Spanish Boating Tax

As a 6th listed Charter yacht we seem to have attracted more than our fair share of the Spanish Authorities attention this year. It seems that when stopped or boarded one of the key things they ask for is the proof that we have paid the Impuestos Especiales de Matriculacion which is basically the 12% boat tax for vessel that remain in Spanish waters for excess of the 183 days. Having owned the boat for a number of years now she is actually exempt but even that does not stop them asking for it.

Whilst we have absolutely no problem in being checked up on, it becomes embarrassing when we have clients on board and tiresome as we have just been checked out by their colleagues, one would think in this age of computers and shared information that the various departments could run a quick check on us before boarding again.

They say that those with nothing to hide need not worry, which is very true. Call me cynical but these checks can be described as nothing other than a blatant attempt to boost the Spanish Treasury pot with fines and tax collection. I would be interested in hearing from anyone else if you have been experiencing this kind of control and with sufficient evidence of excessive controls it may be possible to present a case to the Spanish Tourism Department and alert them to the potential damage being done to Spain´s image on the yachting scene.

At some point in the future surely the left hand needs to catch up with the right hand and actually figure how they are going to promote leisure boating in Spain rather than destroy what little of the nautical sector they have compared to other Mediterranean Countries.

Don´t miss out - Competent Crew or Day Skipper week

We have one space remaining on our sail training week commencing 31st August. Learn to sail or improve skills on or Competent Crew or Day Skipper week. Enjoy sailing in the Spanish Sun and return home with a tan before the European winter takes hold. Experience sailing as it should be in a warm climate with crystal clear waters, take in the Costas Calida and Blanca as we explore whilst learning, so don´t miss out and give Debbie a call on 0034 695 326184 to find out more or contact us using the form on the main webpage www.go-n-sail.com

Sailing trips

The 3 hour sailing trips are proving as popular as ever, with the mercury rising and temperatures becoming unbearable away from the coast, there really is no better trip out for the family.
Sailing times are 10.30 and 15.30 daily subject to weather, give Debbie a call to find out more

Mazarron sailing trips

Our 3 hour sailing trips leaving from the Puerto Deportivo Mazarron have begun again and will run until the end of August. Just as in previous years trips are proving as popular as ever. Come along and get involved pulling a few lines or relax and soak up the sun before plunging into crystal clear waters or maybe enjoying a snorkelling experience with the fishes.

To join us, all that is needed is a towel, sense of humour and a mere 35€ per person, trips run everyday leaving from just in-front of the underground car park. Departure times are 10.30am and 15.30pm.

If your looking for a trip with a difference or to celebrate a special occasion, why not join us for a sunset cruise and enjoy a sun-downer as the day comes to a close with the sun sinking into the Mazarron hills.

To find out more or to make a reservation, call Debbie on 0034 695 326 184

Southern Spain milebuilder

Gain quality sea miles on our Southern Spain mile-builder/adventure sail and experience the Costas as we sail from Ayamonte on the Costa del la Luz to Gibraltar via the Cadiz area, before heading to Cartagena via the Costa del Sol and Almeria and finishing on the Costa Cálida.

You can join us for the Gibraltar to Cartagena leg leaving Gib on the 22nd June. Why not treat yourself to a short break on the Rock before sailing on El Rubicon then flying back from Murcia San Javier. From previous experience that time of year provides us with long sunny days and fantastic sea breezes, night sailing round Cabo de Gata is a must, the lack of light pollution normally provides a truly amazing star gazing experience.

The trip is offered at 675€ p.p and as with all our great value trips includes all breakfast, lunches, evening meals (at least 3) whilst in transit, accommodation on the yacht, fresh bedding, fuel, marina fees and much more.... the only extras are the occasional meal/drinks ashore and flights/transfers, to find out more or make a booking please contact Debbie on Spain 695 326 184 or cheap call UK 0872 426 0837.

Busy,Busy,Busy

Since we arrived in Ayamonte we have been busy teaching, researching the area and making new friends. Glad to report that all three areas have proved successful with our Fastrack sailors achieving the coveted Yachtmaster Offshore certificate.
Back in tidal waters we have noticed that a few areas have silted over the winter months and depths are nothing like chart datum suggests leaving our students scratching their heads at times. Thankfully the problem can be overcome by applying the basic principal of if your not certain where you are or if something appears different, STOP re-assess or return to safe water, which more often than not is exactly where you came from. The nice thing about tide is that allows you visit place which at times seem out of bounds, so a quick lunch stop can be found in the most unlikely of places.
The area continues to impress us and this week we have been busy exploring by land with trips to Portimao, Vilamoura, Sanlucar del Guadiana and Huelva. We are pleased to report that Ayamonte is still our chosen base, all we need now is somewhere to live!
The Andalucian people are friendly and open to meeting and welcoming new people to the area, compared to many places we have visited during our time in Spain this does make a refreshing change. As with most things in Spain, services for business are not greatly advertised but with our new Andaluz friends things seem to be falling into place and once again we have cold beer thanks to Matías Wouterse the local fridge and aircon guru.
El Rubicon is now ready for her next guests arriving tomorrow and looking forward to yet another great sailing week on the Spanish and Portuguese Algarve.
If you are interested in tidal sailing courses, please get in touch or if you have information on the area we would love to hear from you.

Open for business in Ayamonte

Having experienced some great moments on our adventure to Ayamonte from Cartagena we are now ready to receive our new clients on Saturday night. The trip down was fantastic with a mixture of weather conditions, visiting plenty of new locations and catching up with old friends en route and making new ones.
Not reaching Lagos was disappointing but in this part of the World there is always mañana or next week, as long as we are having fun and learning new skills the destination is almost irrelevant and from what we have experienced so far the area has lost none of its sailing magic, the potential Yachtmasters have been tested as they negotiate shallow bars and calculate tidal anchoring heights, playing around in the strong streams has given them the opportunity to master ferry gliding, sailing onto mooring buoys and appreciating how quickly it can go wrong if your ignore your instincts!!!
El Rubicon will be based in the Spanish Algarve until the middle of June when we head back to Cartagena and Mazarron for the summer season. Before returning here again after the Southampton boat show. Join us on our adventures and learn to sail with RYA sailing courses from Competent Crew through to Yachtmaster. For more information contact us or visit www.go-n-sail.com