Dear Islander,
The front-page story in itself will probably not affect too many readers but I think it is yet another example of the pips being squeezed until they squeak by the government.
The owners of the smaller craft that launch from trailers are being directly targeted this time; these are locals and they can create a disproportionate amount of ripples!
They have been complaining for some time about the reduction in the numbers of launch ramps over the last few years and now, they’re being asked to pay!
I have some good news regarding the recent hike in port taxes that some marinas have been hit with. I´m reliably informed that almost everyone (including the port authorities) agree that the increase is far too high and, through the pressure of ANADE (the local marina operators´ association), meetings have been scheduled for early in July to thrash things out.
It is believed that a reduction might be seen this year.
How something like this ever became law is baffling.
Yet again it´s a case of damage limitation instead of prevention and in a market trying to sell itself as an efficient and economic refit and repair area of the world, bad publicity like this isn´t doing the business any good at all.
Let´s hope the gate can be closed before too many sea horses have bolted!
It´s not only the marinas that are being hit as the local group of container operators have announced that the new rates make it 278% more costly to store containers on port authority land.
At a recent press meeting the president of the local charter companies´ association stated that their members are under pressure from overseas competition, the rise in costs locally and from illegal charters. On the last point he stated that the authorities and the Guardia Civil seem ´disinterested´ in policing illegal charters and are more interested in ´chasing legal companies´ for minor matters as it is easier.
This may stir more activity and certainly I expect to hear of more denuncias this summer- beware!
The announced increase in promotion of local yachting and setting up of training courses in the marine field are backed by the local chamber of commerce.
I wonder how many of you get anything (apart from annual membership bills) from them.
I’d be very interested in any feedback you have.
They have long talked about supporting the local businesses at important boat shows.
Interestingly enough I’m told that the ‘British pavilion’ at the Monaco Boat Show (22-25 Sept) will be bigger than last year with financial support from the BMIF- any chance of support from the local organisations at perhaps London and Dusseldorf? We live in hope!
It’s that time of year again when owners and charterers show up- don’t grumble- they pay the wages and anyway, it’s far too hot on the golf courses. Get out and get some sea breeze but be careful of that varnish you’ve been lovingly brushing on all winter!
Regards, John Rule