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Read ‘The Y Yachting Itineraries’ 2025/26
Read the 2025/26 edition of The Y Yachting Itineraries by ESTELA Superyacht Agency
Time Capsule at World Boating Day
As part of the Balearic Boating Day / World Boating Day celebrations, Estela Shipping took part in the event held at Port Adriano on 23 May 2026. The activity was also part of our 2026 campaign for The Y – Yachting Itineraries and our creative theme 2001: A Space Yacht Odyssey, focused on the future of yachting. Under the theme “Imagine the future of yachting”, our team invited visitors,...
CONTACT US FOR YOUR ECLIPSE EXPERIENCE
On 12 August 2026, Mallorca will witness a total solar eclipse at sunset — a once-in-a-century opportunity for yachts cruising the Balearics. With the sun extremely low over the western horizon, the experience will depend on the right location, clear visibility and careful planning. West and north-west facing areas, including parts of the Serra de Tramuntana, Andratx, Calvià and Port Adriano,...
Arriving in Palma? Read this first
As the show approaches, remember that anchoring in front of the Cathedral requires prior clearance via an authorised agent. For yachts over 500 GT, pilotage is mandatory for port movements. Coordination with Palma Pilots is essential for all sanctioned anchorage operations. Don’t leave it to the last minute—contact a local agent today for a smooth entry and expert operational advice. See you in...
The Captains ‘ Dinner
Estela’s Captains’ Dinner 2026 Palma de Mallorca, Spain — During the height of the Palma International Boat Show, Estela Superyacht Agency will host its flagship Captains’ Dinner on 1 May 2026 at the iconic Son Amar. This invitation-only evening, reserved for captains and key industry partners, has become one of the most anticipated gatherings of the week—bringing together a unique concentration...
Estela Breakfast Seminars & Sunset Cocktails at Astillero de Mallorca – 29-30 April, 1 May
During the week of the Palma international Boat Show, Estela Superyacht Agency evolves beyond its role as a shipping agency, positioning itself as a hub for vision, high-level connections, and forward-thinking dialogue within the superyacht industry. Save the date for Estela Palma Week 2026.A curated programme of breakfast seminars, sunset cocktails, during Palma International Boat Show week....
Beyond the Skyline: Hong Kong Reveals Its Hidden Cruising Paradise at Estela Palma Week 2026
Invest Hong Kong will join Estela Palma Week 2026 as Partner Sponsor, bringing a new narrative to the Palma International Boat Show—one that challenges everything the superyacht world thinks it knows about Hong Kong. A Hidden World Behind the Skyline For decades, Hong Kong has been seen as a vertical city of finance and skyscrapers. But beyond the skyline lies something few in the global...
Suez Canal
Suez Canal Operations Update: What It Means for Superyacht Navigation The Suez Canal remains one of the most strategic maritime routes in the world, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and facilitating a significant portion of global maritime traffic. Following recent regional developments, the Suez Canal Authority issued an official statement on 3 March 2026 confirming that...
Estela Events – Palma Boat Show Week 2026
29-30 April, 1 May - Mallorca During Palma Boat Show week, Estela hosts six curated networking events in Mallorca: five sessions at Astilleros de Mallorca (3 Breakfast Seminars + 2 Sunset Cocktails) and Estela’s Captains’ Dinner on 1 May. The Astilleros programme is designed to connect the wider yachting industry in a relaxed, high-quality setting right next to the show. These sessions bring...
Evacuation Solutions Middle East
Estela Shipping is working closely with our partner LunaJets in response to the current airspace disruptions affecting parts of the region. Evacuation demand remains extremely high, with hundreds of requests received daily from individuals and governments seeking repatriation solutions. Through Luna Group Charter, dedicated group charter flights are operating from Muscat to Europe, while private...
The Long Way Round
In the case of a global emergency, does your vessel have enough fuel for an additional 2,700 nm leg at sea? Does your war-risk and H&M insurance stay intact if you reroute? And is your crew set up, contractually and practically, for an extended ocean passage? With recent advisories describing a volatile global environment, are you in the right, or wrong place, facing navigational risks?...
Valencia Fallas 2026: The Crew’s Survival & Experience Guide
While Palma remains the quiet engine room of Mediterranean refits this February, the horizon is already glowing in Valencia. For crews currently docked at La Marina or those planning a weekend run from nearby ports like Dénia or Sagunto, the Fallas of Valencia (March 1st–19th) is an experience that defies standard festival definitions. It is a world-class display of pyrotechnics, satire, and the...
Update: MCA Guidance on Lithium-Ion Battery Storage and Charging
On 19 December 2025, the MCA published Amendment 1 to MGN 681 (M) to update the requirements and best-practice guidance for the safe storage, handling, and charging of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. It emphasizes the use of custom storage options for batteries and chargers that incorporate specific safety features. Key requirements now include: Charging to take place within a certified...
Sant Sebastià Fiestas are taking over Palma!
Get ready for one of the most exciting times of the year in the city. Music, fire, food, and unforgettable street vibes await you. Here’s what you can’t miss: January 16Crystal Fighters live at Plaza de España, with other great bands between 20:00 and 02:00An explosive open-air concert to kick off the celebrations with energy and great vibes! January 17 – Music & TardeosEnjoy daytime parties...
⚠️ ATTENTION CREW!!! New procedure in Mallorca ⚠️
From last 18 November 2025, all crew members whose passport has not been issued by a country of the European Union must personally attend the border control post to regularize their entry and exit under the new EES (Entry Exit System). This means that the previous practice of submitting documentation only is no longer sufficient.Beginning next Tuesday, 18 November, crew must come in person to...
Embarking? Expect Stress: EES rolls out across the EU (Pass it on)
The gradual introduction of EES throughout the Schengen area spells potential problems for yacht crew, with a risk of overstaying alerts.
MARCOPOLOOZA! ESTELA’s End of Season Party 2025: videos and photos
Join us for the End of Season Party 2025!
The A to Z of B1/B2 Visas
The definitive guide to US B1/B2 visas for yacht crew.
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 leading industry experts to examine every facet of modern yacht exploration. From the ice-breaking waters of the Arctic to the...
B-1/B-2 visas under the microscope as CBP clamps down
In light of recent reports about the US State Department putting an end to ‘embassy shopping’ and crew having visas revoked, the usual debate about B-1/B-2 visas has been hotter than usual at this time of year.The Fort Lauderdale Yacht Crew Facebook group lit up this week after we shared an article that appears in the latest edition of Dockwalk magazine.The article entitled “Beware the B-1” set...
End of ‘embassy shopping’: US restricts where yacht crew can apply for a B1/B2 visa
The United States Department of State has implemented significant changes to non-immigrant visa application procedures that will particularly impact yacht crew seeking B1/B2 visitor visas. Effective immediately, applicants can no longer choose their preferred embassy based on appointment availability or processing times. New Requirements Under guidance issued on 6 September 2025 and *with...
‘The Y Yachting Itineraries’ 2025/26 has landed!
Yes, the brand new edition of 'The Y Yachting Itineraries' is here, packed with new itinerary ideas, destination guides and important information. The 2025-26 edition features Venice, the Turquoise Coast, Sardinia and China! We followed the Silk Road and Marco Polo's travels to the Orient, discovering "China's Hawaii", the stunning province of Hainan, the hottest yacht destination in the region....
Schengen EES rollout in October: What yacht crew need to know
Retain documentation: Keep all supporting documents, such as boarding passes and flight itineraries, to corroborate the entry stamp if required.
Ozempic at sea: The hidden dangers for yachts, guests and crew
GLP-1 drugs are now everywhere; in crew cabins, guest wash bags, and yacht fridges. They’ve become part of luxury culture, but the hidden dangers are only now becoming impossible to ignore.
‘Uncensored’ Podcast: Maritime Law; Contracts, Wrongful Termination & Retaliation
The second episode in this three-part 'Uncensored' series from Yachting International Radio is an examination of maritime law and yacht crew welfare. The maritime industry is prone to systemic failures, illustrated by a distressing real-life case study. A yacht crew member who reported a sexual assault was met with indifference and encouraged to accept a non-disclosure agreement in exchange for...
ESTELA Breakfast Seminar: Media, Social Media and PR in the Superyacht Industry
Media, Social Media and PR in the Superyacht Industry Date: 30th April 2025Location: Port Centre, PalmaEvent: Media, Social Media, and PR Panel Discussion Participants Moderator: James van Bregt - ESTELA Panellists: Martin H. Redmayne - The Superyacht Group Alex Siegars - 'Yachties: Name, Shame and Fame' Facebook Group Sara Intonti - Content Angels Jana...
Get ready for celestial phenomena coming to Mallorca!
No, we’re not referring to Bonnie Tyler singing her global hit, ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ in Port Adriano on 16th August, though a handful of tickets remain available.Tears of Saint LawrenceBefore then, heavenly entertainment comes in the form of the annual Perseid meteor shower visible in the night’s sky. The ‘Tears of Saint Lawrence’, as the phenomenon is also known, are a dazzling display...
New Marine Reserve Established Off Southwest Mallorca
Click image for interactive map Speed restrictions and diving regulations introduced around El Toro, Malgrats and El Sec islands The Balearic government has established a new marine reserve encompassing the waters around El Toro, Malgrats and El Sec islands off the southwest coast of Mallorca, introducing significant restrictions for visiting yachts and recreational users. Decree 26/2025,...
Steering to Green: Practical sustainability solutions for superyachts
Leading industry experts gathered at Palma's Port Centre to discuss the evolving landscape of yacht exploration, from Arctic ice fields to technological frontiersItalian Yachtmasters Association demonstrates that meaningful environmental improvements don't require revolutionary technology; they start with smart choices captains can make today While much of the marine industry focuses on...
Gibraltar’s New Deal: What the Schengen Agreement Means for Superyachts
By ESTELA Shipping Superyacht Agency 13 June, 2025 The Rock's border breakthrough promises to end queue chaos, but maritime implications remain murky. After more than a decade of diplomatic wrangling, Gibraltar has finally secured a political agreement that should transform its notoriously problematic border situation. But while the headlines focus on ending the daily misery of 15,000...