28/04/2013 00:00
TW
0
STAFF REPORTER

PALMA
PALMA'S 26th International Boat Show opens today on the old quay in front of La Lonja on the Paseo Maritimo.
There are important changes this year because for the first time in the Boat Show's history, the different sectors of the nautical industry will be exhibited separately, a move designed to accommodate professionals visiting the event which will remain open into May.

This prestigious fair, which - said the organisers yesterday - is “riding out the storm” of the economic crisis, will feature other novelties this year. Commerce Director, Pere Trias and Fairs and Congresses chief, Pere Perello said that the land and sea-based exhibition area has been increased by a further 2'400 square metres and that the area for luxury vessels along the Consigna quay has doubled the width of its floating jetties to five metres. There are three entrance areas to the Boat Show, one in front of the Ports Authority building, one in the dry dock and the other in the luxury vessel section.

Nevertheless, the layout of the Boat Show had to undergo last-minute changes after jetty P-3 had to be closed when structural deficiencies were discovered a few days ago. It has meant that 12 exhibitors and 70 mooring slots have had to be relocated elsewhere which demanded extra pressure for both organisers and companies, said Pere Trias. The Ports Authority had reportedly announced the closure of P-3 just as the boat show organisers were due to set up installations there. Those most affected by the realignment were sailing businesses “who have lost their separate sector status” added Trias, who explained that such vessels have been forced to share a space with other types of vessels on jetty P-2.

There are nevertheless 162 exhibitors at the Boat Show this year which entails participation by 202 businesses, and 310 vessels which will be on display afloat. The whole event will take up 64'100 square metres. According to the sector, the occasion is split into boating equipment, services, construction and maintenance, motors, generators, electronics and communication systems, and navigation. Separately, nautical sports will be a major feature at the show.

As a complement to the event, there will be ample representation from companies in the tourist boating industry, from those specialising in marinas and water sports installations as well as official governing bodies.