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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
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...
ESTELA Captains’ Dinner at the Museum 2025, with Nautipaints Group; video & photo slideshow
This year's Captains' Dinner at the Museum was our most spectacular yet! Watch the recap here: https://youtu.be/lWWZm09vyvk?si=Aaa7uZ1cQqvWMbE4 Grab a coffee and enjoy a slideshow of ESTELA's 6th Captains' Dinner at the Museum, held in Palma de Mallorca on Friday, 2nd May 2025. Were you there? If you weren't, check out the 230+ faces of our guests, enjoying cocktails, an Orient-inspired menu,...
Port Authority of the Balearic Islands and ESTELA Superyacht Agency present ‘Thalassophilia!’ 2025
Port Authority of the Balearic Islands and ESTELA Shipping Superyacht Agency collaborated to present an inaugural series of seminars and presentations over three days, celebrating all aspects of the sea and nautical activity.
Spain simplifies temporary importation rules for non-EU vessels
The Spanish Customs Authority has announced significant changes to the temporary importation regulations for non-EU flagged vessels, representing a major administrative simplification for yacht owners and operators.Under the new interpretation of customs regulations, vessels under temporary admission status will no longer be required to visit a non-EU port to renew their temporary importation...
You’re invited to Rooftop Sunset Cocktails at Thalassophilia!
As part of the 'Thalassophilia!' event, co-hosted with the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands, ESTELA invites you to a Sunset Cocktail on Wednesday 30th April and Thursday 1st May, held on the 4th floor roof terrace of the Port Centre, with stunning panoramic views over Palma Bay and the magnificent La Seu cathedral!Come and unwind after a busy day, on Wednesday 30th April from 5pm, when we...
Port Authority of the Balearic Islands and ESTELA Shipping Superyacht Agency present ‘Thalassophilia!’ a nautical event
Thalassophilia! a Nautical Event 30th April - 2nd May Port Authority of the Balearic Islands and ESTELA Shipping Superyacht Agency are collaborating to present a series of seminars and presentations over three days, celebrating all aspects of the sea and nautical activity. Port Centre will be open to the public for the duration, with various FREE events taking place throughout the building....
ESTELA Captains’ Dinner at the Museum, Friday 2nd May 2025
For details or enquiries, contact dinner2025@estelayachting.com
Introducing ESTELA’s yacht crew recruitment WhatsApp channels
While ESTELA is not a crew recruitment agency, we do occasionally post jobs on behalf of clients. We also re-post jobs from other forums, because we know you don’t have time to monitor the internet 24/7.These WhatsApp channels are ‘broadcast only’, so here there will be no chatter, just jobs and other career-related updates.In all cases, please respond to ads according to instructions listed in...
Planning your 2025 Mediterranean itinerary? Here are 99 reasons why Mallorca should be top of your list
1. Palma’s six marinas offer berthing options right in the city 2. 31 Blue Flag beaches and 14 Blue Flag marinas 3. A whopping 300 days of sunshine per year 4. World-class yards and support, to fix any in-season snags 5. Port Adriano, an ultra-modern haven for even the largest superyachts 6. Crystal clear waters for swimming, diving and watersports directly from your yacht 7. Secluded coves that...
Podcast: ESTELA Yacht Crew Recruitment Seminar 2024
Sponsored by: Recording of panel discussion hosted by ESTELA Superyacht Agency at the Palma Boat Show in April, 2024. Guest moderated by Erica Lay, of El Crew Co in Mallorca, the panellists are: Captain Carsten FranikCaptain Will KayeChristophe Bourillion, The PYALaura Molineux, Nautilus InternationalKarine Pouwels, Fraser Yachts The panel highlighted the industry's need to modernise its...
Sell to people on superyachts?
Most publications don’t make it past the ‘no boarding’ sign. ESTELA, however, connects with yacht captains, managers, crew and owners every day. We support yachts during their charters, boss trips and yard periods. Our services range from port formalities, bunkering and cash-to-master, to VIP concierge services, provisioning, and itinerary planning. ‘The Y Yachting Itineraries’ is in its 8th...
Mapped: Barcelona Restaurants, Attractions & Points of Interest
For visitors to Barcelona during the America’s Cup or wintering there — or along the coast in Pendennis Vilanova — we have mapped ESTELA’s recommended restaurants and places of interest. Also included is the popular coastal resort, Sitges, with its sandy beaches, attractive architecture, cultural events and vibrant nightlife.
Here, you will find everything from Michelin-listed dining rooms, to informal tucked away haunts that only the locals know. Of course, your best course of action is to get in touch with our colleagues in Barcelona and Vilanova, who will point you in the right direction.
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 Itineraries’, we are celebrating the god of the sea, Poseidon, aka Neptune.Many of you will long have ‘crossed the line’ and been initiated...
New passport stamping protocol in Barcelona; no Seaman’s Book, no stamp
The arrival of the America’s Cup in Barcelona has resulted in many more comings and goings of yachts and crew passing through. In order to handle the increased traffic and to control movements more stringently, immigration authorities now require Seaman’s Books, with effect from 2nd September.The move brings Barcelona into line with Palma, where this protocol was brought in at the start of 2024....
When the DANA stirs its tail: yachting in stormy weather
As last week’s tragic sinking of SY Bayesian continues to make headline news, weather events in Formentera and Ibiza just days earlier are rapidly fading into memory.However, the DANA storm -- or, ‘Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos’, to give the phenomenon its full name -- that struck the Balearics on 14th August wreaked havoc with a large number of yachts. Thankfully, no casualties were...