Announced at the Barcelona Boat show last week was the news that from January 1, 2011, yachts under 12m (39ft) in length will be exempt from the need to be matriculated.

As long as the boat carries the CE mark, completing a simple form and producing the purchase invoice will suffice to obtain a registration certificate. Obtaining the three legal documents on sea-worthiness and radio communications that have so far been required will no longer be necessary. This applies to both charter boats and those for private use.

Also announced in the new law - charter boats will no longer need to be listed under the Spanish movables property registry. In addition electronics on board, such as, SOLAS VHF and emergency energy source will no longer be required unless for off-shore sailing. In all cases the installation of electronic devices on board will no longer have to be authorised or monitored by government.

The changes in the Matriculation Tax implementation is a welcome if not inevitable step. This tax was ruled illegal by the EU commission but was for many years enforced despite the EU commission and industry’s protests. One wonders if the tax in relation to vessels over 12m may also be under consideration? Given the current economic plight of Spain , it seems unlikely.