I am sat writing this month’s editorial in Galicia, N.W. Spain whilst enjoying a great summer break in our newly acquired motorhome, so similar in may ways to a sailing holiday, but with many advantages according to my wife !! Joking aside, it is a very similar way of life “on board”, and one which I have to say I am loving. Much less stressful than the responsibility of skippering a yacht and everything that goes with it, whilst still having the freedom of movement. However, you don’t get to see those “ only by sea” photo opportunities.
October 15th will see Quaynote Communications stage a one day conference at the Hotel Saratoga entitled “ Future of Superyachts”. There are many local speakers on various topics making what should be a great day’s networking and exchange of ideas and knowledge.
By the time this issue hits the docks, Monaco Yacht Show will have closed its doors, a full report next month. Cannes and Southampton will also be done and dusted, and again more of those next month.
Talking of Boatshows, October sees the Barcelona Show, plus the re-vamped Valencia Boat Show, driven by the incomparable Nacho Gomez Zarzuela, a formidable force of nature who is putting his all into growing this show’s importance.
Valencia certainly seems to be on the up at present, a pleasure to see after their lean years since the America’s Cup years. I know they have attracted quite a few yachts from Mallorca of late, including my own due to rising costs and lack of supply in Mallorca. Several of Mallorca’s marine businesses have also opened up or forged trading links with Valencia based companies offering winter refit facilities and affordable storage options when local facilities are booked up.
On the bright side , the Balearic Government have recently announced that they plan to offer723 extra moorings across 17 base ports in the islands to help alleviate the pressure on the waiting list of 4722 registered people !
The very sad news of the past month is the devastating hurricane Dorian, causing huge damage to Grand Bahama and the Abaco islands in the Bahamas. 43 dead and hundreds missing as I write this piece, plus of course the as yet unknown cost of damage to property and infrastructure.
Yacht Aid Global, as ever have risen to the challenge and were one of the first responders, bringing valuable drinking water and other essentials to the islands. Palma’s own e3 Systems provided the M/Y Loon with vital connectivity solutions to assist.
More of this tragedy in next month’s issue.
Fair Winds!
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