Balearic Boating Day, a unique event bringing boating closer to the public

Port Adriano hosted today the presentation of the Balearic Boating Festival, an initiative promoted by the Balearic Marine Cluster within the framework of the World Boating Day, in which, as expected, both the Association of Nautical Companies of the Balearic Islands (AENIB) and the national association ANEN are taking part, together with other entities and companies from the sector.

The aim is to bring the nautical sector closer to society and showcase, from the inside, the reality of a strategic industry for the Balearic Islands. The programme will take place from 18 to 23 May, with activities open to the public across different parts of the archipelago, culminating on Saturday, 23 May, at Port Adriano with the Balearic Boating Festival.

The initiative was created with a clear purpose: to break the perception that boating is a distant world reserved for only a few, and to demonstrate that the sea can be enjoyed in many ways — in a close, accessible, and open manner for people of all ages.

The press conference featured the participation of Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro, Minister for Business, Employment and Energy of the Government of the Balearic Islands; Juan Antonio Amengual, Mayor of Calvià; Pedro Suasi, Managing Director of the Balearic Marine Cluster; Jaume Vaquer, President of AENIB; and Isabel Teruel, Secretary of the Association of Marinas of the Balearic Islands and Operations Director of Port Adriano.

During the presentation, Jaume Vaquer, President of AENIB, highlighted the rapid involvement of the business sector in this first edition and stated that the initiative represents “a key opportunity for the sector and companies to bring boating closer to society and continue strengthening the Balearic nautical ecosystem.”

Throughout the week, companies, marinas, shipyards, associations, and sector-related organizations are opening their doors to offer visits, sea trips, nautical experiences, open days, and educational activities. AENIB joins this initiative as part of the collective commitment of a sector that wants to become more approachable, explain its economic and social impact, and showcase the professional, educational, and business opportunities generated by boating in the Balearic Islands.

The main central event will take place on Saturday, 23 May, at Port Adriano with the Balearic Boating Festival, a family-oriented event running from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., featuring sea trips, workshops, nautical activities, gastronomic experiences, training, employment opportunities, innovation, and educational activities focused on maritime culture.

Among the planned activities, attendees will be able to enjoy experiences such as sailing, boat trips, visits to traditional vessels like the Rafael Verdera, discovering training and employment opportunities in the nautical sector, learning about traditional crafts such as the Mestres d’Aixa, practicing maritime knots, and participating in workshops and children’s competitions.

In addition, the programme will include public talks on sustainability, marine preservation, professional opportunities, and best practices for enjoying the sea and boating in a safe and responsible way. There will also be dedicated spaces for training, employment, and innovation, where visitors can learn about educational programmes, career opportunities, and projects linked to the maritime industry.

For AENIB, this initiative represents an opportunity to continue strengthening the connection between the nautical sector and Balearic society. The association believes it is essential for citizens to gain a closer understanding of an industry that generates employment, innovation, economic activity, and specialised knowledge, while also forming part of the islands’ maritime identity.

Through its participation in the Balearic Boating Day, AENIB reaffirms its commitment to a more open, accessible, and socially connected nautical sector — one capable of showcasing its economic, professional, cultural, and social value, while continuing to consolidate the Balearic Islands as one of the leading international references in the industry.