The Superyacht Cup encourages trade links between Palma and Antigua

Friday, 28 September 2007

The Superyacht Cup Organisers have facilitated a new agreement between two of the most important locations for Superyachts; Palma de Mallorca and Antigua. The Right Honorable Harold Lovell, The Minister for Tourism for Antigua, and Juan Gual, President of The Chamber of Commerce for Mallorca, together with the Directors of The Superyacht Cup, met at the Mallorca Chamber of Commerce stand at the Monaco Yacht Show to resume talks initiated at the hugely successful Superyacht Cup Palma in June this year.

Patrick Whetter SYC Event Director, Juan Gual Chairman of the Mallorca Chamber of Commerce, Juan Sastre Managing Director of Balearic Tourism, Rt Hon Harold Lovell Minister for Tourism of Antigua, Francesc Triay President of Balearic Port Authority

The Superyacht Cup Palma has now been running for 11 years, and the second Superyacht Cup Antigua takes place this December. In promoting the parallel events in both countries, and recognising the popularity of both destinations with the yachting community, The Superyacht Cup organisers decided it would be beneficial for representatives of the two countries to meet to investigate opportunities for improving trade and communications.

At a recent meeting at the Monacco Yacht Show, Mr Lovell and Mr Gual agreed the outlines for trade links which aim to benefit the extremely important marine industries in the two locations, as well as promoting trade and commerce across other sectors such as tourism.

 The objectives of the agreement are:

  • To benefit from mutual promotion of the two destinations as the major centres of top end yachting; and

  • To develop trade links specialising in the marine industry.

Both countries are arguably the most important centres for superyachts in the seasonal yachting areas, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Each offers in its respective area:

  • The best infrastructure and skilled workforce for repairs and re-fits

  • The best cruising areas and the safest harbours

  • The best racing conditions

  • The most popular hospitality, and are world renown for a friendly and relaxed attitude in a safe environment

  • Ease of international access

The two countries plan to promote their relationship at The Superyacht Cup in Antigua this December and formulate plans for improving several key processes for yachts visiting both strategic ports.