AENIB brings together the Balearic nautical sector at the 18th Gala del Mar
The Association of Nautical Companies of the Balearic Islands (AENIB) held the 18th edition of the Gala del Mar this Thursday, March 26th, at Club de Mar Palma, bringing together nearly 150 representatives of the nautical sector, authorities, and professionals at one of the most representative gatherings of Balearic boating.
The evening, held in the Ibiza Hall of the renovated Club de Mar, once again consolidated its position as a key meeting point for the sector, highlighting the contribution of companies, institutions, and professionals to the development, innovation, and sustainability of boating in the islands.
The event was attended by the Regional Minister for Business, Employment and Energy, Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro, and the Regional Minister for the Sea and the Water Cycle, Juan Manuel Lafuente Mir, among other authorities and institutional representatives, who joined the sector on a night marked by recognition and unity.
“Talking about boating in the Balearic Islands is talking about a sector with a future, committed to society and to the sea. It is essential to have a solid business structure and representatives who stand up for the sector. Let us continue working together to stay the course,” said the Regional Minister for the Sea and the Water Cycle, Juan Manuel Lafuente Mir, in his opening speech.
During the gala, AENIB president Jaume Vaquer highlighted the consolidation of the association’s integration with ANEN, strengthening the sector’s capacity for representation both in the Balearic Islands and across Spain as a whole. He also underlined the importance of collaboration with public administrations, which is key to positioning boating as a strategic sector within the autonomous community.
In his speech, Vaquer placed particular emphasis on the international standing of the Balearic Islands, noting that the effort, investment, and commitment of the business community have placed the islands at the center of the global nautical industry. In this regard, he called for maintaining the unity of the sector in order to face future challenges, economic, social, and environmental, and defended the need for the sector’s experience to be taken into account in regulatory decision-making.
As tradition dictates, the Gala del Mar also hosted the presentation of the Nautical Sector Awards, recognizing organizations and professionals for their contribution to the development of the sector in the Balearic Islands. The AENIB Loyalty and Longstanding Commitment Award was presented to MercaNautic, for its continued commitment to the association and its track record as a benchmark company for boaters. “MercaNautic is not just a company; it is the result of people who, day after day, have built something more than a business: they have built trust. This recognition not only looks to the past, but also reinforces our way of doing things, based on commitment and closeness,” said Rafael Bujosa, speaking on behalf of MercaNautic after receiving the award.
Meanwhile, the award for Outstanding Professional Career went to e3 Systems, which is celebrating 30 years of activity and has established itself as an international benchmark in maritime communications, while also highlighting the legacy of its co-founder, Roger Horner.
Diane Franklin represented the company and expressed her gratitude, noting that: “This award is especially meaningful in our 30th anniversary year. For 28 years we have been members of AENIB, and we want to acknowledge the work it does in promoting the nautical sector.”
Finally, the award for Collaborating Entity with the Nautical Sector was granted to the Maritime Captaincies of Palma and Ibiza, represented by José F. Escalas Porcel and, on behalf of Luis Gascón, Iguazel Bartolomé, in recognition of their essential work in maritime safety and the proper functioning of the sector. José F. Escalas reiterated the importance of this recognition, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Maritime Captaincies. “During this time we have built many links with the sector, and it is a pleasure to celebrate it together with you,” he said.
The Gala del Mar once again highlighted the strategic weight of the nautical sector in the Balearic economy, consolidating itself as a space for meeting, recognition, and projection of the industry. At the close of the event, the Regional Minister for Business, Employment and Energy, Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro, rounded off the evening with a few words, emphasizing that: “Eighteen years means you have come of age, so I want to congratulate you. The nautical sector is crucial to the economy, and when we accompany you to fairs and meetings, we do so to see first-hand how Balearic companies are valued internationally. And I can assure you, it is something to be truly proud of.”
AENIB thus reaffirms its commitment to continue working in defense of the interests of its member companies and in promoting a strong, united nautical sector prepared for the challenges of the future.