Balearic Yacht Destination promotes Mallorca & Ibiza

Four of the major nautical companies in the Balearic Islands: Marina Ibiza, Astilleros de Mallorca, STP Shipyard Palma and Port Adriano present the project Balearic Yacht Destination, an initiative to promote the islands of Mallorca and Ibiza as nautical destinations both from the cruising point of views as well as an excellent location for yacht maintenance and refit.

The project will be presented at the Monaco yacht Show on Wednesday the 23rd of September, from 17.00-19.00 hrs on the stand QL10.

The Balearic Islands have become trendy. Mallorca and Ibiza emerge as two of the main tourist destinations of the world... but also among best places to live, according to the international media. Mallorca is the paradise island of tranquility converted into logistical centre of reference in the nautical sector. Ibiza is the fashionable destination of the celebrities of the world in search of the height of luxury.

Complete article: Gaceta Náutica.

II Symposium of Yacht Clubs in November

Real Club Nautico of Palma will host the II Symposium of Yacht Clubs on the 27-28th of November, organized by the Spanish Confederation of Yacht Clubs (CEACNA). Professionals related to port and yacht club management from all over the country are expected to participate.

The event, which is directed to yacht clubs, sports federations, associations and professionals of the sector, was officially presented during the 34 Copa del Rey MAPFRE. Topics like communication strategies, sponsorship of sporting events or relationship between the national/regional administrations and the port entities and non-profit making sports marinas will be discussed.

José Jaubert, the president of CEACNA, referred to a congress celebrated four years ago, and explained that the main objective of this symposium is to analyse the evolution of conclusions drawn in that congress. "We want to decide on the direction we should follow when it comes to legislation, planning and both institutional and sporting development", assured Jaubert.

Complete article: Panorama Náutico.

1st Pollensa Race & Boat Show 2015

On the 23rd and 24th of May in the Real Club Náutico de Puerto Pollensa, the first edition of the Pollenca Race and Boat Show will take place. It is an event that gives flair and entertainment to the visitors of this exhibition of new boats, the nautical companies of Pollensa, a jet ski race and another one of semirigid tenders, which can be seen from the breakwater of the port. The race course is designed specifically so that the spectators can feel the excitement and speed of a live race close by.

Additionally to this, other activities will take place, like: demonstrations of flyboard and other nautical toys, trips with monitors on sailing dinghies and canoes, catalonian skating, classic racing cars, quads, jet skis, electric karts, circus entertainment and jugglers, fishing competition, giant paella, special menus in the restaurant of the club, night time jamboree and a barbeque on Saturday night, artisan beers, wine, conferences, exhibitions and many other attractions.

It is a first nautical event in Puerto Pollensa related to the presentation of the products on the water sports market, with the sight set firmly on continuity.

Participating brands: ZAR, Fairline, Jeanneau, Sea Ray, Nautique, Bayliner, Goldfish, Wave Runner-Yamaha, Garmin, Spark, Volvo, Mortitx, etc.

ANEN Nautical Congress – the creation of the brand “Spain of the sea”

Regarding the analysis and evaluation of the current situation, the expert panel at the Congress came to the conclusion that in order to penetrate the public opinion it is necessary to update the x-ray of the sector, adjust the business models of the companies of the sector and adapt new concepts and strategies when it comes to sales and relationships with clients and sailing enthusiasts and to add new forms of communication to promote the leisure services and nautical tourism.

The nautical sector is in a favorable situation to take advantage of the achievements of the recent years. The relationship with the Administration has taken a 180º turn, a proof of this is the involvement in the Congress of the three key administrations whose support the sector is dependent on; Ministry of Public Works (State Secretary of Infrastructures, Transport and Housing and Direction General of the Merchant Marine), Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism (Turespaña) and Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports.

The nautical market in Europe is showing a timid growth, supported by the positive figures in Germany and Scandinavia and a slight recovery in Spain, as explained at the Congress by the general Secretary of EBI (European Boating Industry), Mirna Cieniewicz.

Read complete article (in Spanish) at: Passió per la Mar.

Key moments of the III Nautical Congress and access to the presentations

All the presentations that took place during the congress can be found on the website of ANEN. Just click on the link “Presentations III Nautical Congress”.

Sailing Brothers bring Agapi to the Balearic Islands

Technology, design and freedom. They are some of the key concepts on which the Swedish manufacturer Agapi base their work since the foundation of the company back in 2006. Just over a week ago we were able to witness first hand the presentation for the first time in Mallorca of one of their creations: the Agapi 750. It is a light RHIB (Rigid-hulled inflatable boat), that successfully combines the carbon technology and Scandinavian design.

The Hotel Portixol in Palma was the chosen venue to present the Agapi Center and the Balearic Sailing Brothers. A large group of invitees came to the event, amongst them entrepreneurs, sailing enthusiasts and media. Agapi was represented by the CEO and co-founder Peder Asplund, and Alejandra Levinas, owner and co-founder of the company. The president of the Nautical Trade Association in the Balearic Islands, (AENIB), Margarita Dahlberg, attended the event to show the association´s support for the entrepreneurial spirit of the Sailing Brothers.

Peder Asplun, Margarita Dahlberg,
Alejandra Lavinas  and Carlos Samblás.

On behalf of AENIB, we got in touch with Carlos Samblás, from Sailing Brothers, to find out more about Agapi 750 and Carlos´ plans for the future with the Scandinavian company. 

Agapi is a relative newcomer (it was founded in 2006) and therefore quite unknown in our latitudes. What inspired you you to bring Agapi to Spain?

Agapi represents something completely new in boating, encompassing much more than the boat itself. The philosophy of Agapi is based on freedom and simplicity in all of the aspects of navigation. No concept will work without an excellent product and primarily, the Agapi series (with the 750 launched in 2013 and the 950 ready to launch in October 2014) represent a new type of boat with a unique combination of qualities. The Agapi 750 was awarded the titles for the "Boat of the Year" and the "Choice of the Public" in 2013 in Sweden thanks to these qualities.

ANEN coordinates again the joint participation in METS 2014

Since the year 2007, ANEN, with the support of ICEX, coordinates the joint participation of the Spanish nautical industry in METS (Marine Equipment Trade Show), the biggest European fair dedicated exclusively to the equipment industry of the nautical sector, organised by RAI in the Dutch city of Amsterdam.

In 2013, METS logged 21.500 visitors  and 1.500 exhibitors from over 100 countries. In the Spanish Pavilion participated, under the umbrella of ANEN; Termometros Anvi, Remolcs Cortés, Sadira de Carlos Fusté, Solé Diesel, Eco-Systems Watermakers, Importaciones Náuticas S.A, Industrias Plásticas Castro, Marine Business S.A, Star Mar, Toscano, Cies Technologies, Onesailor, S. Folch and Stop Gull.

The next edition of METS is going to take place  from 18th to 20th of November 2014, and ANEN is already busy organising the Spanish contingent for this event, which has the application period for participation open.

Presentation of the IX edition of the Nautical and Cuttlefish Fair in Alcúdia

Last Thursday the poster and the programme of the activities of the IX edition of the Nautical and Cuttlefish Fair (from 4th to 6th of April) was presented in Alcúdia, with various municipal representatives in attendance, among others the mayoress of Alcúdia Coloma Terrasa, city councillor responsible for fairs and commerce Carme Garcia, the councillors of the local administration Juan L. González and Laura Serra, as well as the councillors of the opposition Beatriz Oneto and Domingo Bonnín. Also present were the representative of the Port Authority Joan Gili and Francisca Reynés from Alcudiamar, as well as representatives of the restaurants that will participate in the gastronomic fair.

The councillor Garcia gave a preview of the principal novelties of this year´s fair, in which 23 restaurants and 30 nautical companies will participate. One of the highlights of the presentation was the performance of Los Gabytos of the Aragon family, a charity act through the volunteer group Piruletas of the association against cancer and the Sonrisa Médica. This emphasized the fact that the fair will be a family orientated event.

Among the performances to take place during this nautical event are the group of girls called "El Alba", who will dance sevillanas, various local dj´s who will play music in the gastronomic tent, as well as the show of Sarau Alcudienc and the parade of S´Estol del Rei en Jaume and the Alcúdia Giants.

On the other hand, the councillor Garcia praised the collaboration of the Fishermen´s Guild, which will  participate also in the gastronomic tent this year. She announced that the public can vote for the best stand and the best tapa and informed about an exhibition dedicated to the sea of Alcúdia, with photos of the various beaches.

II National Nautical Congress

There are many novelties included this year in the 2nd National Nautical Congress, organized by ANEN from the 1st to the 2nd of April.  After the first edition in Madrid, the event is moved to Barcelona this year according to a plan to host the event in all the regions where the recreational nautical industry is important.

As issues of debate, the round tables of the II Nautical Congress will address the latest plans  on legislative and fiscal improvements, with representatives from the Administration. Also international nautical experts will analyze the situation of our sector in Europe, and the second hand market will be focused on as well. Prominent speakers from the area of business marketing will present new business formulas and tendencies applied to the nautical market. To emphasize the practical side of the Congress, there will be a creative workshop over how to face the challenges of innovation in the nautical sector.

The biggest novelty of this second edition will be the Networking Area, which will take place parallel to the Nautical Congress. The aim is to offer the companies of the sector a business platform where to exchange synergies, make contacts and to launch projects.

Through the link http://bit.ly/OGzcDS you can find the programme of the II Nautical Congress. The registrations will open next week, and you will receive more information closer to the date.

The Barcelona Boat Show will hoist the sails from 15th to the 19th of October

The Barcelona Boat Show will take place from 15th to the 19th of October, a few weeks later than usual as not to coincide with other international boat shows, like Cannes in France or Genova in Italy. 

Organized by Fira de Barcelona in collaboration with the Spanish Nautical Trade Association (ANEN), the Barcelona Boat Show - the most important one in Spain - will concentrate for the third year in row its activities in the premises of Port Vell. 

Apart from the floating exhibition of boats, there will be a range of nautical products and services exhibited ashore too , from electronic articles and motors to paints, trailers, fishing tools and small vessels. 

Those interested in nautical sports will have their own entertainment zone, the Fun Beach Area, where the public can have initiation sessions from surf and windsurf to dinghy sailing and kayaking, according to the information from Fira de Barcelona. 

The show will have also a Sea Area, which will host presentations of regattas, books, award ceremonies and conferences. Classical wooden boats are exhibited and workshops and concerts will take place in Traditional Marina Area. 

In previous years, the Barcelona Boat Show always took place in September, but the sector itself requested a delay of the show by a few weeks to fit in better in the calendar of international boat shows.

Read the complete article in Finanzas.com

29th Annual General Meeting and the VII Nautical Awards of AENIB

The Nautical Trade Association of the Balearic Islands (AENIB) celebrated the 29th Annual General Meeting and the VII Nautical Award Ceremony on the 20th of February. Over hundred people congregated for the event, including  nautical entrepreneurs, prominent personalities from the nautical world and politicians, among them the president of the Balearic government, José Ramón Bauzá and the minister of Economy and Competitiveness, Joaquín García. 

The presentations

Before the start of the Annual General Meeting, a round of presentations by various experts took place. A considerable number of associates followed the presentations, which dealt with a wide range of issues, from the latest changes in the ISO regulations to cooperation projects. The first presentation was given by Agustion Fiol from Lloyds, analyzing  the regulations for ISO 9001 and 14001. After that Rafael Olabarrieta from Generali Seguros explained the ins and outs of civil liability insurances for the nautical sector. The third presentation, by Miguel A. Rayo from Corporacio Jovent clarified the plans of cooperation between the Corporacio Jovent and AENIB to help people at risk for social exclusión. During the last presentation the general secretary of the Spanish Nautical Trade Association (ANEN), Carlos Sanlorenzo, gave an extensive summary of the actions carried out by the association during the past year and started projects and planned actions for the current year.

VII Nautical Awards of AENIB – Company with the most prominent professional trajectory: Comercial Morey

1.- Comercial Morey receives this year the award for the company with the most prominent profesional trajectory. What does this recognition mean to you?

We are overjoyed as it is a recognition of the Morey family´s lifelong dedication to the nautical business.

2.- What services does your company offer?

Our company sells boats, motors, nautical accessories and trailers, and at the same time offers various maintenance servicse for the boats that we sell: repairs, guardiannage, wintering, cleaning, painting etc. In other words we complement the boat sale with all the post sale maintenance services. We have been distributors of the SUZUKI outboards for over 30 years, which is one of our longest standing comercial dealerships.

3.- Your company is active since almost five decades. Could you talk about your professional trajectory? Both at a personal level (if you wish) and as a company.

The company was founded by my father Juan Morey Gil in the beginning of the seventies. The company was initially called "COANSA" (Comercial Autonáutica s.a) and was located in Palma along the road to Sóller. Already then the company dedicated itself mostly to motor boats, both inboard and outboard. After my brother Juan Mª Morey Estarellas joined the company, during what we could call the first "popularization" of yachting, the market developed immensely. Later on, in the middle of the eighties, the family tradition and my long time devotion to the sea and boats made it easy for me to join the company as well. From the start of the nineties the boat buyers increasingly started to demand post sale maintenance services, as well as dry storage during the winter, when they were not using their boats. That´s when the company made the biggest change so far and after nearly 30 years in the same location in Palma moved to new premises of 3.500 m2 in the industrial estate of Marratxi. This enabled us to respond to the demands of the "new yachting": more space to handle ever bigger boats, client parking and correct facilities to do the maintenance work that the boat owners were now demanding. Currently, our company hasn´t been able to avoid the consequences of the serious economic crisis that the sector is suffering from, but thanks to the professionalism and multi-tasking of all members of our staff, we are "weathering the storm" slowly, but surely.

VII Nautical Awards of AENIB – Longest membership: Power Boats Service

Power Boat Service is a company founded in 1982 by Anna and Isidoro Santos. Newly arrived from Cologne (Germany), they opened a nautical workshop in Porto Colom after seeing first hand what great opportunities the move opened up for them. And they were not mistaken… Through the years the company has grown and considerably extended its installations and services. The company is a member of AENIB since 1995 and a great example of a family business that is based on the values so typical of the Balearic nautical sector: determination, commitment and professional approach.

1.- This year you receive the award for the longest membership in AENIB. What does this recognition mean to you?

We are very grateful and profoundly appreciate the collaboration and support that we have received from AENIB since we started our business , then called the Nautical Association of PIMEM, and continue receiving today.

2.- Power Boats Service is a company with more than 30 years of experience. Could you talk about your professional trajectory? Both at the personal level (if you wish) and as a company.

We left Germany in year 1982, came to Mallorca and started a nautical workshop in Porto Colom, after having first investigated the demand and the possibilities in this region, specially regarding the foreign clientele. We started with a small workshop and gradually expanded and adapted the business to the circumstances and to the possibilities of the infrastructure of Porto Colom and surroundings. Currently we have a wintering hall, our own crane for lift outs and launches and our own vehicle for boat transport. Right from the beginning of our professional activity we have been an official service center for VOLVO PENTA as well as for Mercruiser/Mercury. We have also been one of the pioneering members of the IFEBAL boat shows. We have had our ups and downs, and have realized that only through perseverance, discipline and complete dedication to our company we can move forward.

VII Nautical Awards of AENIB - Entity most involved with the nautical sector in 2013: CAEB

Josep Oliver, on behalf of CAEB, reveives this year the award for the entity that most have collaborated with the nautical sector in 2013. Firm defender of the sector during the 20 years that he has been at the helm of the Balearic union, Oliver mentions as one his main achievements the integration of AENIB to CAEB.

1. This year the association awards you the prize for the entity that most have collaborated with the nautical sector during the past year. What does this recognition mean to you?

As a president of the Confederation of the Balearic Trade Associations (CAEB) this recognition is deeply satisfying to me, and  during the almost 6 years of journey together since AENIB integrated into CAEB, we have always wanted to support and colaborate to the maximum with an association that for us represents one of the most important sectors in the Balearics.

2.- Put into perspective, you were responsible for introducing the most relevant nautical associations to CAEB. What did you see in our sector to put your bets on us?

In the Balearic Islands the nautical sector gives direct employment to 13.498 people, indirect employment to 8.590 and as a knock on effect (induced employment) to 3.449, which makes a total of over 25.500 jobs. At the same time the nautical tourism attracts approximately 450.000 visitors annually, according to data released by the local government. Thanks to our nautical attractions, photos of royal families, heads of state and celebrities from the world of movies, fashion and business navigating in the Balearics have been publicized all over the world. Behind these images a bigger picture of our first class installations and services is also projected.

In 1993, when I became the president of CAEB, we understood that it was important to integrate the nautical sector as a whole. During this time, the Spanish Superyacht Association (AEGY), the Nautical Trade Association in the Balearic Islands (AENIB), and as the last one The Association of the Diving Centers of Mallorca have joined CAEB. We are very proud that these associations together with other business organizations accompany us on this entrepreneurial journey.

The TRECVET conference in Palma addresses the recognition of captain´s qualifications between Spain, Germany and UK

On the 20th of September the Chamber of Commerce of Mallorca will organize a conference regarding TRECVET, a project financed by the European Union whose objective is to create a tool for breaking down in more basic elements the different requirements for the course contents and profesional qualifications on recreational yachts, thus making them more objectively comparable.

The conference is free, you only need to register on their website.

The conference will be given in English and some authorities are going to participate:

1). Rafael Rodriguez Valero, Director General de la Marina Mercante,

2). José Escalas, Capitán Marítimo de Palma,

3). Carlos Sanlorenzo, President of ANEN,

4). José M. Bertrán President of ANPPER.

5). Margarita Dahlberg, President of AENIB,

6). Sarah Tresedar, CEO RYA,

7). Richard Falk, Chief Examiner, Royal Yachting Association(RYA),

8). Pat Bullock, Network Group.

The Palma Boat Show was a visitor success

More tan 30.000 people visited the 30th Palma Boat Show, which took place from 1st to the 5th of May in Moll Vell. This edition was introduced with a successful new format, according to the generalized opinión by the exhibitors, and has reactivated the nautical sector, so strategic for the Balearic Islands.

In the opinión of the director of the 30th Palma Boat Show, Chema Sans, “ the number of visitors exceeded the previsions, which were 50.000 for the whole collection of events that formed the International Nautical Week of Palma. Besides, most visitors were nautical devotees with a real interest to generate business in short and médium term, and we had also lots of international visitors”.

The Palma Boat Show opened it´s doors with confidence and optimism, with 25% more exhibitors and 76% more moorings compared to year 2011, after the cancelation of last year´s edition.

Record participation at the VIII Cuttlefish Fair.

Another year the sea nad the cuttlefish were the absolute centrepieces at the eight edition of the popular Cuttlefish Fair, which took place on the 20th and the 21st of April in the Port of Alcúdia. According to the local police, up to 12.000 people were able to enjoy the mediterranean cooking and to stroll amongst the wide variety of boats exhibited along the Paseo Maritimo. 

The nautical fair occupied a total area of 12.000 m2 where 25 companies exhibited the latest products. From jet skis and semirigid tenders to sailing and motor boats, not forgetting the traditional boats and yachts. And of course all sorts of accessories and other essentials related to the sea were on offer. The stands dedicated to fishing and water sports managed to catch the attention of many enthusiasts who were looking for equipment for a good price or simply hunting for professional advice. 

Record participation in the VIII Cuttlefish Fair

For another year the sea and the cuttlefish took the centre stage at the eight edition of the Cuttlefish Fair on the 20th to 21st of April in the Port of Alcúdia. Acoording to the local police, up to 12.000 visitors enjoyed the mediterranean cuisine and strolled amongst the large variety of boats exhibited along the Paseo Maritimo. The nautical fair occupied a total area of 12.000 m2 where 25 companies exhibited the latest products. From jet skis and semirigid tenders to sailing and motor boats, not forgetting the traditional boats and yachts. And of course all sorts of accessories and other essentials related to the sea were on offer. The stands dedicated to fishing and water sports managed to catch the attention of many enthusiasts who were looking for equipment for a good price or simply hunting for professional advice.

Not the instable weather during the weekend nor the pouring rain on Saturday kept thousands of people way from the port. For the coordinator of the fair, Margalida Ginard, it is a fact that “every year the fair reaches further, judging by what the exhibitors tell us, as well by the number of visitors”. Ginard explains that the Town Hall “has worked to achieve a more dynamic event, not centred only on the nautical and gastronomical issues, but introducing also numerous kids activities”, together with the help of Alcudiamar, who give logistical support for the event.

The Ibiza Boat Show opens on the 27th of April

The XXI edition of the Boat Show organized by the Nautical Association of Pimeef (Petita i Mitjana Empresa d’Eivissa i Formentera / Small and Medium size companies of Ibiza and Formentera) opens its doors on Saturday the 27th of April in the port of Santa Eulária. 

The Show stays open uninterrupted until the 1st of May with opening hours from 11.00 to 20.00.The official inauguration will take place on Saturday the 27th of April at 12.00, and various authorities are expected to attend from the Balearic Government, the Council of Ibiza and the Town Halls of Santa Eulária, Sant Antoni and Sant Joan, amongst other entities.

Read the complete article in Deporte Balear.

The XXX Palma Boat Show is anticipated to attract 50.000 visitors from 1st till the 5th of May

The president of the government, José Ramón Bauzá, and the mayor of Palma, Mateo Isern presented today the XXX edition of the Palma Boat Show, which is anticipated to attract up to 50.000 visitors within the framework of the Palma International Nautical Week. 

At the presentation, Bauzá emphasized that not only does the Show promote the recreational yachting but also the Balearic Islands as a destination par excellence for this sector, “with the best technical and commercial services of the Mediterranean”. 

Bauzá indicated that the nautical sector is “strategic” for the community for its high growth potential 

and its capacity to create wealth and jobs. He reminded that the sector generates an annual business volume of approximately 800 million euros, almost 3% of the Gross National Product, out of which more than 200 million derive from naval construction and reparation. 

The mayor of Palma, Mateo Isern, stated that during the Show the city becomes the neuralgic point of nautical tourism in the Mediterranean and emphasized the importance of attracting this kind of tourist who spends a lot more than the conventional tourist with the average daily spending of 110 €.

15% discount for AENB members on exhibition space at the Palma Boat Show.

On the 18th of January the Direction of Projects and Services of IDI came to a decision to give the members of the AENB a 15% discount when booking space at the next Palma Boat Show from 1st to the 5th of May. This discount is a product of work carried out by AENB during 2012 in the negotiations with the government within the framework of the Organizing Committee of the Palma Boat Show, of which AENB is one of the most active members. The government is aware that the members of AENB are a large and important group of exhibitors at the Show, and want to give incentive to, if possible, even more extensive participation. Besides, AENB has committed to put its own channels in service to market and sell the Palma Boat Show. 

Those companies and professionals that are members of AENB are required to present a certificate of membership when booking the space. The discount is applied for the mooring rates as well as for exhibition space on land. 

This is a culmination of intense work carried out from the first quarter of last year, when it was announced that the government would give the entrepreneurial sector the decisive weight when planning the new model of the Show.