine Solutions
AYSS Superyacht Global Network
Blue Oceans Yachting
Bluewater
D-Marin Palma Cuarentena
DYT Super Yacht Transport
Huisfit by Royal Huisman
IMS International Medical Services
Islaw Abogados
Maritime Shipcleaning Spain
Port Tarraco
Termopetroli
Versilia Supply Service ...

6 0