The organisers as well as exhibitors of the Portals Nautical Weekend left fabulous Puerto Portals in Mallorca on Monday evening 28th May in a very satisfied and positive mood, following a period of only 6 weeks to prepare this highly anticipated event from inception to completion.
Amazing Puerto Portals Marina in Mallorca after sunset
From the opening at 12.00 on Friday 26th, it was clear that a friendly and business conducive atmosphere had been created in the famously chic Puerto Portals Marina.
60 yachts from 9 to 40 metres sail and power, awaited viewers on the quays, all indicated by red-carpeted pathways and special banners made for the event. On the waterfront, between the yachts and the retail shopping and catering parade, was a display of magnificent classic cars. On the shady boulevard behind the retail area there were a dozen or so stands offering everything from jet skis, tenders, chandlery, nautical accessories and Xtreme toys to finance, banking and beach resorts. The only thing needed was sunshine, which came in abundance accompanied by a pleasant cooling sea breeze.
The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the boat parade, which started at dusk on Sunday night around 21.45. Sixteen yachts selected by each broker left the port and motored in one at a time, to turn around in a blaze of coordinated light and music in front of the quay outside the upmarket Tristan and Flanigan’s restaurants. Visitors to the event were standing shoulder to shoulder on the dock to view the parade, and the restaurants all had their tables and terraces packed with onlookers.
The parade of boats varied from a high powered sports RIB, through the range of family motorboats for sale or charter, to cruising and performance sailing yachts and ending up with the impressive 39 metre superyacht Benetti 105. The triple decked motor yacht Benetti 105, loomed out of the darkness and swung elegantly under the lights in front of the cheering crowd, accompanied by a crescendo of dramatic high volume opera music.
Some comments from exhibitors at the show:
Andy Leemann – Marine Superstore: ”What a nice event and what a nice crew. I have been in the nautical business here for almost 20 years and it is the very first boat show that I enjoyed so much. Its so good to work with professionals. The boat parade was excellent.“
Eric Martin – Sunbird International Yachts: The integration of participants and visitors meeting and chatting on the dock was a real benefit. The boat parade was fantastic. Altogether a great event!
Ron Boogard – Horizon Yacht Europe: “The Nautical Weekend was a great success, we are looking forward to the next event. It was very good to see so many smiling people!”
Flanigan’s Restaurant – “We had double the business on the 27th, both at lunchtime and for dinner, than what we usually get on a Sunday at this time of year.”
Russell Fenwick – Nauti Parts: ”We did more business in the first two days than we have done in some 9 day shows before. A lot of visitors were there to buy. We even sold a 23,000 euro, 3 wheel ATV motorbike right off the stand!
