Letter from the president - November 2016

In the Barcelona Boat Show, great novelties and news for the sector have been announced. In this sense, we have to outstand that the 5th Nautical Congress will be celebrated next March in Palma. This fact is a way to recognize the weight that the Balearic nautical has at a national level. Some days ago, the Gaceta Náutica announced the winners of the Timón 2016 award. This award is an excellent initiative, and AENIB will participate in it, because they are part of the jury. We also have to stand out that the next 30th of November, the Extraordinary General Meeting of our association will be celebrated. That is why we beg you to take time off your busy schedule and attend to it. Moreover, during those days, the first edition of the Nautical Charter Course is being celebrated in Palma, and we have participated in its organization. Besides, from AENIB, we keep working regarding nautical vocational studies, together with the SOIB and JOVENT. 

The Barcelona Boat Show always brings us great expectation, because plenty of novelties are announced. Those news are not only about new products and services, they are also about changes that affect the yacht sector and the next actions that the ANEN will take. In this sense, it was confirmed that the 5th Nautical Congress will be celebrated in Palma next March. This is not a trival issue, because it is the biggest national congress specialized in nautical. From our association we would like to congratulate ANEN for taking that decision, and we also want to value the leadership that our islands have in the national market. As expected, as more progresses are made, we will keep you informed. Regarding the Boat Show, we have to highlight its huge success, because plenty of companies and professionals attended and participated in the event. And a lot of the companies from the Balearic Islands were present. The ones we were there, can say that the activity has increased with respect to previous years. We would also like to point out the impulse that was given to the campaing #embarcate, that it was created to promote recreational boats in our country, and to all the workshops and conferences organized by ANEN. 

In these days, the 1st Course of Nautical Charter is being celebrated in Palma, and although it is still very soon to make an assesment, we can say that we are very satisfied with the level of participation. This reply from our students, plus the true interest for the subjects that are being done, makes us think that the call has been very successful. We have to remember that in the organization of this classroom course, the IME (which will issue an official certification to confirm the participation in this course), ANEN, AEGY and the AENIB have participated. 

Letter from the president - October 2016

Although the high season still has not finished, many of us need to be strong and pay attention to our customers and attend the different boat shows that will be celebrated in the next months. Like the one in Monaco, that finished not long ago. And according to the Balearic companies that participated, it had an excellent rating. Tere will also be another boat show in Barcelona, that will be celebrated in less than two weeks. On the other hand, in our island, the yacht sector awakes again eternal debates like the posidonia. From our part, in AENIB, we continue focused on vocational studies and professional qualifications for the workers of the sector. 

A few days ago, an editorial from one of the newspapers with largest circulation in Mallorca, pointed out that the general director of Natural Spaces and Biodiversity had been ceased from her position. It was because she was inactive when chasing indiscriminate anchoring in posidonia meadows. We do not know if it is an exaggeration of the newspaper, or if it is one of the reasons to cease her. If it was the last case, we do not know where is this data taken from, because the posidonia anchorings are an exception in our sector. It is unfair that people judge one collective for the mistakes of a few. And if any political and simplistic decision would be taken to legislate against anchoring in general, they would be destroying years of work and effort. Not only from the own administration, but also for thousands of people that fight every day to keep recreational yachting to the highest possible level. 

Letter from the president - August 2016

The yacht sector is working at full capacity this summer in our islands. In order to realize about this fact, we only have to see any of our beautiful coves and beaches and the great number of boats anchoring there. Not in vain, the Balearic Islands are still at the head of the national market when referring to the number of registrations. Those, have grown more than a 9% with respect to the first semester in 2015. These good numbers are helping to boost the turnover of our islands' nautical industry. While our companies work at full capacity to provide service to their customers, they are also starting to attend to large boat shows: like the one in Barcelona, or the METS. 

From the 24th until the 28th of October, an interesting course about nautical charter will be celebrated in Palma. It is organized by the IME (Spanish Maritime Institute), and the AENIB is going to collaborate actively. During those days, 16 professionals that belong to the sector, have a recognized prestige and an excellent professional experience at their backs, will offer first quality and updated training about all the necessary aspects to take into account, to work in this sector. In this sense, the agenda contains sections dedicated to the current market situation in Spain and Europe; the business strategy and its particularities, the legal framework in the nautical charter, the aspects regarding the exploitation of boats; and of course, the crucial topic about insurances and accidents. From AENIB we encourage all our associates to attend the course. So that, apart from obtaining an official certificate issued by the IME, it will be an excellent opportunity to be in contact with professionals and entrepreneurs of different sectors related to yachting. In the section of News, you can find the complete program of the event. 

Letter from the president - July 2016

International promotion, quality training and adequacy to the regulations of the sector's reality. For many years, these have been some of the most important complaints that our association has fought for, and little by little, our hard work is bearing its fruits. Thanks to the understanding between our sector and the public administrations in the last years, we're doing plenty of important improvements for the yacht sector in the Balearic Islands and Spain, working together with ANEN. 

Soon, the new Balearic decree of nautical charter will enter into force. It is a project in which we have also invested a huge amount of effort and resources to provide this sector with appropriate regulations to its reality and needs. In this project, the ANEN has helped us considerably, and we have achieved the regulation of this business completely in one single legal text, because in the previous regulations there were different legal texts. In this same newsletter, you will find a link to the news to the ANEN web. There, you will find an article written by Miguel Ángel Serra, who gives a thoroughly detail of the changes that this new legislation introduces. To sum up, it is kept the possibility to rent vessels and recreational registered boats that do not belong to the EU or are signatories of the Agreement regarding the European Economic Space in the same terms than the ones established in the previous regulation. Moreover, the Balearics register of lessors, boats and recreational boats is created. This register is public, autonomic has an administrative nature. In it, the companies that have made the responsible statement and the boats and declared vessels, will be documented. This register is aimed to control the illegal charter that happens mainly in the sector of small boats. 

Letter from the president - June 2016

During the last month, the association has focused on nautical vocational studies. It is an extremely important project for our companies and for the same future of our sector. We have had different meetings, as well as significant advances that will be said in this letter. Here, we will also comment on the pollution topic that the Emaya emissaries distributed in the whole island dump everyday to the sea. This problem affects us all seriously, but especially to those who live from the sea. 

Nautical Vocational Studies are an important subject strategy for our sector; and, for this reason, they are also significant for our association. As you may know, we've been several years working at an autonomous and national level with the support of the ANEN, and we are trying to achieve two main goals: the possibility that our joungsters can access a quality training that makes them capable of working repairing and maintaining boats. On the other hand, we are also trying that our workers can validate their professional experience with formal qualification. From AENIB we believe that all the resources we are investing in this project will be useful to pontentiate the excellence of our sector, improve even more the reputation of our islands as a destiny, and also help the new generations to find employment possibilities in our sector. 

Letter from the President - May 2016

I would like to start this letter thanking the organization of the Palma Boat Show because, as the president of the AENIB, I have been granted the Marcial Sánchez Bercáiztegui award. As I said at the awards ceremony, this prize is also a recognition to the task that the association has done the last thirty years, struggling for the yatch sector in the Balearics. I would also like to express gratitude for  everyone that has collaborated in the execution of the Boat Show, as well as to all the professionals and companies that have participated. 

More professional, more technical, more useful and more popular than ever. This way we could summarize the Palma Boat Show of this year. It is a shame that the weather wasn't in our favor, but there is nothing we can do against this fact. In any case, these days of the Boat Show have been the clear example of the results that can be achieved if the public and private sector collaborate together. We have built a solid project with the Boat Show, it is a relevance showcase to demonstrate the professonality and quality of the products and services that our companies offer. The Show had more than 200 authorized journalists, and it has succeeded in making many people see the reality of our sector. Yachting in our comnunity is almost accessible to anyone that wants to enjoy it, and this fact has been clearly reflected in the Palma Boat Show. Here, we have been able to see the last novelties of semirigid and small boats, as well as the most complex superyachts through an excellent offer of good navigation clubs and a great variety of water sports. Regarding the rest, I have to say that it is still soon to start valuing in depth the results of the Boat Show, although many of you have made your good sensations accessible to the people. I hope that in the next months all the contacts you have made, transform in jobs and orders, because that is what it is about. As I said before, I should congratulate the organization of the Boat Show because they have done an excellent job. 

Letter from the president - September 2015

As we are entering the final stages of the high season, the timing is about right to start thinking about the following season. We find initiatives like the Balearic Yacht Destination very positive and welcome. It is necessary to boost the recreational yachting on our islands as an alternative to golf or beach tourism. For that reason we will continue working  to extend the matriculation tax exemption on non-commercial yachts (currently 8 m), in order to be able to compete in equal conditions with our neighboring countries. During the month of August an old problem of illegal charters has received special media interest. AENIB has given several interviews and participated in various discussions over this problematic issue.

Generally this season has been very positive for the nautical sector, but still not quite the same as during the years before the crisis. An indication of the turning tide is the large number of superyachts that have been spotted navigating in our waters. It is very important to promote the Balearic Islands as a nautical destination, it will be a guaranteed investment for our economy. The profile of the nautical visitor is exactly what is needed to deseasonalize the tourism – a tourist with high purchasing power who wish to enjoy the gastronomy, the entertainment and the local culture. During the next Monaco Yacht Show, one of the most influential shows in the world, our islands will be highlighted thanks to the Balearic Yacht Destination. The companies Marina Ibiza, Astilleros de Mallorca, STP Shipyard Palma and Port Adriano will promote Mallorca and Ibiza as nautical destinations, both from a cruising point of view as well as service and refit destinations. Of course we would have liked to see also Menorca and Formentera being represented, but even so we believe it is a great initiative and hope it will serve to increase the awareness and the prestige of our islands. At AENIB we encourage our local government to pay attention, and to continue working to improve in this respect towards the next season.

Letter from the president - July 2015

Even in the middle of the high season news that affect our sector keep popping up. Under the new leadership in the Town Hall the future of the Port of Molinar is once more insecure. In the case Bitácora, where all the accused admitted their guilt, the sentences were announced recently. Minimum sanctions for a group of people that caused great damage to the Balearic nautical sector by embezzling public funds destined for the promotion of the nautical sector. The regional and municipal governments are starting to take shape. From AENIB we plead them to appoint people who are knowledgeable about the nautical sector as heads of the departments that handle nautical issues.

The port of Molinar is going through one of the most critical moments in its long history. At AENIB we have always supported the reform project planned by the management of the club, since we believe it is the best way to guarantee the survival of the club. We understand the opposition to the project by some of the neighbors in the area (after all nobody wants to have a building site in front of their house), but by not carrying out the necessary reforms the port will be in serious danger. We believe that the solution to be adopted needs to be mutually agreed, benefit all parties involved (including the users and entrepreneurs) and allow this historical port to carry on with its activities in the best possible way without any delays.

The Bitàcora case has been concluded after the implicated parties have admitted their guilt. Minimal sentences for a group of people who used tax payers money destined to promote the nautical sector of our islands (in other words, our livelihood), to fill their own pockets. At AENIB we are satisfied that the process has come to a conclusion, and that those who so seriously damaged the image of the nautical sector have been publicly portrayed as corrupt, but we believe that the sentences given were insufficient.

 The regional and municipal governments are being formed at the moment. AENIB has never declared preference for one political option or another, and we will continue the same way. Most important for us is to be able to carry on with our activity in a most productive way possible both for ourselves as well as for the society we live in. We need leaders who have profound knowledge of the sector and who are aware of its strengths in order to take advantage of them; and its weaknesses in order to seek solutions. The efforts of Alberto Pons in charge of the Port Authority during the recent times should serve as an example for his successor: continuous contact with all parties involved, deep knowledge of the sector and its issues, plus a great capacity as a mediator. The nautical sector provides an outstanding opportunity for growth for the Balearic economy. Lets not allow bad management to hamper the growth of such a strategic sector. AENIB, as the biggest nautical association on the islands, is willing to participate in any working group to be created to promote the recreational yachting and nautical tourism as generators of economic activity and jobs on our islands.

Letter from the president: June 2015

In May we concluded the best Palma Boat Show for a long time (and we should know as we have participated one way or another since the very first show). It just shows how beneficial cooperation between the public administration and the private sector can be. The last few weeks have been very intensive for our companies from a marketing point of view: Palma Boat Show, Best of Yachting Puerto Adriano, Pollenca Race and Boat Show… An excellent way to start the high season and to attract the attention of potential clients. Recently also the elections for the Town Halls, the Island Council and the local Government took place. The results will change our political map quite radically, but at AENIB we will be  working hard to find consensus with the political forces in order keep up with the recovery for which we have fought so much over the years.

The recent elections will transform the political scene of our islands, and seemingly also the way things are done. Over the past months prior to the elections we had meetings with the representatives of the various political parties in order to present them our proposals how to support the nautical activity in the Balearic Islands: simplify the bureaucracy and to strive towards fiscal equality with our European neighbours. We don´t consider these measures ideological but rather rational, and they can only lead to an improvement of the economy of our community. We are not asking for subventions, handouts or special favours, like many other sectors do. We want to be able to work under the same conditions as our competiton, in order to make our islands a must for all sailing enthusiasts. If we invest in the nautical activity, everybody will gain. Nobody should forget the strategic nature of our sector and its capacity of growth.

The Palma Boat Show grows at every edition. More visitors, more tradespeople, more stands, more brands and more business. It is an attractive show for all parties, and also capable of paying for itself – a very important detail in these difficult times. For years the show was seen as a means of making money to finance other events, while there were no real efforts to make it more attractive and the protests of the sector fell on deaf ears. We all know the result: one year the show was cancelled because of lack of interest. But at AENIB we rolled up our sleeves, prepared a new project with the help of our associates and presented it to the Organizing Committee. This project was the backbone on which the current success of the show is built on. Cooperation between the public administration and the private companies has been essential for this success, and at AENIB we plead the new authorities to carry on along the proven track and not to repeat old mistakes. It is of utmost importance for our businesses to be able to count on a successful show that can be a stepping stone for them to attract important international customers.

The ports of Alcúdia, Pollenca, Adriano… during the last few weeks these ports have hosted fairs with high numbers of participants, which shows both confidence on the exhibitor side as well as interest by the public towards the new product on the market.  At AENIB we would like to congratulate the organizers and exhibitors alike, and encourage them to give continuity for these events. We would also like to challenge other municipalities to follow the example and organize their own nautical fairs. It will be a great help to the nautical companies, people will see that yachting is not just for the rich, and it will boost the retail and restaurant activity in the area.

Letter from the president - April 2015

This month I would like to start with by congratulating ANEN for the III Nautical Congress, which has consolidated itself as one of the most important events of the sector. Various representatives and members of AENIB had the pleasure to participate in the congress and to receive information about the most important novelties first hand.

Another relevant piece of news this month has been the unified opposition of the sector against the rise of the T0 tax. AENIB, as it could not be any other way, has given its total support to the protest. We must also not forget that in a less than a months time the Palma Boat Show will take place. As every year, AENIB will participate again.

The Nautical Congress of ANEN has become one of the most important reference points of the sector. Every year it attracts an increasing number of companies, tradesmen and specialists to debate over the future of yachting. On our website and social networking pages you can find a lot of news and articles about the congress, but for us the most important aspects are the fiscal treatment of the sector and the recovery currently taking place in the nautical sector in Spain and in the rest of Europe.

We talked already at length of the recovery at the Annual General Meeting in February. When it comes to taxation, the Tax Office has quantified the income from the Matriculation Tax at 20 million euros a year - a completely irrelevant figure in macroeconomic terms. This tax only serves to chase our clients away. Less clients in the sector means less VAT and other taxes and fees for the Administration. The Matriculation Tax is counterproductive in every kind of way and we don´t rest until it has been completely eliminated. We have already managed to get the charter yachts exempt, and although it is a great achievement it is insufficient. The same applies with other aspects of legislation and taxation of the recreational yachting, which only forces the potential customers to spend their holidays elsewhere. We have to be rational here – according to the Balearic Government, in 2013 the Balearic Islands received 444.000 nautical tourists with a total spending of 428 million euros. What would happen if Spain applied the same taxation and legislation as our competitors? The nautical industry would the spearhead of the Balearic economy. There would be no match to us.

Letter from the president - March 2015

I would like to start with by thanking all those associates and guests who came to the Annual General Meeting and the presentation of the Nautical Awards. It thanks to people like you, 100% committed to the sector, that we manage to make progress.

Progress has always been one of the principal goals of our association. In the recent years we have participated in some of the most important advances in the sector. This might sound pompous and exaggerated, but in reality it is not. Side by side with ANEN we managed to exempt nautical charter of the matriculation tax. We also managed to get the recreational yachting recognized in its own right for the first time in the new Law of Navigation, separated from the Merchant Navy. We were also involved in the process of modernization of the nautical qualifications.

Right now we are doing the groundwork with ANEN for the future Nautical Professional Training and the Collective Agreement for our sector. Here in the Balearic Islands we have managed to revive the Palma Boat Show and to make name for it internationally. Worth mentioning is also another of our achievements - the simplification of the access to the launching ramps for boat trailers through one single card, given out by Ports IB.

All these achievements are a result of the joint efforts and resources of a great number of people. And this is how you reach your goals: by working hard and by investing time and money. This is why the Balearic Islands have become once again the national market leaders when it comes to boat registrations, ahead of the heavyweights like Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia.

The future might be looking bright for the first time in many years, but it won´t be any excuse for us to take it easy. The association will tirelessly continue to put pressure on the administration in order to eliminate all the obstacles that stay in the way of legal and fiscal harmonization with our neighboring countries.

We are going to carry on working in order to eliminate the matriculation tax altogether, to minimize the fiscal burden of our companies, to achieve high quality training  for our sector and to create a functioning collective agreement for the benefit of everybody. We are going to make a maximum effort so that you can concentrate on your work and on your clients. So that companies like Dinatec or Dahlberg, whose trajectories we pay tribute to today, will continue excelling for many more years to come.

In the section for News in Brief you will find various interviews with the award winners. I would like to say just a few words about each of them

Dinatec  was presented with the award for the Most Outstanding  Professional Trajectory. Toni Socias is well known businessman in the sector. He has dedicated over half of his life for serving the sailors and looking after their needs. His children are continuing in the family  business and we wish them all the good fortune they deserve. 

AENIB also wished to reward the loyalty and commitment of their longest standing members. This year the company Dahlberg S.A received the award for the longest membership. The history of Dahlberg is closely tied to the modern recreational yachting. Its founder, Kjell Dahlberg, was one of the pioneers to open a business specialized in yacht repairs, back in 1972. Nowadays three generations of the Dalhberg family dedicate themselves to the business.

Last but not least, we also wanted to recognize the labour of those public administrations that have shown the most interest in boosting our sector. This year the award goes without a doubt to the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands and to its president, Alberto Pons. We would like to emphasize his good relationship with the companies of the sector, his easy manners and his accessibility, as well as his vast knowledge of the problems of the recreational nautical sector.

Letter from the president - February 2015

I would like to take the opportunity to invite all our associates to participate in the Annual General Meeting of AENIB, which will take place on the 19th of February at the headquarters of CAEB in Palma. It is a very important event for the association  as we can take stock of the past year and between all of us decide the direction for the future. On the other hand, the statistics relating to the vessel registrations provided by ANEN highlight the promising outlook of the nautical sector on our islands. We have taken over Barcelona as the region with the biggest market share in recreational yachting. We are also witnessing a worrying tendency by the local government to sanction irregularities at sea.

In a few weeks the Annual General Meeting will take place at CAEB. It is an event of an utmost importance, where our management will be held to account and where we will decide together where we are headed as a sector and as businesses. Therefore your assistance is very important. As tradition mandates, prior to the Assembly we will organise a series of talks relating to the current state of the nautical sector. We are still finalizing the programme, but can tell you already that the general secretary of ANEN, Carlos Sanlorenzo will explain the latest legal and fiscal changes that have taken place in the recreational nautical sector, and give a hint of the challenged that are to be expected. There will be a chance for networking too, while having a glass of wine and catching up with fellows associates and speakers. As we get confirmations from other speakers, we will publish them in our forums in social networks  and through e-mails. We sincerely hope that you will be able to join us!

Letter from the president - January 2015

The year 2014 will be remembered for the great number of good news received, fruit of the hard work carried out in previous months and years. We have managed for the first time in the history of this country to achieve a specific legislation for recreational yachting, to get the nautical qualifications adapted to the current reality and better harmonized with our neighboring countries, to get the lighthouse tax (T0) limited so that the weekend visitors don´t need to pay for a whole month, to have a Palma Boat Show that exceeded all expectations, to get the matriculation tax eliminated from all the charter yachts... These victories highlight the hard work carried out by us, both at the national level together with the board of ANEN, as well as regionally by ourselves. Just as important is the daily work we carry out within CAEB and the Chamber of Commerce, not forgetting the regular meetings with the policy makers. In absolute numbers, this year we have assisted in 112 meetings and events up until the end of November.

All this would not have been possible without the innumerable hours of work and resources invested in it by the association. Therefore you, through the membership fees you pay, are an integral part of all these achievements.

At AENIB we firmly believe that we are on the treshold of a new period of prosperity in the whole sector, prosperity where you contribute with your daily toil to push your business forward. Thanks to you, our association has had the necessary weight to make your and the rest of the nautical empresarios´voice heard at all levels of the Public Administration, to convince them how important it is to have legislation and fiscal policies adapted to our reality. This is our objective, this is what you have given your mandate to us for, and we are not planning to disappoint you. Together with ANEN, who are our strongest allies in Madrid, we are going to work to make this country and these islands a first-class nautical powerhouse.

2014 goes with a bang, leaving us with a challenge to reach a bit higher next year. We happily accept the challenge and will fight harder than ever for the wellbeing of your companies. Even more so as it is the election year with both the general and municipal elections coming. Already a few months ago we started a series of meetings with the main political parties of our islands, informing them of your needs and suggestions. AENIB is an important lobbying force, fighting to tumble the walls of ignorance that stand between the legislators and our day-to-day reality. This ignorance hampers our growth and prevents many locals and visitors alike to enjoy our seas. We point out to the politicians that we are not trying to get subventions or any other handouts, we simply want to compete in equal conditions to our neighboring countries. Once we achieve that, we will leave our rivals far behind.

Letter from the President - December 2014

The end of the year is looming, but we are still hard at work. As you can see in the agenda, November was fully booked with meetings at all levels, for example the presentation to PSIB-PSOE of our proposal  to boost the nautical sector (the same we presented to PP last month). This past month we have also seen how some important initiatives of ANEN on a national level have started to materialize, like the creation of a job exchange for our sector, and specially the progress with the Collective Agreement for the Nautical Sector. On the other hand, the increased fiscal pressure on our sector is on the headlines again. The local government has created new taxes and modified some old ones that affect both the nautical businesses and the users.

A few weeks ago we could read in El Mundo an article that illustrates the increasing fiscal pressure on the nautical sector. According to the article, the local government lead by Bauzá will create new taxes and modify some old ones that will have an effect on both our companies and the end users. To give an example: the tax on the general registration services for users of moorings in ports and marinas. With these measures the Administration is hoping to collect 92.000 € more than this year, a ridiculous amount compared to what they could collect if they centered they efforts in boosting the recreational yachting. We believe it is very counterproductive to hamper the activity in a sector as important as ours with these new taxes. If they were really interested in collecting more money, they should implement measures that favor the growth of the sector rather than the opposite.

We never wear out of praising the work done by ANEN, which have not slowed down since the Barcelona Boat Show. On one hand they have started the new job exchange – Nautical Jobs – for the companies in the nautical sector. Further down, in the section of the news, you will find more information about it. We believe it is a great initiative by ANEN and we encourage everybody to take part. On the other hand -  still on the issue om employment - some weeks ago ANEN called the most important trade unions to a meeting to discuss the future Collective Agreement for the Nautical Sector. The meeting, when it takes place, will be useful to outline the meeting strategy and to specify different proposals. It is worth remembering that the preliminary report (which is planned to be the backbone of the new agreement) was produced on the basis of a survey directed to the associates of ANEN, including the members of AENIB.

At AENIB we carry on with the pre-election meetings with the different political parties in the Balearic Islands. In October we had a meeting with PP, and in the beginning of November we did the same with PSIB-PSOE. We want to make our proposals for strengthening the nautical sector as widespread as possible. We handed over to the parties a detailed report that backs up our conclusions and which we ask them to include in their election programmes. They are serious and realistic measures, for example carrying out a Strategic Plan for the Nautical Sector and increasing the representation of the sector in the different administrative institutions. We also believe it is necessary to progress with the fiscal and administrative harmonization between the different regions and with our neighboring countries and, needless to say, put more effort into international marketing of the Balearic Islands as a nautical destination. These are among our proposals, which we will communicate also to the other parliamentary groups  in the coming months. We believe raising awareness is of great importance, and we are in the position to give first hand information about the day-to-day reality of the sector and the obstacles that prohibit us from being competitive and generating more wellbeing.

Letter from the president - November 2014

The Royal Decree of the reform of the nautical qualifications was published in the Official State Bulletin last month. Adapting the qualifications to the reality of the sector is a necessary improvement in order to have a level playing field with the rest of Europe. The reality of the sector was plain to see during the Barcelona Boat Show - despite some positive signs, the show still has a long way to go in order to recover its place among the top shows. In this month´s letter we speak also about the modification of the lighthouse tax for the transient yachts and about the meetings we have initiated with the various political parties ahead of the municipal elections next year.

Just few weeks ago the Royal Decree of the reform of the nautical qualifications was published in the Official State Bulletin (BOE). It means an important step forward for the sector, as it updates our legislation to the day to day reality of yachting and puts us at the same level as the rest of the EU countries. Some of the novelties introduced in the RD are the extension of the scope of the qualifications, simplification of the training and disappearance of the “titulin”. On behalf of AENIB we want to praise the work carried out by ANEN, as the text approved by the Council of Ministers is practically the same as prepared and presented by ANEN at the II Nautical Congress. We also want to express our gratitude to Direction General of the Merchant Navy for their efforts in making the reform happen. Having said that, we do think it has taken too long and the reform should have been approved before the summer. ANEN deserves congratulations also for the work carried out with the comments and suggestions to the Law of Maritime Navigation, and for letting AENIB to participate in the process. It is worth remembering that this law, amongst many other things, will facilitate the economic transactions of the operations in our sector.

Letter from the president - October 2014

A few days ago AENIB joined the plenary session of the Palma Town hall to express the support of the association for the reform of Club Maritimo Molinar. The association considers the reform essential not only for revitalizing the area, but also to keep alive the oldest nautical entity of the Balearic Islands. In this newsletter we also deal with the recent decision to allow charter activity for non-EU flagged yachts in the Balearics, the approaching Barcelona Boat Show, the adaptation of the British Large Yacht Code into the Spanish legislation and other current issues.

At AENIB we are convinced that the reform of Club Maritimo Molinar is essential. The recreational nautical sector is one of the most important segments of the Balearic economy (the ever-increasing number of new vessel registrations in the islands provides sufficient proof of this). According to the calculations by the professor of geography at UIB, Onofre Rullán (Diario de Mallorca 26/09/2014), the club could achieve 11 million euros in benefit with the extension of the port, which would mean double return on the initial investment. The upgrade of the port would bring along revaluation of the whole area, increase the commercial activity and generate around 150 new jobs (between direct and indirect ones). AENIB has been collaborating with the Club to plan a renovation project that respects the environment, is open to the public and fits in with specific environment of the El Molinar neighborhood. We believe that this project is a great opportunity, not only for the nautical sector, but for the City of Palma itself. The reform should be carried out, otherwise we run a risk of losing the oldest nautical entity of the Balearic Islands.

A few weeks ago the local government authorized charter activity for non-EU flagged vessels in the Balearic Islands. The decision is a result of numerous meetings that AENIB, with the support of ANEN, had with the corresponding authorities to highlight the necessity of opening up our charter market to said vessels. According to the new regulations, non-EU flagged vessels above 14 m of length can offer charters in the Balearic waters, when evidence is provided that EU-flagged yachts of similar characteristics are not available. The owners have to apply for a license and comply with corresponding requirements in order to carry out charter activity. We believe this is a very positive development that will position the Balearic Islands as a nautical destination a bit closer to our competitors.

Letter from the president - September 2014

Once again some fingers are pointing at recreational yachting as the culprit for the serious damage to the posidonia seagrass meadows in our community. It is an accusation easily refuted just by a couple of internet searches. In this letter, amongst many other issues, we will also discuss the success of the boat launching cards, which in only three months have raised more money than the old system in all of 2013.

A few weeks ago we read in the Diario de Mallorca (12/08/2014), that the Balearic Ornithology Group (Grupo de Ornitologia Balear – GOB) reported a deterioration of the posidonia sea bed due to illegal anchoring. At AENIB we have always emphasized the inestimable value of the posidonia for our seas and demanded that it should be protected and measures should be introduced to stop illegal anchoring. Having said that, and with due respect towards an ecological organisation that has battled for decades in order to preserve our natural environment, we believe that this time GOB has missed the mark. A study elaborated in 2012 by IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB) reveals the global warming as the biggest enemy of the posidonia. According to the study, up to 90% of the posidonia meadows could disappear by 2050 due to the higher temperatures of the Mediterranean Sea. Another study from the year 2013 (also by CSIC) states that the accumulation of hydrogen sulphide in the bottom of the sea is another big threat for the posidonia.

Letter from the president - August 2014

This summer we have good reasons to be optimistic about the future of our sector. Last month we received the news that Balearic Islands continues at the top of the national ranking of boat registrations. On top of that, the charter companies are getting busier despite being disadvantaged compared to the mainland, due to bureaucratic obstacles. Also recently the final text of the Law of the Maritime Navigation was approved in the Congress. Furthermore, AENIB proposed in a recent meeting of the Organizing Committee of the Palma Boat Show to create an area in the show dedicated to the nautical tradition of our islands, a legacy that deserves all possible support.

During the first half of the year, 367 recreational vessels have been registered on our islands, 87 more than in the same period last year. In percentages, this means an increase by 31% in year to year numbers. The Balearic Islands continues to be the region with most registrations of this type of boats, ahead of Barcelona and Cádiz. This is a tendency that will carry on in the future, as it is closely related to a national and international economic recovery with resulting benefits to the nautical sector (although – truth to be known – the recovery is slower in Spain than around us). We have to keep in mind also that the growth we are witnessing is partially due to the different legal and administrative changes we have achieved, thanks to a great effort by ANEN.

An increase of recreational nautical charter has been registered on our islands, although Alicante is the region where the largest number of charter yachts have been registered. That is no coincidence at all. Our islands are disadvantaged in a sense that companies that are dedicated to charter have to apply for a license to be able to carry out the activity. The license procedure has a cost which means that our companies are not competitive compared to the companies from the mainland. The vessels are registered in Alicante, a port closest to our islands, and afterwards used here by the clients. We believe our region would benefit if this license was eliminated, and the income would stay with our companies rather than elsewhere in Spain.

Letter from the president - July 2014

The month of June was very intensive when it comes to news from the sector. To start with, the latest edition of the Superyacht Cup offered a wonderful display  of the best superyachts in action, apart from making Palma the focal point of international yachting for a few days. On the other hand, we had a meeting with the local government and other entities to push forward the implementation of a quality nautical training on our islands. At national level, we are drafting a report with ANEN about starting a collective agreement for the recreational nautical sector in Spain.

Palma Superyacht Cup 2014 took place from 18th to 21st of June in the bay of Palma. 26 sailing yachts between 24 and 50 meters of length battled for the seasoned trophy which has been disputed in our waters for 15 years already. Further than the sport, the SYC brings an added value to our islands which is difficult to quantify. On one hand, it attracts large yachts that require  maintenance and repairs before and after the competition, benefiting the local businesses. The sailors and other professionals that come to the event make good use of the abundant supply of hotels, restaurants and entertainment of our islands. For  the local residents and sailing enthusiasts it is a great opportunity to get a close look at these majestic yachts. Even more so thanks to the lookout terrace on top the new Moll Vell building, which offers a unique view over the port. Additionally, the Superyacht Cup boosts the nautical tourism, as it efficiently introduces for many people the unique opportunities for recreational yachting in the archipelago.

We have been working for a few weeks already on a draft for a study that will serve as a starting point for a creation of a collective agreement for the workers of the recreational nautical sector in Spain. As a basis for the study, ANEN carried out a nationwide survey last month, in which many of us participated. The collected information will allow  an “x-ray” of the sector to be made in order to find out the different necessities to be taken into account when composing the future collective agreement. We would like to emphasize how important it is  for our sector to have  our own collective agreement, as it will help us to be recognized as an industrial sector in our own right. We will keep you informed on the progress.

Letter from the president - June 2014

Now that a month has passed since the Palma Boat Show finished, it is a good moment to make a more profound evaluation. Generally, we are very satisfied with the whole event. During the days of the show the nautical sector and our companies were in the center stage, and both the general and specialized media were attentively following the event. 

The month of May has been very busy all around. While in the topic of the show, a few days ago we participated in the first meeting of the Organizing Committee since the show to start organizing next year´s event. Some weeks ago we assisted in an event  with various members of the local government and high officials of the Popular Party, where we requested work to be started on an equal VAT rate on nautical charters in Spain as in the rest of Europe. Shortly after that, the Strategic Working Group for Nautical Tourism congregated again with some positive results, which we will explain in more detail further down in this newsletter.

We can say with total conviction that the current course of Palma Boat Show is the correct one. In only two editions it has managed to recover all the splendour it had lost over the years and this is a result of the power given to the private sector to decide how the show should look like. We will never tire of reclaiming the central role of AENIB in this success, as it is based on the project presented by our association within the frame work of the Organizing Committee, a project constructed on the suggestions of our associates. This achievement has brought back the glory that the show rightfully deserves. Despite that the Organizing Committee was not given the same weight as in the previous edition, the local government has maintained the chosen path, which has resulted in one of the most successful editions in memory.

There were more exhibitors and professionals than in previous years, as well as visitors. The fact that the building work on the Moll Vell was finalized in time contributed to a more attractive and glamorous look for the whole show. The views from the lookout terrace over the show were of singular beauty, specially at the sunset.