EDITION 22 - NAUTICAL

PALMA GETS READY FOR ITS 25th BOAT SHOW

An important date in Mallorca’s nautical calendar, and a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful and exclusive crafts available, Palma Boat Show will open on Sat April 26th and run until Sun May 4th. To find it you only need to head for the sea as it lines a considerable length of the Palma Old Port area, not only on land, but also in the water. Just under 300 companies and exhibitors are expected. Last year, over 50’000 visitors passed through the show over the course of 9 days, and the same, or even more, are expected this year.

Some important modifications have been made to the show to accommodate more exhibitors, and there is a new entrance and inclusion of the Es Baluard museum as well. Due to its popularity and importance to the worldwide nautical industry, there are more developments planned for 2009 as well.

The schedule of activities offered by the Palma Boat Show for its 25th anniversary includes a series of conferences and interactive programmes to bring the sea and boating as a sport closer to the general public. It is also intended to establish the Palma Boat Show 25th Anniversary Trophy, which will be awarded for various races in the local calendar.

Several special features are anticipated, including some very tasty Superyachts from Johnson arriving in Palma to be delivered to their new owners. It’s also going to be a very busy week for Fairline SW, not only will they be presenting a cheque to the Allen Graham Charity for Kidz for the impressive sum of €14’000, but they will also be having a fun time in the fastest Fairline (the Targa 38) in their range.

There are plenty of parties, receptions and jollys planned for the show, and we’ll keep you up to date with special events on this website. You will also be able to hear reports on the island’s radio stations, Luna Radio 100.3 FM (24 hours a day) and Radio One Marratxi 92.9FM (weekends only).

EARTH RACE 'ECO BOAT' UPDATE Confirmed start date - April 27th Pete Bethune, the skipper of the 78 foot biodiesel powered trimaran Earthrace has set the 2008 World Record attempt start for April 27th 2008 from Sagunto in Spain. The Earthrace team had delayed their earlier start date because of EU Customs delays which had prevented the Portuguese supplied bio-fuel reaching all the refuelling locations around the world. The last of those shipments will now reach the Marshall Islands in the Pacific by the end of April meaning it will be there in good time for the arrival of the boat. Sea trials have continued again this week. During a 12 hour sea trial in the Mediterranean, a problem was found with one of the steering pumps and this is now being overcome. A range of propellers are also being trialled as the first set has not delivered the anticipated speed. Keep up to date at www.earthrace.net

UPCOMING REGATTAS

1.5.08 to 4.5.08 - Platu 25 Spanish National Championship

11.6.08 to 14.6.08 - The Superyacht Cup

21.7.08 to 27.7.08 - Breitling Cup Regatta

26.7.08 to 2.8.08 - Copa del Rey

12.9.08 to 14.9.08 - XXII Trofeo Rei en Jaume