Another year has floated away. Time flies and once again the time was here for the renowned Palma Boat Show at Moll Vell in Palma. I was delighted to be part of the show and to bring you my article on behalf of Celebrity Magazine and to enjoy the buzz and the enthusiasm of all attending. Again, thousands attended the four days of the show and as I have said before you do not need to visit to buy a boat or a super yacht. There is much to see and so many exhibitors, some 295, a new record for what was the 40th Anniversary and 260 boats on display, another record.
The beauty of this show, now one of the most prestigious in the World of boat shows is that all can see such a wide and varied selection of craft. Those major well-known companies showing off new and pre-owned boats running often into the millions to purchase or 75,000 euros to charter for a week always welcome all onboard or to have a chat. So friendly and you cannot fault those working on the exhibit stands and showing guests around on board. It is hard work over 4 long days and I chose the right day, Friday to visit as the sun shone and that always brings out the best colours from boats to the flags and the show areas for drinks and food were truly doing great business.
It was the 40th Boat Show and amazingly it all started from what was a small floating boat show held in Alcudia in 1983. How it has all changed with boats from around the World and a showpiece for innovations, a Super Yacht Village and stands that are not one could say related to the industry. Something for everyone to enjoy and the show attracted not just potential buyers, and owners, but enthusiasts from couples to families. An experience and an opportunity to see and board yachts that you will never, maybe have a chance of doing or owning. How I wished I had won the jackpot on the euro millions but who knows, I may and others may also.
This is a good point as some shows I have attended in the past in the UK do seem to have those on stands and boats being not as friendly as here in Mallorca. Maybe they believe that you do not have the finances to buy and they may be right, but who knows in the future those going on board will have the money to buy and will remember which companies were friendly. Others may have the money but do not look the part in what they are wearing but as the saying goes. Never judge a book by its cover. This makes, in my opinion, the Palma show stand out as all on the stands are welcoming and genuine. Well done to all who worked at the show and to the organisers for making the show another one to remember.
This year there were forums for crew and seminars and on Friday evening music and entertainment filled the air from the stands and were also arranged by the organisers. From 6 pm to 8 pm, the show rocked and ended with a drone show visible from different parts of the City. Friday was the day but each day surely brought joy to all attending and dreaming of a life on some of the boats on display which can and does become a reality. Orders were indeed placed and charters booked so the island and the organisers of this 40th anniversary show should be proud of all that was achieved and long may that continue. I made new contacts and met those I already knew and despite a long day, walking, talking and thankfully enjoying a few vinos and wonderful tapas on some stands the time flew by and if you missed the show then make sure that next year you go along. You shall have a wonderful day out and savour the atmosphere, the immaculate boats, yachts, crew, and the friendly exhibitors. It is hard to beat a life on the ocean, days out, weekends away enjoying your boat or chartering. Such time will provide fun for all, create magical moments and see this wonderful island from the sea, its secret coves, crystal clear waters and taking in the silence that we all often miss. Remember dreams can become reality.
For many, working on a boat as crew is also another option. Yes, hard work but rewarding and maybe you will become a captain visiting many countries, the Caribbean and making new friends. So better than working in an office or a shop for certain. Many companies here train potential crew so look out for them if you want something different. There are also marine companies and Palma, leads the way with some 879 companies dedicated to the marine industry employing over 5,000 jobs and adding over 1 billion euros to the economy of the island.
Be inspired, work hard and enjoy life on the ocean waves and calm seas I hope!!! Whether as a crew member or owner or dreaming of owning a boat, large, or small, Palma is the place to be and I for one had a superb day. I will be enjoying some future days out on the sea through invitations from companies and I will certainly tell all of you about my days out. Someone has to do these jobs and luckily it is me. Well, I hope so!!!
If you attended the show I am sure you will agree. It was a day of experiences and a day to remember. Thanks for your time in reading my article and please do enjoy Celebrity Mallorca magazine and the wide range of articles. We also have a special printed issue out now so do not miss that. For new readers do sign up for all updates and enjoy the island’s fastest growing online magazine. For all issues, new articles and much more please visit our website and enjoy at www.celebritymallorca.es
David Whitney