Dear Islanders,
Did you blink and miss it?
I am of course referring to the so called ´Palma international boat show´.
True to form the show organisers p.r. department announced that the first day attendances were "record breaking", "it´s the best nautical thing that happens in Palma" blah, blah, blah.
From what I saw (and heard) it was a near disaster as far as attendance was concerned but let’s wait and see what sort of business was generated. I hope to have a word with a couple of exhibitors when the dust has settled and will report back.
How can you have a serious show that announces that old age pensioners and children get in free? A day out for granddad and the kids!
On a more personal basis we are announcing a change to The Islander.
In order to meet the higher demand for copies by summer visitors we shall be upping our print run by 20% during the summer months- advertisers will be happy to hear that there will not be a price hike!
The two main topics of conversation this month must be the Americas Cup and the forthcoming elections.
I was happy to hear from an experienced and well informed member of the local yachting scene that ALL the different and usually antagonistic elements of the Americas Cup bid are seriously working together and are not (at this stage) all stabbing each other in the back.
The smart money is on a toss-up between Palma and Lisbon.
If Palma, where will the boats be based?
Snr. Triay, top-dog of the port authority is on record that the ro-ros will be moved and the entire area past Boat Yard Palma will be made available will all the services required for the syndicates!
As far as the elections are concerned if the lefty, xenophobe, anoraks get back in, the place is doomed to stagnation as far as yachting developments are concerned.
As you will see from the cover story the PP have a more open mind.
Those of you who came out to the recent Go-Kart Grand Prix in Lluchmayor I’m sure will agree had a great time.
Thanks to all the teams, supporters and a special thanks to the trophy sponsors, Direct Insurance, Sunseeker Europe (who ironically won their own trophy) and Oceana Yacht Finishing plus The Escape Bar which dished out some booze for the winners.
Great organisation by Michael Andersson of MY New Century who wants to make it even bigger next year!
Regards,
John Rule