Palma´s new marina is officially open

Palma's newest port was officially opened yesterday after being inundated by applications for berths over the last few months. Directly in the middle of the Paseo Maritimo the main commercial stretch of Palma's seafront - the Marina Port de Mallorca is situated in a prime spot for yachts and captains. The port has all the newest, up-to-date equipment, including video security, identification points and a 24 hour manned control booth at the entrance to the marina. The new port will compete for trade with the likes of established marinas as Real Club Nautico and Club de Mar. No problems are anticipated in filling the berths as there is a continuing influx of sail and motor yachts into the Mediterranean sea, and the Balearic Islands are a choice stopping point for those cruising around during a season and for a winter lay-up. Port de Mallorca appears to be almost full at the moment, even though this is not the busiest time of the yachting season on Majorca. Most of the boats are currently cruising the Med and will not return to the island until late September/early October which is when the new port will be under the most pressure to perform. The 152 berths at the marina can hold yachts from thirteen to thirty metres long and the marina itself is fashioned with a “jarlan” system which is very effective at breaking the force of incoming waves. Yachting continues to be a massive industry in the Balearics. Many hundreds of companies rely on the boats to keep their business afloat, performing duties from sail-making and boat repairs to stores and crew placement. In the many of the Island's coves there are marinas just oozing with luxury yachts, waiting to whisk the rich and famous away for a holiday.