Dear Islander,

Well the furnace like temperatures have finally abated from the summer’s heatwave and instead, as I write this in mid-August we are all now complaining of the heavy downpurs!!! We’re never happy!

This month sees the start of the new refit season here in Palma, and already STP is filling up with some major winter projects for the contractors to get stuck into. We should never take for granted the amazing set of skills that we have here in Palma, one of the main reasons why the big refits are attracted to Palma. Owners, Captains and management companies know that the quality of work is second to none, and unlike the South of France does not suffer from militant union workers and unpredicted strikes which can add untold delays to works. The work here in Palma is top notch and is usually completed on time, if not early! The only grumble here is that there is a shortage of space for winter refits and is especially annoying when space is being taken up by yachts using STP as a “Cheap Marina” and only having a minimal amount of work done, thus preventing other yachts from having potentially huge projects undertaken and forcing them to go elsewhere, often to France or the mainland of Spain, thus losing much valued revenue for our local contractors.

The industry’s main event of course this month is The Monaco Yacht Show held as usual within the iconic Port Hercules. We have a preview article of the show in our first few pages of this issue. It’s our one opportunity of the year to go and see the great and good of every aspect of The Superyacht Industry and its lavish opulent lifestyle in all its glory. There is a new layout this year, due to a massive construction project to build a huge underground car park, which will create a new dynamic especially for the stand holders who have been forced to relocate from the old Darse Nord tent.

There will no doubt be the champagne parties and receptions held throughout the week, on some of the world’s most glamorous yachts as well as on terra firma testing the stamina of even the most professional party animals ! We hope to be involved in just a couple of quieter soirées, more befitting our senior years!! The Thursday evening is the main Mallorcan party time, with both Pinmar and Astilleros de Mallorca laying on some traditional hospitality. I hope to see many of you there!

Fair Winds !