Dear Sir,
Would Andrew Davey please step up and take a bow. The rest of the industry stand back and applaud.
Brian Thomas.
Cala Mayor
Ed´s note: Andrew Davey chose to resign rather than skipper what he considered an illegal charter.
Dear John
Recently we had a client whose boat was registered as a commercial vessel so I went to the Aduanas to clear the sails on to the boat without IVA and I was told
that they must pay the tax. I explained that commercial vessels in France, Italy etc. do not pay IVA so why do they have to here when under the EEC law?
After a long discussion with the "big cheese" the conclusion on the IVA law is that although commercial vessels do not have to pay the 16 %, which is the
EEC law, Spain has a sub paragraph that excludes commercial vessels that are used for sports or private use.
He did back himself up by showing me on the internet law 37/92 Articulo 22 which falls under "Impuestos Especiales" from the Agencia Tributaria.
However commercial vessels that are charter boats apparently fall under the catagory of "private" as when they are chartered out by individuals for "private" use.
This is is not written...... it is assumed: he could not show me where this point was in writing !!!!! Surely this is very very wrong if they cannot prove it (but they can fine you for it!).
Recently you sent out a questionnaire asking if we thought the Spanish government were helping/ promoting the yachting industry in Mallorca.
I have changed my mind. I think they are throwing away big opportunities. This client will not be coming back to Mallorca for refit again which is money thrown away for every one including the government (who already take a healthy 30% or more of the profit)!
Surely Spain will have to change its attitude to the yachting business especially if they are hoping to have the Americas Cup held here!
If you have any ideas on how to start resolving this blatant con please let me know.
Kind regards,
Fiona
Halsey Lidgard
Ed´s. note: If anyone has any suggestions please respond.
Dear John,
I hate being shafted as much as the next bloke- so a story of warning to all.
My wife booked a days´ charter on a 50´ sailing boat for 12 of us through Maritimo Yachts. Knowing that it is an expensive hobby the figure of 720 euros seemed "reasonable". Boat and skipper, no food. The whole thing was confirmed and money paid.
I was speaking to Sally from Salymar in the Club de Mar a few days later and told her of the deal. She checked her books to find that she had the same boat, and could do the day, inclusive of captain, food and drink, for 300 euros!
Shop around, but start with Salymar.
Name withheld