The club's sports director, Manuel Fraga, told the demonstrators: "We don't know what is going to happen, but the Real Club Náutico de Palma is the gateway to the sea for the city of Mallorca and we want it to be that way for many years to come."
He was referring to the concession for the club. This is at risk of passing into the hands of a large company which, according to the association for yacht clubs in the Balearics, has no interest in the social and cultural traditions, in particular the role that yacht clubs play in training sailors and those involved in other water sports. Around 6,000 people use the facilities in Palma each year, as do some 1,000 children.
Demands for an extension to the concession were shouted outside the offices of the Balearic Ports Authority (APB). In the case of Palma, the APB is the body that makes decisions, as it does for the other four state ports in the Balearics. At two of these, Ibiza and Mahon, there are similar concerns to those in Palma. At other ports, the regional government's PortsIB authority makes decisions, and representatives from all the yacht clubs in the Balearics were in attendance, as were members of two opposition parties - the Partido Popular and Vox.
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I watch with interest at the outcome of this. If the private company wins over the social club RCNP which has the heart of the mariners of Palma in it, then it shows that Mallorca is a total business stitch up. Club de Vela in Port Andratx I believe is under similar threat, which will mean the end of their fabulous sail training and regattas for children through to the disabled and adults. This would be unforgivable.
Once the money men move in, its costs up, rents up, small boats out, sailing boats become 2nd class as the super yachts move in.Just look at Club de Mar, Port Adriano & Puerto Portals.