 Dear Islander,Being a relative newcomer to the Balearics, and not being too politically motivated by nature, I am not the best qualified person to comment on the recent election results. However, two of our columnists (Laura Penn and the indomitable Master Bates) have something to say this month about the way the campaign was conducted by certain parties. Believing as I do, that the observations of our contributors are accurate, I have to say that the campaigning tactics are as worrying as the inconclusive outcome, which does not appear to represent the true wishes of the voting majority. We reported from the European Marina Conference only last month, about how important government representatives believe the future of Nautical Tourism is to the Balearics economy, and our lead story this month which mentions the significant revenue earning potential of the 2007 Superyacht Cup serves to re-emphasise this. Let´s hope that those same officials can retain enough power and influence in the future structure of the Balearics Government (whatever that may be) to make sure that the “golden egg”, is not handed on a plate to some other countries around the Mediterranean. But for now, as pointed out by Roger Horner in his Technology Update column on page 14 there are a veritable feast of sailing events to enjoy this month, with The America´s Cup nearing it´s final stages in Valencia, The Superyacht Cup going on in Palma and the Flying Fifteen World Championships in Port de Pollença. One of the best parts of my job is having the chance to get up close to the action with my camera, so I am planning to get to all of these during the month, and hopefully find time to indulge in some of the social activities as well. Talking of sailing, what a tragedy that one of the worlds most famous sailing ships, the 1869 built tea clipper “Cutty Sark”, has been so badly damaged by fire. The story rekindled childhood memories for me, as several generations of the Franklin family and both my parents are from Greenwich, where I remember the ship being opened to the public 50 years ago, since when she has been visited by over 15 million people! Luckily 50% of the ship had been removed as part of the major conservation project currently underway, saving items including the masts, the coach house and a significant amount of planking. Now the Cutty Sark Trust has vowed to save as much as they can of the original fabric damaged by the fire, and press ahead with the conservation. For more information, or to make a much needed contribution towards the refurbishment please visit: www.cuttysark.org.uk And whatever your watersports pursuit is this summer - enjoy!! Saludos, Peter Franklin |