Claims of overcrowding in the Majorcan boating sector

In your article of last week, about the call for more Marinas, you quote those pressing for more berths as saying without them, increasing numbers of yachts will continue to seek other cruising grounds. The island should be made aware that exactly the opposite is the truth.

The fact is that more and more yachts and power boats are leaving Majorca or by-passing the island because it is becoming over-crowded. The attractions of Croatia, Montenegro, Turkey and other cruising grounds to the West is that there is more space for the dramatically increasing number of boats.

Here in Majorca, in the height of the holiday seasons, dozens of anchorages that were once shared with a reasonable handful of boats, are now so crowded that one can practically walk from deck to deck. The result is ill-temper, increased pollution, noise and a bad reputation that is driving people away. More marinas, however few, would only worsen the situation and the 50% increase called for would be catastrophic.Yes, there might be a year or two of boom for marine businesses, but it would be short lived. The answer for the island is to stop building more and to serve the existing yacht and power boat residents and visitors better.

IN the coming harder times, the continued greed of some marine businesses should also be discouraged. The new cruising countries are making big efforts, they offer cheaper facilities and relatively unspoiled cruising grounds. We need to preserve what we have, not ruin it. Its not about Marinas, it is about the boating experience: clean water, golden sands, quiet bays and a friendly welcome.    Yours faithfully,

J.D'Arcy.