The decision by the Autoritat Portuària de Balears (APB) to extend the concession for 20 years marks the end of a protracted administrative process that required extensive reviews and reports. The Spanish port authority had attempted to revoke the Real Club Náutico’s right to operate the marina in Palma de Mallorca.
You can find more information on this in our article from 2023:
Modernisation as a prerequisite
The basis for the extension is now a ruling by the High Court of Justice of the Balearic Islands (TSJIB). However, the APB has made the renewal of the licence subject to one key condition: the club must undertake to implement a comprehensive modernisation project. The construction work will affect both the land-based facilities and the harbour-side installations. This includes the demolition and reconstruction of several buildings, as well as the construction of an underground car park on Contramuelle Mollet Street. The modernisation is intended to improve the club’s functionality and meet the increased demands placed on modern port infrastructure. The decision secures the long-established club’s position in the port of Palma de Mallorca for the next two decades.
A sailing tradition in Mallorca since 1948
The Real Club Náutico de Palma was formed from the merger of two clubs with a long history and is one of the oldest sailing clubs in the Balearic Islands. It has hosted numerous international regattas, such as the Copa del Rey and the Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofía. The club combines sporting tradition with a vibrant cultural scene in the harbour of Palma. As a social hub, it brings together sailors of different nationalities and levels of experience. The regattas organised by the club attract top sailors from all over the world to Mallorca every year.
Training and the development of young talent
As well as its sporting achievements, the club is committed to training and supporting young sailors, thereby making a significant contribution to strengthening the sailing culture in Mallorca. It offers programmes for different age groups and ability levels and has already produced numerous successful sailors who have achieved success at national and international level. With its licence now secured, the club can continue this important work in the long term.
Significance for the port as a business location
The extension of the licence ensures the continued existence of an institution that has shaped water sports in the Balearic Islands for more than seven decades. It is also a major economic driver for the Port of Palma and attracts international visitors to the city. The regattas organised by the club generate significant added value for the tourism sector and reinforce Palma’s image as the sailing capital of the Mediterranean. The modernisation measures are intended to further enhance the location’s appeal.
Read our suggested sailing itineraries for Mallorca here:
Jill Grigoleit
Editor Travel
