Dear Islander,
Well this issue is a bit of a milestone for us; the eighth year of publishing!
It seems just the other day when a couple of the ´inmates´ of the Club de Mar bar were obviously fed up of me talking about a magazine aimed at the yachting community that they told me to, ´Stop bloody going on about it and, get on with it´!
You know who you are- you´re to blame!
I have to thank them, the advertisers and of course you, the readers, for it’s continued publication.
As you will see from the front page story, the screw is continuing to turn on the yachting scene with the ´men in grey´ wanting their pound of flesh out of any deals on moorings. The frightening thing is that if they want to get nasty the taxmen can demand to see details of deals as far back as 5 years ago!
And it’s not just here in Mallorca.
Word gets to me on very good authority that the taxmen have been busy in the South of France where six yachts were boarded in Golfe Juan where they wanted paperwork for the crew- chasing income tax!
If anyone has any details on this please get in touch.
Now I don’t want to sound like a harbinger of doom but I’m told there are ways and means around the possible problems of income tax whilst being a crew member.
I fear that the loop-holes are being closed and the good old times of anonymity becoming history!
The reply to a letter by Pat of Network was in response to a member of the Cruising Association who had a very negative view of the situation in Spain and was ready to advise his members to stay clear of Spain!
It’s amazing how rumours circulate, by mistake or by design- see Michael Pass´ letter on the same page!
Interested in local cuisine and art?
Then the invitation from Penny Roberts and Andrew Watts on the Wining & Dining page should interest you- see you there.
Again, I remind you that this is your mag- so don’t be shy to come forward with any moans, groans, congrats, observations, suggestions or whatever.
Well here we go - nearly the start of the 2004 season- let’s hope it will be a good one for all.
Regards,
John Rule