Upcoming Trade Shows in Spain for Yachting

In a bid to invigorate the charter market in Spain, recent legal reforms have swept away outdated regulations concerning yacht charter, dispatch and clearance procedures for vessels entering and departing Spanish waters. This overhaul heralds a new era of streamlined processes and expanded opportunities for yacht charters across the country. The country already possesses all the necessary assets to dominate yachting tourism and it’s making moves to attract as many yachts as possible. Previously, Spain's charter regulations posed significant challenges, particularly for UK-flagged yachts under 14 meters. The aftermath of Brexit further complicated matters as these vessels were barred from engaging in charter activities in Spanish waters. Such restrictions stifled the potential of Spain's vibrant yachting industry. The unveiling of Royal Decree Number 186/2023 on March 21, 2023, marked a watershed moment for Spain’s yacht charter industry. This decree nullifies the archaic Ministerial Order of December 4, 1985, and consigns the outdated Vessel Clearance Regulations of 2000 to history. These amendments signal a significant leap forward for yacht charters in Spanish territories. One of the most notable changes introduced by the decree is the inclusion of non-EU flagged yachts, including those from the UK, in charter activities. These vessels are now subject to the same obligations as their EU-flagged counterparts, which effectively levels the playing field and expands the pool of eligible charter vessels. In addition, the decree paves the way for a simplified dispatch and clearance system, slated for implementation on July 1, 2024. This streamlined process will leverage electronic declarations or affidavits, which will then eliminate the need for manual authorization at the Harbour Master’s office. The cumbersome 'charter license' procedure will be done away with and replaced by a more efficient and accessible digital format. The transition to an electronic format is poised to revolutionize charter operations in Spain.