30 Years in Puerto Portals

Eric Martin, owner of SUNBIRD was the first to open an office in Puerto Portals in 1986.

Having been in the UK yacht sales business for 14 years, the time felt right to expand in to different waters.

Sailing in the Mediterranean felt like an exciting progression. Sunshine was, of course, a huge draw to the Mediterranean and having heard about a new and prestigious marina being completed in Mallorca, 7km west of Palma town the expansion felt right.

When we saw the site we knew it was the perfect opportunity to open SUNBIRD S.A. Puerto Portals combined an incredible location with clear ambitions to become a luxury destination. Eric had met Simon Crutchley, a Spanish speaker whose local knowledge, great contacts and yachting experience made him the ideal candidate to manage the new operation. The potential was huge and it felt right to get in from the start. Sunbird Mallorca opened its doors in August 1986 – one week after the launch of the iconic Wellies.

As the port grew, developing a formidable international reputation, Sunbird grew with it. It was a great plus for customers at Boat Shows to be able to buy from Sunbird UK and know there was full back-up on hand when they headed to the sunshine. Our long-standing relationship with Beneteau yachts continues, both in new sales and brokerage, and in the last two years Sunbird has become distributor for Monte Carlo Yachts in the UK and Palma, ranging from 65-105ft. The power boat side of the business is most professionally handled by Nick Martin. Keeping the office on an even keel is Denise Parkin, who handles listings and administration . Both Nick and Denise have been with SUNBIRD S.A. since 2000.

There is no doubt Puerto Portals is firmly established as one of the best and most beautiful marinas in the Mediterranean, with a fantastic future ahead. Thirty years after SUNBIRD S.A. opened its doors, Portals’ original marina resident could not be prouder to have been here since day one.

SUNBIRD offers a wide range of new and brokerage yachts from its office (address here) and website (website here). Contact (numbers here)