Dear Islander,
I am very sad to report the recent passing of Captain Kevin O’Regan. Although I didn’t personally know him that well, I know a great number of our readers held him in high esteem. A regular sight in the bar at Club de Mar and a huge supporter of Joves Navigants he will be missed by many. Stephanie Mason has kindly written an obituary in this issue. RIP Captain !
The past month has really seen the season get into full swing, starting with the Palma Superyacht Show and Boat Show in early May. The attendance was reported to be 40,000, an increase of around 4,000 on last year’s show. Most exhibitors we spoke to were happy with both the numbers and quality of visitor, accepting that the 1 st May brings in many of the locals for the fiesta day.
Whilst the fabulous array of sailing yachts was unquestionably the main attraction of the show, some of the brokers reported that they would like to see more of a balance between Motor and Sail, feeling that it is the Motoryachts which bring in larger numbers. Arguably though, this impressive array of sail is the show’s USP and could be used that as a valuable marketing tool.
This year, the show took in the Monday rather than ending on the Sunday, hoping to capitalise on the Bank Holiday Monday in the UK. This was a good idea in theory, but I would question how much marketing or PR was done in the UK to help the show benefit from this idea.
May also saw the Ondine Stingray survey and tagging weekend, which I was fortunate enough to be involved with. This Asociacion deserves all the support the industry can muster, as many people are giving their time and resources selflessly for the benefit of us all. Most people reading this will derive their living from the local seas in some form or another and it is in all our interests to look after them.
This month sees the Palma Superyacht Cup once more, one of my favourite weeks of the season, and this year will take place without the spectacle of the J-Class , as they are mostly going north to an event in Cowes in July . This will shift the focus back on to the conventional Superyachts, of which there is a healthy entry of 19 yachts thus far. We have included a preview in this issue of all the competing runners and riders for your interest. The Islander will be out on the water each day taking some photos and watching the racing from our Rib, which is being kindly sponsored by Oscar Sierra ,the island’s marine safety specialists.
Fair Winds !
