Operating in Lockdown – the FAQ’s…
Market activity in the boating industry is still very strong, partly, because boating is seen as a great antidote to living with these extraordinary Covid times..
You are in control of: your environment, your schedule and of your bubble. Many are making plans for next season and we are doing what we can to facilitate this:
FAQ’s
Q- Ancasta – Are you still open ?
A- To respect and comply with current restrictions in the UK, the public are not allowed to attend our offices in person – HOWEVER our OFFICES ARE STILL OPERATING – clients are encouraged to contact us by phone, email, Whatsapp, Zoom or Facetime as all normal services are still available.
Q – Can I view a boat ?
A – With current restrictions in place, viewings must be conducted remotely –Ancasta is well equipped to provide the next best thing, Personal Remote Viewing (PRV’s) – how does that work? – Should you wish to look at one of our listings or indeed new boats, Ancasta has all the tools to enable customers to view, in detail, Ancasta’s new and used yacht portfolio, – If after viewing all the online material including videos, 360degree inspections, 3rd party reviews etc, you wish to take a closer a look at a particular boat, you are encouraged to make an appointment with your Ancasta Broker to carry out a PRV – a live walk-through. The benefits of a PRV is that via Facetime, you can take the time to inspect the yacht that interests you, you have the informed broker conducting the tour to ask any questions as well direct the viewing towards specific areas you wish to investigate. In our experience this is proving to be a very effective method way of showing yachts.
Q – Can I buy a boat without actually physically inspecting it ?
A – The short answer, is yes. Currently our Vendors and Buyers and indeed Ancasta are taking lateral approaches to yacht sales. We have a number of sales that have been agreed and in some cases completed before the buyer has physically inspected. Some sales have been agreed and buyers have secured options to buy subject to a final inspection, others have been prepared to purchase based on the virtual inspections and detailed survey from a reputable surveyor.
In all cases we are happy to explore the various options to best serve both Vendors and Buyers. Ancasta has for 35 years provided a secure and effective environment for buying, selling and indeed servicing yachts.
Q – Can I list my boat for Sale during lockdown?
A – Yes you can ! We would welcome the opportunity to list your boat – Market activity is strong and we have buyers for good quality sensibly priced used boats of all shapes and sizes. Listing your boat is a very simple, straight forward and secure process and can be done remotely with Ancasta. We have the network, the time and the energy to provide the very best in Brokerage service.
Q – I own a boat located close to an Ancasta office – can you keep an eye on it for me?
A – Yes – if you are unable to visit your boat over the next few weeks, get in touch and our teams can check lines and make sure everything is in order while restrictions are in place.
Q – Can I speak to an expert on anything pertaining to boating?
A – Ancasta is unique in that we can provide in-house expertise on all things Yachting. Buying, Selling, Chartering, Investing, Finance, Repair, Engineering, Upgrade and all manner of administrative and associated legal guidance. If you are in need of some information then call one of our offices and we can put you in touch with the appropriate experts. We are all still working very hard and look forward to engaging with our clients during these unusual times.
Q – What is the latest from around the Ancasta Network?
A – In Mallorca the team are pretty free to move and work. Regulations with regards to masks and not meeting in groups of more than 6 are still in place but otherwise, its business as usual. All maintenance, boat moving, sea trials, viewings etc have no restrictions in Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza at the moment.
Mainland Spain varies by region: In Catalunya travel is completely free if it is work related. Social travel is more difficult and does have some restrictions. However, with an invitation from a local company for a meeting, there are no issues travelling and moving. Clients have been arriving by car and plane over the last weeks.
Further south in Andalucia, social movement is not permitted but if visiting Malaga or Gibraltar by air, for “work” then viewings, haul-out facilities etc are are working till 6pm each day. The border between Gibraltar and Spain is still open.
In France, viewings are not allowed as it is deemed non-essential business however, surveys and sea trials are permitted for professional reasons. Borders between France and the rest of Europe are open but closed between France & territories outside of the EU.
Travelling to Belgium is still allowed. You are allowed to move around freely and hotels are still open. Restaurants are closed however food can be delivered to the room. In the open air, groups of up to four people are allowed, but you have to keep 1.5m distance. Boat viewings are not permitted at this time …..
However – As in every Ancasta office, we can offer live Personal Remote Viewings (PRV’s) via facetime or zoom and there are 360 tours and detailed specs available to help with the process until restrictions are lifted.
Please remember, in some regions there are night time curfews and requirements to quarantine so please check before travelling.
For help with ANY of the activity detailed above, please contact YOUR LOCAL ANCASTA OFFICE or if you are not sure who to speak to, contact Head office on: T: +44 (0)2380 450 000 E: [email protected]