Sailing can be such fun, there is nothing like being out in the fresh air sailing along the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol. Some companies offer luxury yacht and boat hire, a luxury sailing concierge, who can arrange almost everything from sunset cruises with fine dining to trips to Morocco and Portugal.
Despite not being located on the coastline, Seville does have a working port for industrial and commercial cruise liners which is the only river port in Spain. This unique opportunity to experience more inland Spain either before, after or during your blue water cruise can offer a pleasant break from the more common coastal destinations.
The Club de Mar de Almería is a nautical club located in Almería, Andalusia. It is one of the most important clubs in Spain, along with the rest of the members of the Spanish Association of Nautical Clubs, to which it belongs.
Along the coast of Andalucía there are numerous marinas, ideal for both those with yachts who need a berth, and for those who simply enjoy the atmosphere of a harbour.
For a country whose border is largely shored up by water, Spain is a relative latecomer to the sport of boating. Particularly in Andalucía, the sea was, to a great extent, the province of working fishermen. The feudal economy which marks Spain's largest autonomous region has a history of land-locked pursuits, such as hunting and horse riding.
This can be a major problem. Such is the demand for building land right along the Andalucian coast, that developers would rather construct apartment blocks than use available land for boat storage. A number of companies have got around this by leasing out space to owners in 'naves', or warehouses which are set back from the coast in less desirable building land.
The Ministerio de Fomento is the Spanish government organisation responsible for, among other things, public buildings and works. It includes within it the Merchant Marine department and the Marine Safety Agency which, between them, are responsible for all aspects of safety at sea and the legalities involved. If you break maritime law, these are the people you will have to deal with.
Nautica Puerto Banus S.L
Jose Sanchez Otero
Varadero de Puerto Banus, s/n, 29600 Marbella, Malaga
Tel: 952 816 676
CONSULT Marine Services
Suite 10.5, International Commercial Centre, Main Street, PO Box 516, Gibraltar
Tel: 9567 44170
Yachting España S.L
Puerto Deportivo de Almerimar, Edif Port Village, 04700 El Ejido, Almerimar
Tel: 950 49 78 25
Holland Yachting
Puerto Deportivo Estepona, Puerto Paraiso 30, E-29680 Estepona
Tel: 952 80 61 47
In theory, everything with a motor or sails that goes on the water has to be registered. Again, in theory, if you have residence qualifications in Spain, you must, by law, register your boat in Spain. In order to do so, apart from the registration fees, which depend on the size of the boat, the owner is required to pay a 14% tax on the value of the boat - which explains why a lot of owners get round the law by registering their craft in a company name.
When considering the purchase of a boat, you might want to find a mooring first. Such is the popularity of boating all along the Mediterranean coast from Almeria to Tarifa and beyond that moorings are at a premium. Many marinas are completely full and have waiting lists. It is only in the mega-marinas, such as Almerimar or Aguadulce that space is available.
Looking after your boat can be a serious problem, if you are not in residence for much of the year. The answer is to have someone look after it for you, in much the same way as homeowners contract maintenance companies to take care of their houses or flats. With a boat, it is not quite so simple, so contracting a top quality company is of vital importance.
The most hazardous part of boating is getting in and out of port. On the high seas, there is plenty of room and, given clement weather conditions, there should be no problems.
The most hazardous part of boating is getting in and out of port. On the high seas, there is plenty of room and, given clement weather conditions, there should be no problems. Winter fog is a local problem and can be one of the most dangerous elements faced by an unskilled navigator.
Many of the larger boats have permanent crew, but there is a burgeoning market for part-timers, who offer their services during the summer months only. In much the same way that maintenance staff should come recommended, so should crew.
The actual mechanics of boat purchase and sale not unlike those of a car. There are, in effect, two principal ways of carrying it out - through a dealer or privately. Most local newspapers carry a nautical section, with a broad band of boats on offer. And there are, of course, specialist boating magazines giving a massive choice of boats right through the price bracket.
By Chris Jones
The Mediterranean is one of the world's great playgrounds. It is safe, warm, calm and has an remarkable variety of coastline, from the relatively flat beaches of the Costa del Sol, to the coves and natural harbours of Almeria, the Costa Brava and the Balearics.
Sailing westward through the Strait of Gibraltar, the Atlantic coast of the Costa de la Luz and, further afield, the Portuguese Algarve offer travellers almost infinite delights.
Only recently, a report commissioned by the Spanish Government concluded that a total of 2,276 yachts were seeking berths in Andalucia alone, and by the year 2022 that figure will leap to over 5,000 yachts in just this one area.
