To be held from May 1 to 5, the 30th edition of Palma International Boat Show is expected to bring a completely new approach by the organisers, promising to provide a variety as well as vibrancy that its host city, a popular Spanish yacht charter destination – Palma de Mallorca, is justly renowned for.
Palma International Boat Show
The new government in The Balearics has harnessed the joint resources of the Palma City Council and a number of key players from the significant private yachting sector in Mallorca, in order to totally revamp the format of the show which started back in 1983, on the north side of the Island in Port Alcudia.
Since then Alcudia itself has spawned the well known Alcudiamar luxury marina complex, and other ports around the islands have seen the development of popular sailing clubs and internationally renowned marinas such as: Club de Mar, Real Club Nautico, Marina Port and Moll Vell in Palma, Port Adriano in El Toro, Club de Vela in Andratx, Cala d’Or Yacht Club and Marina Ibiza to name but a few!
The Bay of Palma now sees some of the most high profile and exciting regattas staged every year, due to its perfect sailing conditions, wide open seascape and highly competent local regatta organizing teams. These include the Copa del Rey, Princess Sofia, Palma Superyacht Cup, the Classic Trofeo Almirante Conde de Barcelona, plus dozens of others across all the seasons featuring amongst them, Lasers, Flying 15s, Dragons, J80’s and Optimists for young sailors.
During the same period the marine services infrastructure in The Balearics has grown exponentially, offering absolutely everything a yacht owner, captain or crew could possibly need. This includes the yachting industry’s best known brokers, charterers and managers, the largest repair and refit facilities in the Mediterranean, and a multitude of dealers, chandlers, sailmakers, marine engineers, surveyors etc.
Not surprisingly the ownership and management of these companies is truly international in nature. Nautical entrepreneurs have come to The Balearics from just about every corner of the globe, many of them arriving by sea on sabbatical sailing trips and deciding to stay permanently, using their experience and practical skills to build specialist marine businesses.
It goes without saying that the entertainment, catering, food and drinks selection is equally international and varied, with just as many foreign nationalities offering something for every taste and language, both in Palma, and in all of the island’s ports. Then there is the rich cultural history of an ancient trading and fishing port, the trendy tapas bars, the imposing and pristine Palma Cathedral, the Palma Aquarium with Europe’s deepest shark tank…the beaches, the excellent wines, and of course the glorious early summer Mediterranean sunshine!
There has never been a better opportunity to see all of this showcased, and to experience all of its facets and variety, than to visit or exhibit at the 30th Palma International Boat Show, or put more accurately; Immerse yourself in the Palma de Mallorca Nautical Week…
Most importantly, the Palma Boat Show is still a truly outdoor event, no stuffy halls or chilly air conditioned tents, just a pleasant walk around in temperate ambient conditions, with enough shade and plenty of places to sit and relax with a cool drink whenever you want to. No ‘boat show fatigue or burn out’… guaranteed!
In summary here are the Palma Nautical Week activities and events that are designed to suit all international and local visitors, be they tourists, potential boat buyers, existing boat owners, yachting industry professionals, or yachting/ luxury lifestyle entrepreneurs and journalists.
* 1st to 5th May 2013 – 30th Palma International Boat Show:
Opening hours: 11.00 to 21.00
Sea Night…party time! : Extended opening until 23.00 on Friday 3rd May.
Standard ticket price: 5 euros
Advanced ticket price: 3 euros
Pensioners and children under 12: free
Boat show features at a glance:
* 202 floating berths for boats from 8 to 55 metres (sail and power, importers/distributors and ‘pre-loved.’)
* Superyacht brokers/charter show with 55 vessels all over 24 metres long.
* 5000 m2 of land exhibits in tented stands and open air displays.
* Classic boat display and sea trips for visitors.
* Tapa Mar – Local cuisine culinary event supported by Palma’s top restaurants.
* Maremostra 2013. Ocean International Film Festival.
* Palma Vela Regatta – An established program of yacht racing in the Bay of Palma featuring many classes and sizes of keel boat.
* Taster Sessions – Daily excursions in sailing boats from the exhibition space to give children and teenagers a taste of sailing.
* 1st to 3rd May 2013 – Palma International Yachting Forum.
Three days of topical interaction and networking for yachting industry professionals, running alongside the 30th Palma International Boat Show, at the Mallorca Chamber of Commerce conference facility.
Prices per person- in GBP (Pounds Sterling):
1 day – 250.00
2 days – 450.00
3 days – 650.00
Forum features at a glance:
* Focused on the superyacht (> 30 metre) commercial yachting sector.
* Interacting with like minded colleagues on a varied range of key issues facing the yachting world in 2013 and beyond.
* Morning sessions where key technical, administrative and marketing subjects will be discussed in smaller interactive groups.
* Afternoon plenary sessions where the outcomes from the morning sessions will be further dissected and debated.
* Aim… to have a forum consensus on future actions and the way forward for the some of the key subjects affecting our industry.
* All subjects will have relevance to LY3 the new MCA Large Yacht Code, and MLC the Maritime Labour Convention.
* Networking opportunities will be plentiful within the program. Coffee breaks and lunch included.
* All sessions attended by industry recognised top experts in those particular topics; Optional extra curricular sports and entertainment.
* Palma Cathedral and Palma Aquarium pre arranged guided visits.
* Complimentary tickets to Palma Boat Show for Forum delegates.
* Saturday 4th May : Golf day with friendly competition and lunch, at Santa Ponsa Golf & Country Club. (20 minutes from Palma)
* Sunday 5th May : Classic Car drive (numbers limited) to include sections of the “Rally Isla Mallorca” Annual Classic Car Rally and lunch.
Travel note:
The Palma City Council tourism department (Fundacion 365) is giving 100% support to the Nautical Week, and will be announcing special fares and accommodation rates to be offered by its sponsoring members which include major airlines and hotel groups.
The event is further supported by the Mallorca Chamber of Commerce, The Balearic Nautical Business Association (AENB), The Federation of Balearic Nautical Associations (FENIB) and Fieres de Congressos (Balearic Exhibitions Management).
