This summer, the duty-free status of Karpaz Gate Marina is expected to take on even greater significance for yacht owners, when Croatia becomes a new member of the European Union.
Karpaz Gate Marina situated in the beautiful yacht charter destination - the Eastern Mediterranean
Northern Cyprus will become one of the last tax havens along the north coast of the Mediterranean when Croatia becomes the 28th member state of the EU on July 1 2013.
Karpaz Gate Marina is the perfect option for boat owners looking to benefit from duty-free status by cutting costs on fuel, technical service and supplies, while the Eastern Mediterranean destination outside the eurozone ensures further general savings on goods and services.
The luxury 300-berth superyacht marina is also a very attractive place for people who wish to keep their yachts in Europe, but not within the European Union, to save the value-added tax on the purchase price.
Long term, the importance of the location of Karpaz Gate Marina will increase if the EU develops as predicted over the next few years, with Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina expected to join as soon as 2015.
Deniz Akaltan, Harbour Master at Karpaz Gate Marina, said: “For boat owners who want to hold their boat outside the EU, Karpaz Gate Marina is a very good option due to the savings associated with the tax-free environment and the extensive technical and leisure facilities available for berth holders here.
“There is a huge yachting industry in Croatia, plus people from all over Europe keep their boats there, and now Northern Cyprus and Turkey are almost the last havens for VAT along that whole northern coast of the Mediterranean.”
The duty-free fuel is one of the ways berth holders can cut costs at Karpaz Gate Marina. The price of diesel per litre was approximately €0.80 at Karpaz Gate Marina in March 2013 (subject to change at any time)
Another factor affecting the location chosen by owners for their boats is a recent crackdown by the Italian tax authority which is targeting boats moored in Italian ports and has already started to drive owners to alternative shores. The government has introduced an ownership tax on boats longer than 10 metres, while the nation’s tax police are reportedly searching yachts and then cross-checking the owners against their declared income ahead of a possible audit.
With the Eastern Mediterranean growing in popularity as a cruising destination, Karpaz Gate Marina is the perfect base for exploring the region. In addition, it is an official port of entry, with multi-lingual staff fluent in Italian, Turkish, French, German and English on hand to assist visitors.
Having completed its first full season in 2012, the marina has outstanding facilities and will officially open its stunning Beach Club this spring which is available to all berth holders and visiting yachts.
Superyachts are already taking advantage of the world class shipyard facilities, on-shore entertainment and concierge services, with the marina able to accommodate yachts up to 55 metres.
This year, marina prices are fixed at 2012 rates and there is also a special lucky 2013 berthing package available, which offers a free lift and launch and free antifouling for boat owners berthing at Karpaz Gate for more than six months. Plus, the 13th month is free for boat owners who book for 12 months.
With its duty-free status intact, Karpaz provides a welcome port financially as well as offering some of the best conditions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
