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Passenger yachts now allowed to anchor in Spain

By Katia Damborsky   29 May 2019

Yachts carrying more than 12 passengers will now be allowed to anchor in the waters of Spain, signalling a huge win for yacht charters in Ibiza and the wider Balearics.

At a conference held on May 17 in Palma, Mallorca, the General Directorate of Merchant Marine Mr. Benito Núñez Quintanilla signed a Service Instruction that will allow yachts carrying more than 12 passengers (passenger yachts) to anchor in Spain.

This new move means it will now be feasible for superyachts carrying more than 12 passengers to host private yacht charters in Spanish waters.

Superyachts in a harbour in Spain
Charter yacht in the open water in Ibiza
Sailing yachts in bay in Ibiza, Spain

The announcement comes after significant lobbying by the Spanish National Yachting Association (ANEN).

“Until now, unlike France, Italy and Greece, passenger yachts were not allowed to anchor in Spain, which meant they could only sail overnight or berth in ports, meaning a severe and unjustifiable restriction to commercial operations.” Explains Miguel Ángel Serra Guasch, legal and fiscal advisor of ANEN.

Until now, unlike France, Italy and Greece, passenger yachts were not allowed to anchor in Spain, which meant they could only sail overnight or berth in ports.

Miguel Ángel Serra Guasch, legal and fiscal advisor of ANEN.

The Service Instruction has been careful to set boundaries as to where sailing and motor yachts can and cannot anchor, in order to protect the ecosystems and underwater environment of this pocket of the Mediterranean.

Passenger yachts looking to anchor off the coast of Spain will now have to liaise with the local authority to establish any restrictions before dropping anchor.

White sand beach in Ibiza, with turquoise water lapping the shore
White plaster wall with lighthouse visible
Rocky cove in Ibiza, looking out to the Mediterranean sea and white sand

As the number of PYC (Passenger Yacht Code) compliant charter yachts continues to grow, this new move means that Spain will become an increasingly desirable option for yacht charters. 

If you’re considering a Spanish yachting vacation, you can compare all luxury yachts for charter in Spain.

 
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