Author: Gregory C. Y. Piatkowski

With Courtesy of Erica Lay & The Mallorca Bulletin. #25/1023.

Erica Lay owner of EL CREW International Yacht Crew Agency http://www.elcrewco.com/ erica@elcrewco.com

Svea exemplifies the ongoing relevance and allure of the J Class yachts, proving that these

vessels are not just relics of the past but dynamic participants in contemporary sailing.

SVEA (2017) – J Class Series

Svea, the latest addition to the legendary J Class fleet, is a stunning fusion of historical inspiration and cutting-edge craftsmanship. Launched in 2017, Svea is the newest J Class yacht, capturing the timeless elegance of the 1930s while incorporating the technology and materials of the modern era.

As with all the Js, Svea has a backstory worth telling.

Her journey began with a design by renowned Swedish naval architect Tore Holm, who originally drafted the plans in the late 1930s. But with the outbreak of World War II, the yacht was never built during his lifetime. The original drawings were rediscovered decades later, sparking renewed interest in bringing Holm’s vision to life.

Bringing Svea to Life

A dedicated team of enthusiasts set out to build Svea in a way that honoured Holm’s original design while integrating modern techniques. Hoek Design Naval Architects, specialists in classic yacht design and restoration, refined the lines to meet the strict standards of the J Class Association and maximise racing performance.

Construction began at Claasen Shipyards in Holland. But midway through the build, the owner unexpectedly pulled out, leaving the team with a partially completed hull and an urgent need to find a new backer.

Fortunately, a new owner stepped in—a passionate sailor who had been inspired by sailing aboard Endeavour and Rainbow, and watching the J Class race at regattas. He wanted Svea completed in time for the 2017 America’s Cup Superyacht Cup and J Class Regatta in Bermuda, giving the yard just 14 months to go from a bare hull to a fully race-ready yacht.

The project was completed by Vitters Shipyard, who collaborated with Claasen. Design tweaks included a reimagined cockpit to improve visibility and control for the helmsman.

Design & Construction

Svea’s hull was built by Bloemsma Aluminiumbouw, a Dutch shipyard known for its aluminium expertise. The use of lightweight aluminium was key to creating a structure that is both strong and fast.

At 44 metres, Svea is the longest J Class yacht ever built. Her sleek profile and powerful sail plan give her a commanding presence on the water. The rigging is made from high-modulus carbon fibre, combining strength with weight savings. Her sails, crafted from state-of-the-art composite materials, maximise both performance and durability.

Svea was launched to widespread anticipation and quickly proved herself on the racecourse. Her speed, agility, and graceful lines earned her an enthusiastic welcome into the J Class fleet.

Interior Elegance

Though performance is a priority, Svea’s interior is also a celebration of craftsmanship and comfort. Designed to host both race crew and guests, her interior reflects the tradition of the J Class while introducing a modern touch. Designers Pieter Beeldsnijer and deVosdeVries Design created a space that feels classic yet contemporary—warm woods, elegant lines, and high-end finishes define the guest areas.

The result? A yacht that performs like a racer but lives like a cruiser.

What’s in a Name?

Svea comes from “Moder Svea,” meaning Mother Sweden in Old Norse—a national symbol and female warrior figure since the 1600s. The name is both a nod to her Swedish design heritage and a fitting title for a yacht that cuts such an imposing figure on the water.

Svea is living proof that the J Class yachts are far more than relics of a bygone era. She embodies both the spirit of 1937 and the innovation of today—an elegant warrior, purpose-built to race, cruise, and command attention. In the ever-evolving story of the J Class, Svea is a proud and powerful new chapter.

Addressing Bullying and Sexual Harassment in the Yachting Industry: A Guide for TheFlyingFish Members. #25/0039.

March 1, 2025 · 2 min read

Addressing Bullying and Sexual Harassment in the Yachting Industry: A Guide for TheFlyingFish.eu Members

The yachting industry offers unparalleled opportunities for adventure and career growth. However, it’s essential to acknowledge and address challenges such as bullying and sexual harassment. At TheFlyingFish.eu, we are committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all our members.

This guide aims to inform and empower you with the knowledge and resources to handle such situations effectively.

Understanding Bullying and Sexual Harassment

• Bullying: Repeated, unreasonable actions directed towards an individual or group, intended to intimidate, degrade, or humiliate.

• Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

Steps to Take if You Experience or Witness Misconduct

1. Document the Incident:

• Record dates, times, locations, involved parties, and any witnesses.

• Maintain copies of any relevant communications or evidence.

2. Report the Behavior:

• Internal Reporting:

• Familiarize yourself with your vessel’s anti-harassment policies.

• Report the incident to your immediate supervisor or designated onboard contact.

• External Reporting:

• If internal channels are ineffective or compromised, consider external avenues:

• Designated Person Ashore (DPA): Acts as a liaison between the crew and management, ensuring safety and proper conduct.

Key Resources for Yacht Crew:

✅ ISWAN’s Yacht Crew Help – A free, confidential, 24/7 helpline providing emotional support and practical advice.

📞 +44 (0)20 3713 7273

📧 help@yachtcrewhelp.org

🌐 www.yachtcrewhelp.org

✅ Professional Yachting Association (PYA) Welfare Group – Advocates for crew members facing bullying and harassment.

🌐 www.pya.org/services/welfare-group

✅ Nautilus International – A maritime professionals’ union assisting crew with employment rights, harassment cases, and legal support.

🌐 www.nautilusint.org

✅ Safer Waves – Provides a confidential space for seafarers affected by sexual assault or harassment.

🌐 www.saferwaves.org

✅ CHIRP Maritime – An independent reporting program for unsafe practices, including bullying and harassment.

🌐 www.chirpmaritime.org

Seek Support:

• Engage with trusted colleagues, friends, or family members.

• Consider professional counseling services if needed.

Conclusion

No one should endure bullying or sexual harassment. By staying informed, supporting one another, and utilizing available resources, we can work together to maintain a safe and respectful environment in the yachting industry. Remember, TheFlyingFish.eu is here to support you every step of the way.

Chi Kung: The Secret to Balance and Energy on Board. A Short Introduction Into The Art of Chi Kung by Gregory C. Y. Piatkowski. #24/0148.

March 1, 2025 · 5 min read

Chi Kung: The Secret to Balance and Energy on Board

As a yachtie, you know all too well the pressures of the job: physical exertion, long shifts, and constantly changing environments. Often, there’s little time to unwind and realign your body and mind. This is where Chi Kung, an ancient Chinese practice, can provide a much-needed boost in energy, inner peace, and flexibility.

What is Chi Kung?

Chi Kung (or Qigong) is a holistic practice that combines movement, breathing, and meditation to regulate the body’s energy flow. “Chi” stands for life energy, while “Kung” represents the conscious work with this energy. Gentle yet powerful movements help to release blockages caused by stress, physical strain, and emotional tension.

Why Chi Kung for Yachties?

As a yachtie, achieving the right balance between physical work and mental relaxation is essential. Chi Kung offers you a way to strengthen this balance. The slow, flowing movements increase flexibility and improve posture, which is crucial for long hours on deck or in tight spaces. Meanwhile, the breathing techniques help calm the nervous system and reduce stress.

Practicing Chi Kung regularly can relieve muscle tension and bring you back to your center, even amidst turbulent seas. In stressful situations that often arise on yachts, Chi Kung enables you to stay calm and focused.

The Benefits of Chi Kung

• Flexibility and Mobility: The flowing movements of Chi Kung relieve tension and promote a healthy posture – ideal for long hours on board.

• Stress Relief: Through meditative elements, Chi Kung helps reduce mental tension and enhance clarity.

• Improved Breathing: The breathing techniques boost oxygen intake and endurance, essential for physically demanding jobs.

• More Energy: Regulating your energy flow leaves you feeling vitalized and refreshed, even after long workdays.

My Experience with Chi Kung and My Teacher

My journey with Chi Kung began several years ago when I sought ways to cope with the physical and mental demands of my life. I discovered Eva Caimari Caldes, a Chi Kung master based in Palma de Mallorca. She showed me how, through simple movements and breathing exercises, I could access a new level of energy and calm. Her experience and wisdom helped me understand the profound benefits of this ancient practice, and now I’m eager to share it with you.

Eva Caimari runs a center in Palma that is dedicated to healing and transformation through Chi Kung. There, I learned that Chi Kung is not only a physical exercise but a lifestyle that aligns the body and mind.

Chi Kung Exercises Inspired by Wang Xiangzhai

Here are some fundamental exercises based on Wang Xiangzhai’s teachings. He founded the lineage of masters my Laoshi in Kung Fu training, Ricardo Cussatti, adheres to. Wang focused heavily on Zhan Zhuang, or standing meditation, which emphasizes stillness, alignment, and energy cultivation within a single position. These exercises are particularly suited to yachties seeking stability, both on and off the water.

1. Zhan Zhuang (Standing Meditation)

The foundation of Wang Xiangzhai’s teachings, this exercise involves standing still to cultivate internal energy and mental clarity.

• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and arms held in front as if embracing a large tree trunk.

• Relax your shoulders and close your eyes. Let go of tension in your body, and focus on feeling rooted through your feet.

• Visualize energy flowing up through your feet and circulating throughout your body. Hold the position for 5-10 minutes, working up to longer durations as you become more comfortable.

• This exercise strengthens both body and mind, making it an ideal daily practice to cultivate resilience and a sense of calm.

2. Hun Yuan Zhuang (Posture of Primordial Unity)

This exercise emphasizes full-body alignment and harmony, grounding you in a powerful but relaxed stance.

• Stand upright, feet shoulder-width apart, with arms by your sides. Let your body naturally relax into a balanced posture.

• Shift your focus to your center of gravity, the area just below your navel, known as the Dantian.

• Allow your breath to deepen, and visualize energy radiating outward from the Dantian to fill your entire body. Feel a sense of unity and stability in this position, staying here for 5-10 minutes.

• Wang emphasized the importance of this position as a way to center oneself, calm the mind, and cultivate inner strength.

3. Yiquan (Mind-Intent Boxing)

A method created by Wang, Yiquan focuses on using mental intention to direct energy through the body, which is ideal for improving focus.

• Stand in Zhan Zhuang stance and begin by visualizing specific movements in your mind, such as pushing or pulling.

• Engage your intent without physically moving—imagine you’re pushing against a solid object or pulling something heavy.

• Keep your muscles relaxed, and focus on the sensations in your body as you mentally execute these actions.

• Yiquan is a valuable practice for yachties to develop mental focus and body awareness, key for the physically demanding tasks on board.

4. Shili (Testing Force)

This exercise combines subtle movements with mental intention to help develop sensitivity and power in the body.

• Stand in a relaxed posture with your arms slightly extended in front of you. Imagine your arms are pressing against a wall of water.

• Slowly shift your weight from one foot to the other, feeling the connection between your feet, legs, and arms as you move.

• Focus on the sensations in your body, allowing the energy to flow with each shift. Practice this for 5-10 minutes, tuning in to the energy and force as it circulates.

• Shili is ideal for improving body coordination and cultivating a sense of control over physical exertion, valuable skills for any yachtie.

5. Fang Song Gong (Relaxation Practice)

A relaxation-focused exercise that Wang Xiangzhai recommended to release tension and refresh the body.

• Sit or stand comfortably, close your eyes, and take several deep breaths.

• Starting from the top of your head, consciously relax each part of your body, working your way down to your feet.

• Imagine any stress or tension melting away with each exhale. When you reach your feet, visualize your body filled with light and ease.

• This practice is ideal for unwinding after a long shift or mentally preparing yourself for the demands of the day.

Take the Next Step: Try It Out!

If you’re curious to explore Chi Kung further, consider visiting Eva’s Oriental Arts Research Center or reaching out to me. You may find that Chi Kung not only strengthens the body but also renews the spirit, allowing you to meet the challenges of life at sea with newfound resilience.

Embrace the quiet power of Chi Kung, and let it transform your time on the water into an opportunity for renewal and connection.

Craftsmanship, Passion, and Yachting Culture by Amanda Weingarth. #25/0006.

January 8, 2025 · 3 min read

Weingarth Customs represents the pinnacle of bespoke craftsmanship, merging tradition with cutting-edge design to deliver unparalleled custom solutions. Whether it’s luxury furnishings, high-end yacht interiors, or tailor-made innovations, Weingarth Customs elevates artistry into an experience.

Visit: https://weingarthcustoms.com

Weingarth Customs: Craftsmanship, Passion, and Yachting Culture.

If you told me 10 years ago that I’d be living on a sailboat with my husband, Chris, and our two dogs, I would’ve laughed. And yet, here we are—living a life shaped by the sea and blending our passion for sailing with a family business that thrives in the refined world of yachting. In yachting, where elegance meets functionality, the smallest details carry the greatest weight. A single scratch, a nick, or a marred surface can disrupt the harmony that defines these vessels. At Weingarth Customs, Chris and I have dedicated ourselves to preserving that harmony through meticulous craftsmanship and personalized service, blending artistry with utility in every project we undertake.

Weingarth Customs began over 15 years ago in Upstate New York, where Chris honed his expertise in design and fabrication for luxury homes. His ability to tackle complex challenges with creativity and precision became the cornerstone of our business. When we moved to South Florida, this legacy transitioned seamlessly into the world of yachting. Chris noticed a common issue on yachts: minor damages to panels, walls, or cabinets often led to full replacements. Knowing there had to be a better way, he developed a touch-up repair service that saves time, reduces costs, and preserves the original integrity of the yacht. This approach has revolutionized how yacht owners maintain their vessels, offering a sustainable and elegant alternative to full-scale replacements.

When I joined Chris in the business, I fully embraced the ethos of precision and care. Together, we’ve mastered the art of touch-ups, repairing dings, scratches, screw holes, and water damage on wood, laminate, painted, and composite surfaces. These seemingly small details make a world of difference, ensuring that every yacht we work on remains as beautiful as the day it was launched. Beyond repairs, we’ve introduced innovative solutions like Paint Protection Film (PPF). This ultra-thin, transparent urethane film provides a shield for high-use areas—countertops, marble bars, dining tables, and more—protecting them from daily wear and tear. PPF complements our touch-up work, ensuring that every yacht remains not only flawless but also future-proof.

Our services extend beyond simple fixes. We bring artistry into the yachting world with specialties like gold and silver leafing and faux painting, adding custom, luxurious touches to each vessel. These projects allow us to celebrate the intersection of function and beauty, creating spaces that are not just restored but elevated. Our work is deeply personal. Sailing isn’t just a hobby for us—it’s our lifestyle. It started with a spontaneous trip to Bimini, and before we knew it, we were sailing regularly, restoring an old Hobie Cat, and becoming part of a vibrant sailing community. For the past eight years, we’ve lived full-time on a sailboat, immersing ourselves in a world we love.

Living on the water has given us a unique perspective on the importance of preserving yachts. We understand firsthand the joy these vessels bring and the pride owners take in their upkeep. That’s why we pour our hearts into every project, treating each yacht as if it were our own. Weingarth Customs is more than a business—it’s a tribute to the yachting lifestyle. Every repair, every application of PPF, every artistic touch reflects our respect for the craftsmanship that defines this world. We aim not just to restore yachts but to preserve their stories, ensuring that they remain as timeless as the sea itself. As we continue to serve the yachting community, we’re reminded daily that the true soul of a yacht lies in its seamless blend of function, artistry, and enduring beauty. For Chris and me, it’s not just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about celebrating the elegance, integrity, and culture of yachting. After all, this isn’t just our job. It’s our passion, our lifestyle, and our way of contributing to the world we love.

Yoga and Recovery: How Supplements Accelerate Healing. #24/0223.

December 17, 2024 · 2 min read

Did you know that combining yoga with the right nutrition can significantly shorten your recovery time after physical exertion?

For yacht personnel, physical fitness and rapid recovery are particularly important, as work onboard often involves long days and intensive physical activities. Yoga has proven to be an effective method to increase flexibility, reduce stress, and aid in body recovery.

The Importance of Yoga for Recovery

Yoga combines physical exercises with breathing techniques and meditation, leading to holistic body recovery. According to a study by Harvard Medical School, yoga can lower cortisol levels—a stress hormone that can slow down recovery. Additional benefits of yoga for recovery include:

1. Improved Circulation: Certain yoga poses enhance blood flow to muscles and organs, allowing nutrients to be transported more efficiently.
2. Increased Flexibility: Regular stretching makes muscles more supple, preventing injuries and supporting recovery.
3. Mental Balance: Yoga reduces stress and anxiety, positively affecting overall health and recovery.

How Supplements Accelerate Recovery

In addition to yoga, proper nutrition and targeted use of supplements can further enhance recovery. Especially for yacht personnel working under demanding conditions, supplements can help compensate for nutrient deficiencies.

1. Minerals: Magnesium and calcium are essential for muscle relaxation and function. Deficiencies can lead to cramps and delayed recovery.
2. Trace Elements: Zinc, iron, and selenium support the immune system and energy metabolism, crucial for swift recovery.
3. Vitamin D: Promotes muscle function and contributes to a healthy immune system, improving recovery after physical exertion.

FitLine Restorate Citrus for Optimal Recovery

To maximize your recovery, FitLine Restorate Citrus offers an ideal solution. This product combines high-quality minerals and trace elements like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, and vitamin D.

1. Rich in Zinc: Contributes to normal acid-base metabolism and supports normal fertility.
2. Supports Metabolism: Zinc contributes to normal carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism.
3. Boosts Immune System: Rich in vitamin D, which contributes to normal immune system function.
4. Exclusive Nutrient Transport Concept (NTC®): Ensures optimal absorption of nutrients in the body.

Conclusion

Combining yoga with targeted supplementation can significantly accelerate recovery—a crucial advantage for yacht personnel facing high physical demands. By incorporating FitLine Restorate Citrus into your daily routine, you’ll be well-prepared for the next challenges on board.

We are thrilled to celebrate the 10-Year Anniversary of Sunshine Yacht Services St. Barths!

November 29, 2024 · 1 min read

Celebrating 10 Years of Sunshine Yacht Services St. Barths!

Dear All,

We are thrilled to celebrate the 10-Year Anniversary of Sunshine Yacht Services St. Barths!

With over 30 years of living on the island, we pride ourselves on being a truly local agency. Our extensive network of trusted contacts, reliable suppliers, and skilled island personnel ensures we deliver top-notch service. Resourceful, professional, and fair—we’re here for you 24/7.

As an owner-operated business, you will always deal directly with Marion Perry Balland, who brings unparalleled local expertise and a personal touch to every interaction.

• No hidden charges.

• No unnecessary fees.

• Just honest, transparent, and friendly service—by yachties, for yachties.

Thank you for choosing us and for being part of our journey!

Warm regards,

Marion Perry Balland

Sunshine Yacht Services St. Barths

Email: sunshineyachtservices@gmail.com

WhatsApp: +590 690 517 444

Family Owned and Operated

To help you with your application and answer any questions you may have, we present our comprehensive guide: “The A to Z of B1/B2 Visas”. With Courtesy of James van Bregt & ESTELA SHIPPING. #24/0182.

November 10, 2024 · 8 min read

The transatlantic yachting season is coming and crew recruitment remains hot. The Med season has seen a shortage of experienced crew, so those with B1/B2 visas are in especially great demand right now.

If you don’t have yours already and are hoping to winter in the Americas, West Indies and the Caribbean, here’s what you need to know…

The ‘B1/B2’ visa

Non-immigrant visas for entering US territory temporarily are classified ‘B-1’ for business, ‘B-2’ for pleasure, or ‘B-1/B-2’ for a combination of both. Valid for up to 10 years for stays of up to six months, it is not specifically designed for yacht crew, but it is the most appropriate class of visa for the industry, says the US State Department.

NB. DO NOT apply for the C-1 crewmember visa, as this is designed for other seafarers.

Work restrictions 

Following a COVID-era tweak to the rules, non-US crew can work on foreign or US-flagged yachts in US waters, though NOT employed directly by a US employer or on a US-registered payroll. US taxation laws for foreign nationals are a world of pain anyway, so this is always best avoided in any case.

Note that working, or accepting a job, while in the US on a holiday visa (B-2) is illegal and will get you deported if caught. This is technically also the case throughout the EU, though is generally not enforced. The US is less forgiving, so should you happen to be offered a job on board while ‘vacationing’ in the country, you will need to leave the US as a tourist (B-2) and re-enter as a worker on your B-1 visa, with the relevant boat papers. You may register with crew agencies, etc, while on holiday, but you can not officially accept the job while in the country as a tourist; you must exit first.

Unlike in the EU, you may not technically step off one foreign-flagged boat in US waters and join another back-to-back. It is a grey area that is best avoided by exiting the US and re-entering with fresh boat papers and the commensurate documentation.

How to apply

1. Complete the application form (DS-160) and make an appointment at your nearest US embassy or consulate. In our case, in Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona, we use Madrid. COVID has created a severe backlog and reduced availability of appointments, so it can be worth trying other embassies if you have no joy in Madrid. The complete list of consulates is here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/list-of-posts.htmlwhile official appointment waiting times can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html. While published waiting times for appointments can be extremely long, it is possible for seafarers to request an urgent appointment at the end of the online application process.
3. This useful page lists appointment waiting times by location, if you are able to travel to an appointment: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/global-visa-wait-times.html. The published times change frequently, so check the list for the latest updates and call your intended destination to confirm their latest status.

NB. It is crucial in your application to establish that you do not intend to abandon your residence abroad, as per rule 9 FAM 402.2-5(C)(5) (U) of the Foreign Affairs Manual. Usually, this will be ongoing property/residential ties, family ties, bank accounts and ongoing payments, car papers, and any other permanent connections to your country of residence.

1. Pay the non-refundable application fee of US$185. For some nationalities, additional fees can apply.
2. Print the application form and payment confirmation, and bring them with you to the appointment, as well as your passport (valid 6+ months beyond your stay) and two passport photos that meet the required format. Also bring any and all available supporting documentation showing the purpose of your visa application, such as boat papers, Seaman’s Book, employment letter or contract, yacht itinerary, proof of seafaring work history, future travel planned/booked and, importantly, proof that you can afford all expenses for the duration of your visit. If you have an old passport that shows a problem-free travel history (ie. no revoked visas or overstays, etc), bring that too. If in doubt, get an agent to check your documentation.
3. It is not necessary to have a job lined up to apply for a B1/B2, but it can help. If you happen to be joining a commercial charter yacht, it’s an idea notto volunteer the name of the yacht, or at least, request an offer letter that doesn’t mention the boat’s commercial status. By letter of the law, “Yacht crew who will provide services on board a recreational vessel and who are able to establish that they have a residence abroad which they do not intend to abandon, regardless of the nationality of the yacht, are classifiable B-1”. In other words, the B-1 is aimed at crew on private vessels. Even though ‘commercial yachts’, as we say in yacht-speak, are considered private, it’s worth avoiding any confusion.

Success in an individual assessment can never be guaranteed, of course. Should you somehow be denied at the first attempt, it is possible to reapply, but it’s best to be over-prepared than fall short of the requirements. Bring everything with you; from all the official forms and documentation to photos of your pet animals staying behind. The US is convinced that all foreigners want to move there, so it’s down to you to disabuse them of that conviction.

After the interview

1. Of course, an important consideration is how long it will take the embassy to issue the visa, if approved, particularly if you need your passport for travel in the meantime. Within the Schengen Area, you may be able to travel with only a recognised ID card, if you have one, though ideally you will want to retain your passport to return to the boat or place of residence while you wait.
2. Not all US embassies require B1/B2 visa applicants to leave their passports behind after the interview, though most do. Whether or not you are required to leave your passport behind will depend on the specific embassy or consulate where you are applying for your visa. Check the website of the embassy or consulate to find out their specific requirements.
3. If you must leave your passport behind, you will typically be able to pick it up within a few days or weeks, once your application has been processed. Some embassies may offer to courier the passport back to you, hopefully with the visa granted.
4. If you are unable to leave your passport behind, you can request an exception, though these are not always granted. To increase your chances of success, stress the urgency and importance of your visa requirement, and be super polite. And bear in mind that you will need to return to collect it.
6. Here are some tips for dealing with the passport requirement:
7. Check the website of the embassy you are applying to, to find out their specific requirements well in advance
8. If you must leave your passport behind, consider your accommodation and/or travel arrangements to and from the embassy
9. If you are unable to leave your passport behind, contact the embassy or consulate to request an exception (ask very nicely!)

**Check your visa thoroughly to ensure that all details are correct**

Annotations

For reasons best known to themselves, some US visa officers will sometimes annotate the visa, stipulating the name of the boat for which the B-1 visa is valid. Should you be unfortunate enough to encounter an unhelpful official who inserts such an annotation — in the comments section underneath the issue date on the visa — this means that you will be unable to join any other boat with this visa and will require a new one before travelling to the US for another vessel. Anecdotally, officials in Madrid are particularly keen on this annotation, so we would recommend interviewing elsewhere. If you have experienced similar elsewhere, please do tell us at palma@estelashipping.net.

If in any doubt about the application process, the documentation required for the interview and the interview itself, it is explained in these useful Youtube videos by GrayLaw solicitors in California. They are not specifically aimed at yacht crew, but they are extremely clear and will help you navigate the process:

How to apply: https://youtu.be/dr3XSu1LvPk

Documents to bring to the interview: https://youtu.be/QAHvXxMPYPQ

If you don’t already have a contract, but are job hunting, it’s a good idea to print out some job advertisements from some recruiters’ websites (not social networks) listing a B1/B2 Visa as a requirement for the same type of jobs you are applying for. (hat tip to Lars Molin for this suggestion!)

Also print and bring along this letter by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. It is addressed to US immigration officers unfamiliar with the yachting industry, explaining why ‘B1/B2’ is the most appropriate class of visa for yacht crew.

The interview itself, the 8 most common FAQs and tips: https://youtu.be/ae4d4l_a0fA

Entry and exit

Actual possession of a valid B1/B2 visa is not a guarantee of entry, as immigration officials still need to be satisfied with the purpose and length of your visit, so you should always travel to the US with the supporting documentation outlined above. Immigration officials in South Florida are used to yacht crew coming through, so denials of entry are rare here. If the boat you are joining is undergoing an extensive yard period, it helps to have a letter from the yard indicating the length of time and nature of work to be carried out. You should, of course, also check for any COVID-related restrictions prior to travel.

As ever, valid visa status and correct stamping of a passport are the bearer’s responsibility, so diarise expiry dates, keep a count of your number of days spent in the country and apply for visa renewal in good time, which you can do from six months out. The US is zero-tolerant to overstaying, so please ensure that you don’t fall foul of the authorities.

Avoid making unnecessary short trips to eg. The Bahamas or the Caribbean, as such visits may raise suspicions with immigration officials if staying on a B1 (work) visa. If the trips are work-related, carry any relevant documentation to justify your exit/re-entry.

Is ESTA a suitable alternative?

Since first publishing this article, we have been asked a number of times about using ESTA as a more-easily obtainable alternative. It can work, especially for short-stay rotational crew members, but there are limitations to bear in mind.

An ESTA would cover you for work trips of up to 90 days and, because it is multi-entry, it cancover you for trips to the Bahamas and back. Just as with the B1/B2, your employer cannot be a US entity with an ESTA. They are valid for up to two years, or until your passport expires, so the B1/B2 is obviously preferred.

There are agents and seafarers who claim that ESTA is valid only for travel via commercial aircraft or bonded vessel and cannot be used on private (or charter) yachts. There is no definitive information about this to be found on US government websites (which focus on passengers rather than crew), so we asked the US Customs and Border Protection section of the Department of Homeland Security for clarification. They replied thus:

“Thank you for contacting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Information Center.

Crew are supposed to have a B1 or B1/B2 visa to enter the US by private yacht. You have to contact the CBP port where the yacht will enter the US to ask if the crew may be allowed to re-enter after a short trip to the Bahamas if they recently entered the US by air and have a current 90 day admission period.”

In other words, you’re supposed to have a B1, but as long as you have documentation to substantiate your travel history, you should be alright. Just make sure that the boat obtains prior approval before arrival.

If you have any questions or would like our assistance with your application, please get in touch on +34 971 72 25 32 or email

palma@estelashipping.net