We return to the VAT subject from July. We previously informed our readers about the new French VAT regulations on yacht charters. The VAT applies to yacht charters in France.
New regulations exist. The new regulations apply from 15 July 2013 to charter agreements for yachts for the purposes of leisure travel.
First, question #1: What rate will apply to French charters after 15 July?
“The rate has been set at 19.6% and will increase to 20% on January 1, 2014. However, the taxable base can be reduced by 50% if the yacht is used outside European Union territorial waters, which by definition extend out 12 nautical miles from the coastline. Thus, if you started a charter in Nice, France, and cruised out beyond the 12 nm limit, and concluded the trip the next day in Sardinia, the tax would drop to 9.8%.”
Second, question # 2. Does it apply if the charter starts and ends outside France?
“No. The law reads VAT is applicable on the charter if the vessel is put, ‘…at the disposal of the charterer in French waters.'”
Third, question #3. Will charterers need to be involved with VAT registration and compliance in France?
“Not at all. It is the responsibility of the yacht owner to make the necessary arrangements to register his or her vessel with the French taxing authorities. As to the collection and processing of the tax, most owners are hiring local French-based fiscal agents.”
“As charter consultants, our responsibility is to clearly explain the new regulations to our clients. Many are repeat charterers who cruised multiple times in France in the past. For some, it will be a shock to hear their next Western Mediterranean yacht charter vacation may be subject to a tax of nearly 20%. We will work with them to modify their itineraries, in an effort to mitigate as much of the tax liability as possible.”
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT VAT?
Drop us an email at info@1800yachtcharters.com, and we will respond right away.
A new digital superyacht technology tool for yacht owners and superyacht charter guests is available. The portal provides real-time access to the yacht’s onboard information systems. Technophile guests can view the vessel’s specs, layout, and weather forecasts. Surprisingly, they can even track their yacht charter itinerary.
YIS
The Yacht Information System (YIS) is an innovative digital tool. It is a YachtCloud design. Onboard guests can access the portal via the yacht’s televisions via an IPTV channel. Additionally, guests can access the portal via an app they download onto their smartphones or tablets.
THE WAY WE WERE
Until recently, charterers would visit with the captain when they wanted information. They would go to the command center of the yacht, the captain’s bridge. Here, they would ask the captain questions. For example, “What’s the final destination for today’s cruise?” Or they might ask, “How long will it take us to get to the next port of call?”
With the YIS portal, clients can get instant answers – from anywhere onboard the yacht!
THINK OF IT AS A WINDOW
The technology customizes to meet the specific interests of the charter guests. Superyachts are massive, and in addition, true wonders of technology. The inner working of the crew, and the capabilities of the yacht, intrigue many charter guests. In particular, clients often tell us they would love to visit the yacht’s engine room. However, some guests feel they are, “in the way” of the engine room crew. They then and forego this visit. With this app, guests can “observe” the workings of the engine room from the comfort of their location. For instance, stateroom, the gym, the aft deck, or….
YIS is one of six luxury technology products by YachtCloud. The company began to innovate for the superyacht industry in 2014. We are intrigued by their mission of “delivery” as it parallels our own commitment to creating a unique experience. Our goal at 1-800 Yacht Charters is to, “Deliver The Superyacht Experience.™” YachtCloud products are designed to, “Deliver a more immersive luxury experience.”
ADDITIONAL YC PRODUCTS
Other products offered by YachtCloud include OMNIYON. This is a media control system for superyachts. Specifically, it’s a user-friendly app that allows charter guests total control of all onboard audio/visual media. It also serves as an interface for room devices, room controls, and yacht crew service call functions. As an illustration, this one app lets users browse their favorite movies in the yacht’s cinema catalog. It also allows guests to adjust the yacht’s sky lounge to their ideal temperature.
GADGETS
Some people view technology as a way to sell gadgets. We believe technology is the gateway for a sustainable yachting future. Without a doubt, it’s also a fun way to enhance The Superyacht Experience®.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
The term and the concept, The Superyacht Experience® is a creation of, and is trademarked by, 1-800 Yacht Charters. Our joy at bringing the industry this concept is overwhelming. Legacy and Legitimacy. Tis the season? No, YIS the season!
“Hi 1-800 Yacht Charters! My family and I would like to plan a luxury sailing charter in the Greek islands. Can you tell us the best time of year for this trip, and where we should go? Thank you, Joannie S.”
ANSWER
Ahoy, Joannie! Thank you for question about the best time to enjoy a sailing vacation in Greece.
For an accurate answer, let’s turn to someone who really knows Greece like the back of his hand!
CAPTAIN COMMENTS
We presented your question to Capt. Alexandre J. MATSAKIS. Captain Alex was born and raised in Greece and has been sailing along the Hellenic coast for more than 3 decades.
As you read his response, keep in mind English is not his native language, so please forgive an occasional grammatical slip on his part.
CAPTAIN LETTER
“Greetings from land of the Gods, Joannie!
Most requests for yacht cruises in the Greek islands are for Mykonos and Santorini… I sail in Greece since 30 years and I live in the center of Cyclades – on Syros island, in front of Mykonos.
My advice is to sail the Cyclades in May, June or October, and to avoid them in July and August because of the frequent strong wind “Meltemi” – able to spoil the best vacation.
Motorsailor IRINA
I charter my 75 gross tonnage yacht IRINA for sailing in the Ionian islands in July and August (Ithaca, island of Odysseus, Kephalonia, Skorpios, island of Onassis) with one very nice sea in this period.
My other beautiful yacht ANATOLIE is sailing in the Sporades in July and August (the green islands of the movie “Mamma Mia” with Meryl Streep).
I do believe that giving the right advises is the best way to avoid problems and keep clients long time (some of them come 3 times on 3 different areas). We need to ensure the happiness of our customers (and that’s a great job :-).
HIS LETTER CONTINUES
Example. Why to send people on one crewed catamaran charters leaving from Athens in July and August? They will have 2 choices. The Cyclades with big problems in case of Meltemi. Or the Saronic islands with no chance to find place with a catamaran in their small harbors (except in Poros if lucky). Greece is not Seychelles or Caribbean!
So – we offer Cyclades cruises in May, June, September and October. Believe me, living in Cyclades, if we send our yachts to other very nice areas in July and August, is because there is serious reasons.
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