“Spanish IVA (VAT) remains at 21% – nearly double the typical fees found in other EU countries,” states Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters and 1-800 Yacht Charters. Sheeder adds, “A myriad of permits and registration requirements makes it difficult for charter vessels to commit to cruising in Spain.Without Spanish registration, these yachts cannot begin and end a charter within Spanish waters. So the combination of administrative burdens and high IVA keeps most charter yachts out of Spain.”
Sheeder explains,“The tax has not been eliminated. The Ministry was careful to use the words, ‘Ceased to be applied.’ While we expect the Spanish Parliament to vote in favor of the Ministry’s position on the matriculation tax, there is no guarantee that a future administration won’t vote to reinstate it.”
Still, the abolishment of the matriculation tax is a step in the right direction. Parliament’s approval is expected within the next few months and the new exemption should be in place in time for the summer 2014 charter season.
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged IEDMT (Impuesto Especial sobre Determinados Medios de Transporte), matriculation tax, IVA, what is VAT, SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants, luxury yacht charter tax, Jana Sheeder, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, Spain yacht charter, VAT, Balearic yacht charter
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Several readers contacted us. They said the future air tender might be a plane, and not a helicopter. We decided to investigate further.
As we stated in June,
“In the rarified air of multimillion dollar superyachts and gigayachts, helipads on luxury mega yacht charter vessels like motor yacht AIR and motor yacht MOONLIGHT II commonplace…”
To illustrate, there are four compelling reasons behind the seaplane advantage. Specifically, acquisition cost, maintenance cost, payload, and range outweigh helicopters.
These aircraft are relatively new to general aviation. In 2004, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) created a new category for sport aircraft.
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged Moonlight II, mercedes benz, yacht helicopters, airplane with folding wings, Air, seaplane, helicopter, Icon A5, faa sport plane regularions
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“I do think it is time for an independent investigation that really allows people to understand what the risk is that they take going through the scanner,” says Stroud.
“If you have a concern about the exposure to x-rays coming from the body scanner, simply opt for the pat down,” says Sheeder. “When you are on your way to enjoy a luxury yacht charter in the islands, the last thing you need is more travel-related stress!”
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This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Educational and tagged University of California San Francisco, pat down, SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants, stress, airport body scanners, Jana Sheeder, virgin islands yacht charter, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, TSA, airport scanning, hidden weapons, UCSF
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In January we informed our readers of a new Italian yacht tax signed into law in December 2011. The tax is effective May 1, 2012. It assesses a fee for each day a yacht is in service in Italian waters.
Superyacht industry experts, like Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters and 1-800 Yacht Charters, and others, urged Italian authorities to analyze the economic impact of the pending legislation.
“Our concern was the quest for increased tax revenue might have a far-reaching effect on both the charter industry. In addition, ancillary businesses that support yachting such as marinas, fuel brokers, shipyards, and tourism offices,” said Sheeder. “Even if you exclude charter revenues, support-related industries on their own generate €200,000,000 in annual revenue.”
To their credit – the Italian lawmakers listened.
On Tuesday, February 21, the 10th Commission of the Italian Senate for Industry, Commerce, and Tourism passed the Grillo and Cutrufo amendment to the Italian berth tax legislation. The amendment stipulates the berthing tax will only be applied to Italian citizens who own a vessel, even if the yacht flies a foreign flag. Foreign citizens who own a boat or Mediterranean yacht charter vessel are exempt from this tax, regardless of their length of stay in Italian waters.
Fulvio Luise, President of Federagenti Yacht Division, expressed his satisfaction comments. “The passing of this amendment is an important recognition to the economic impact the yachting industry has in Italy and we look forward to welcoming new and returning megayacht clients to Italian waters this summer.”
Sheeder echoed Luise’s sentiments:
“This amendment will allow Italy to continue to compete on an equal playing field with neighboring countries for the charter sector of the Mediterranean yachting market. We’re hopeful that the Italian yacht charter market will continue to flourish for many more years.”
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged Jana Sheeder, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, yacht charter Italy, rent a yacht, charter a yacht, Grillo and Cutrufo Yacht Charter Amendment, Federagenti Yacht Division, yacht charter tax, luxury yacht tax, Mediterranean yacht charter
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Young Yacht Designer of the Year Award
A special presentation occurred at the recent ShowBoats Design Awards Gala. Notably, the winner of the annual Young Designer of the Year Award was announced. The international audience of yacht owners and luxury yacht charter designers observed. Not only is this an incredible award, but the designers also look forward to working with a new phenom.
Michael Givens is the 2011 winner. He won €5,000 in prize money. Michael bests a competition of 30 entries from 20 countries.
Additionally, the winner and the top five finalists receive a host of unique opportunities aimed at advancing their design careers. For instance, complimentary access to the two-day Superyacht Design Symposium. Also included is an all-expenses-paid trip. In specific, to see the design and construction of Lürssen yacht charter vessels at the builders’ shipyards in Bremen and Rendsburg, Germany.
Michael Givens – Young Designer of the Year
ShowBoats Media is a worldwide initiative. Specifically, to uncover the yachting industry’s up-and-coming creative talents.
Important to realize, contestants submitted design portfolios. Judges are an elite panel of yacht designers. For example, Andrew Winch and Dickie Bannenberg. In addition, Rob Humphreys.
“Being called on stage to accept the Young Designer of the Year Award was the most exciting moment of my life,” beamed Givens. “It is truly astonishing to be starting out in this industry and have had the opportunity to attend such a prestigious event. The award, along with the entire experience, will be cherished.”
We will be in touch with you right away to plan The Superyacht Experience™ for you!
This entry was posted in Special Events Educational Yacht Charter News and tagged Michel Givens, goals, Young Designer of the Year, Lurssen yacht charter, Awards, industry news, ShowBoats Design Awards, ShowBoats Media, Andrew Winch, Dickie Bannberg, yacht designers, Rob Humphreys, superyacht designer
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SILVER ANGEL motoryacht
This entry was posted in Yacht of the Week Educational Yacht Charter Destinations and tagged Indian Ocean yacht charter, yacht charter Seychelles, holiday yacht charter, Teeit, big white boat, teeit golf machine, Benetti, pool with resistance jets, 12 guests, silver angel, yacht charter holiday
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We shared 70-meter motor yacht SHERAKHAN previously. She is an expedition yacht charter vessel heading to the Antarctic.
We received an update today from Sioned. She is one of the yacht owner’s assistants.
“Heading ever further south, with temperatures dropping and the number of icebergs sighted increasing daily, SHERAKHAN arrived in Grytviken yesterday. Having been cleared in by customs, and all on board received the South Georgia stamp in their passports, the guests and crew visited the local museum in Grytviken where they met all the locals – all 20 of them!”
The charter guests and crew were treated in South Georgia to what Williams described as
“…witnessed the awesome sight of a colony of around half a million King Penguins and thousands of fur seals on the beach.”
Next stop on the itinerary arises. The superyacht cruises towards St. Andrew’s Bay. Furthermore, she then makes her way toward the Antarctic Sounds.
Motor yacht Sherakhan accommodates up to 26 passengers in thirteen staterooms.
She is available from March 1, in Ushuaia. In addition, she welcomes you to the Falklands. Additionally, Panama yacht charter and Costa Rica yachting vacations are available. These begin late March, as the vessel subsequently heads north to the Caribbean. In conclusion, her itinerary is both unique and memorable. You deserve The Superyacht Experience™, as only 1-800 Yacht Charter provides.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Destinations Educational and tagged expedition yacht charter, South Georgia, fur seals, King Penguins, Panama yacht charter, wildlife on charter, Falkland yacht charter, St. Andrew's Bay, Sherakhan, Antarctic Sounds, Antarctica yacht charter, 26 passengers
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Money from different countries
Reuters is following a downgrade in credit ratings of nine euro zone countries. They report the euro as likely to post further losses in the coming week. It dropped on Friday the 13th to its lowest against the U.S. dollar in nearly 17 months.
With euro sliding, value prices on Caribbean yacht charter vacations will flourish, says Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters and 1-800 Yacht Charters.
“Many of the yachts we represent for mega yacht charters are owned by European investors. They set their rates in Euros. It is a currency that is being battered by the downgraded credit ratings of euro zone countries like France, Spain, and Italy,” says Sheeder.
American travelers look to secure rental vacations on European-owned superyachts. They see their US dollar stretch further than in the past two charter seasons.
“US-based travelers were on the short end of the stick for quite some time,” says Sheeder. “As their dollars strengthen, they can upgrade to larger yachts without paying more money. The foreign currency pendulum is definitely swinging in their direction.”
The inventory of luxury vessels for hire is growing. Couple this with low demand due to the global recession. These changes put pressure on charter rates. Charterers rejoice. “The shrinking euro plus excess inventory and low demand is creating tremendous value for United States residents looking to charter in the Caribbean this winter and even in the Mediterranean this summer,” explains Sheeder.
High Power III
The 70-meter motor yacht HIGH POWER III (ex-NUMPTIA), for example, recently announced a euro rate reduction, combined with extra free charter days for the remainder of the Caribbean season.
Sheeder and her advisors believe the tumble is not over.
“The breakdown in talks between Greece and its creditor banks means Greece is on the verge of collapse. This could continue the downtrend in the euro,” states Sheeder.
Some currency strategists see the euro possibly hitting $1.25 by the end of next week, with a target of between $1.21-$1.22. The euro plunged to a low of $1.26240, its weakest level since late August 2010, on the EBS trading platform. On Friday the 13th, it last traded at $1.26830, down 1.1 percent on the day. The euro, down slightly on the week, posted its third straight weekly loss, based on EBS data.
“On the bright side,” says Sheeder, the tumbling euro will provide a significant incentive for Americans to book European-owned yachts at a deeply-discounted price for many months to come.”
REVIEW LUXURY YACHT CHARTER SPECIALS AND INCENTIVES at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/yacht-charter-specials
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Educational and tagged euro vs dollar, which is stronger, the euro or the dollar?, .Numptia motoryacht, superyacht HIGH POWER III, EBS, superyacht owners, European investors, economy, yacht charter specials, special offers on yacht charters, yacht charter Mediterranean
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“My neighbor recently rented a boat with a crew for a family vacation in the Virgin Islands. It sounds like fun but I wonder if it’s safer to take a cruise on a big ship. Any thoughts that might sway me? Thanks.”
Marilyn W, Miami, FL
Great question, Marilyn. In our opinion, private yachts are actually safer.
Cruise ships visit numerous ports of call (often referred to as, “tourist traps”). It’s no secret that pickpockets and other petty-theft criminals prey on unsuspecting tourists in these busy tourist areas. Private yachts tend to stay away from these hot spots, and since the yachts are smaller, they can anchor in small, quiet, uncrowded coves.
Speaking of crowds, there are hundreds, sometimes thousands, of strangers onboard a cruise ship. We’ve all seen the news reports about Norovirus breakouts on cruise ships. In their defense, the cruise lines are diligent in cleaning their vessels, but with so many people onboard, it’s a tough task. That’s not the case on a Virgin Island yacht charter vessel – the only people onboard are you and your private crew.
In terms of training, both the crews on cruise ships and private yachts are trained to international standards in case of the rare chance of an onboard emergency. Remember – the crew on a private yacht has to attend to the yacht’s owner when charter guests are not onboard. It is a safe bet that most yacht owners want the finest professionals operating their yachts!
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What do you think? Do you agree with our opinion? Are private yachts safer than cruiseships? Please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
This entry was posted in Good Times Educational and tagged Novovirus, yacht charter crew, private yacht charter, 1800yachtcharters, sailboat charter, Education, cruiseships, Ask The Pro's, cruiseship safety, private yacht safety
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QUESTION
“I’m planning a 10 day private yacht charter in St. Tropez and the South of France in July. My broker say VAT is 20%. That’s seems a lot. Is there way to not pay this?”
Xavier E, Barcelona, Spain
Answer provided by Jana Sheeder, President 1-800 Yacht Charters:
“The bad news, Xavier, is all charters that take place in a European Union (EU) country are subject to VAT (Value Added Tax). However, we have good news as well – there is a simple, legal strategy that can cut your VAT expense in half.
Instead of paying 20%, this strategy will reduce your VAT to 10% of your base charter fee – a significant savings!
Each EU country can set their own level of VAT on commercial yachts for hire. In France, if the yacht undertakes a coastal cruise in French territorial waters, the VAT is 20% of the base charter fee (the base fee is the cost to rent the yacht before factoring in other running expenses such as food, dockage, etc.). So, for example, if you began your charter in Saint Tropez, and cruised along the Côte d’Azur and concluded your trip in Antibes, you would incur a VAT expense of 20%.MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VAT
However, IF you plan a portion of your charter to cruise in international waters, your legal responsibility for VAT drops to 10% – a savings of 50%!
So how do you do this? Here’s how: When you are planning your itinerary with the yacht’s captain prior to the commencement of your charter, let the captain know that you would like to, “visit a port that requires you to cruise in international waters and beyond the coast of France.”
You could, for example, leave the French coast and cruise to the island of Sardinia. This is approximately a 5-7 hour cruise from the South of France.
Ask your captain to undertake this crossing overnight, while you and your guests are sleeping. Then, when you rise in the morning, you’ll be able to spend a full day, or longer along the coastline of this fabled Italian island before heading back to France.
So there you have it. With a little strategic planning, a slight deviation in your St Tropez yacht charter can result in big savings; possibly thousands of Euros depending upon the cost of your charter.”
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and 1-800 BAREBOAT
Have a question about a yacht charter vacation?
Submit your question to me, and my team will help you.
If we print your question in our blog, we’ll send you a complimentary Eco-tote bag.
Email me at jsheeder@1800yachtcharters.com
Thank you, and keep those questions coming!!!
This entry was posted in Educational Destinations Frequently Asked Questions and tagged Ask the Yacht Charter Pros, Discounts, VAT value added tax, private yacht charter, Jana Sheeder, 1800yachtcharters, Education, Ask The Pro's, Save money on a yacht charter, Tips and tricks
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What to Pack for a Sailboat Vacation
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