Dear Islanders,
Well Iīm sure you all now know the news that Palma has been thrown out of the candidature for hosting the next Americaīs Cup.
September 5th will be remembered; almost at the same time as the tornado hit El Toro the email from Geneva re. the Americaīs Cup was hitting the Real Club Nautico like another bolt out from the blue.
Both have left a trail of destruction with people still scratching their heads saying that classic line, "what the **** was that"?
Bar room barristers along with post mortems in the RCNP and in the corridors of the Parliament still canīt believe it; and of course the Am. Cup organisers are under no obligation to give a reason or reasons.
My humble opinion is that were two factors.
I believe, and I know this sounds cock-eyed but, Firstly, Palma is too good; what we have here already does not need so much development as in the other potential locations.
I believe you can discount any reason other than money.
Bertarelli and the Am. Cup management are no fools and see more profitable opportunities to invest in developments and to leave with a potential huge profit in real estate, win or lose at sailing.
The only major investments needed in Palma were the remodelling of the muelle viejo and housing for competitors and their families.
Both of these would be funded by local money and thus revert locally after the competition.
Other locations have less current facilities and more space to be developed by outsiders- itīs as simple as that.
Another factor, being a cynic, which was talked about as being a plus factor, is that Bertarelli has moorings and boats here and therefore knows Palma and the people well.
This also means that he knows how they can do business here- think about it!
Ah well, perhaps next time?
Iīve just noticed a small item in the Calvia PP manifesto, which they published before getting into power. They promise, the "Creation of a Municipal sailing school and a municipal winter storage area for fishing and pleasure boats for Calvia citizens". Keep an eye out for developments!
There are a couple of social events that are coming up soon; the annual Pinmar Golf tournament starting on the 23rd Oct and the Oceana go-karting on the 15th November- two events not to be missed.
Anybody going to the Barca boat show show in Nov? How about arranging a group trip for the first week-end?
Regards
John Rule