AENIB honors the nautical sector at the XVII Gala del Mar

The Balearic Islands Nautical Business Association (AENIB) held the XVII edition of the Gala del Mar and Nautical Sector Awards Ceremony at Palma Centre Port (the Institutional Building of the Balearic Port Authority). The event brought together more than a hundred attendees, including prominent figures from the nautical sector, the leading members of the association, and various authorities, including the Minister of Business, Employment, and Energy, Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro; the manager of Ports IB, Francisco José Villalonga; and the president of the Balearic Port Authority, Javier Sanz, among many others.

As a representative of the hosting entity, Sanz opened the event, describing it as "a celebration of the excellence, commitment, and passion of those who defend and promote the nautical industry in our Islands, highlighting the efforts of the companies, entities, and professionals who contribute daily to the sector's growth." In his speech, he emphasized that “AENIB is the oldest and largest nautical association in the Islands, further strengthened by its recent closer ties with the Spanish Nautical Business Association ANEN, allowing it to combine a Balearic vision with a national and European strategy.”

Following Sanz, the president of AENIB, Jaume Vaquer, took the floor, thanking all attendees for their dedication and unity in supporting the sector. He also highlighted that “our association is embarking on a new era, with the incorporation of vice presidencies in Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera.”

This event, preceded by the entity's Annual General Meeting and followed by its traditional dinner, serves as a yearly occasion for the association to recognize those entities committed to the nautical development of the Islands, with this year’s Nautical Sector Awards presented to the following recipients:

"Loyalty and Commitment to AENIB", awarded to a member company for its longstanding commitment to the association: PSB Marine Service, a company with over two decades of experience offering a wide range of services for boats and yachts in the Balearic Islands, including yacht refitting, boat storage, maintenance, and specialized services for auxiliary boats.

"Nautical Sector Collaboration Award in 2025", presented to an organization that has significantly contributed to the development of the nautical sector in the Balearic Islands: Náutica Viamar, with over 35 years of experience in the recreational boating sector in Ibiza and Formentera, specializing in comprehensive services for both boat owners and industry professionals and recognized for its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.

"Outstanding Professional Career", recognizing excellence and dedication within the sector: Centre de la Mar, located in Mahón and designated as a National Reference Center for Nautical Studies. Its influence extends nationwide, leading from the Balearic Islands in the creation and development of educational materials and training tools that can be replicated in other educational centers across the country. The award was received by the center's director, Joan Laureà Florit, who emphasized that “Centre de la Mar is a well-established training institution, integrated into professional education, ensuring that our training not only meets the needs of the Islands but also serves as a model for the entire country, with the mission of preparing the next generations of industry professionals.”

During the evening, a special tribute was also paid to the recently deceased Tomás Garrido, a key historical figure in the founding of AENIB four decades ago. In the early 1980s, while serving as vice president of the Mallorca Chamber of Commerce, he recognized the leadership qualities in a young Margarita Dahlberg and convinced her to establish the Nautical Business Association in the Balearic Islands, which today remains the leading nautical employers' association in the Balearic Islands.

Additionally, a special recognition was granted to Pilar Muel, longtime secretary of AENIB and a well-loved figure in the association and the sector, who is soon to retire. "I would like to thank all the member companies and my presidents, Jaume and Margarita. You are a great family, and I hope you continue working as well as you have until now," she said after receiving a commemorative plaque from Vaquer.

The event was concluded by the Minister of Business, Employment, and Energy, Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro, who highlighted "the importance of the nautical sector in the Balearic Islands" and reaffirmed "the Government's strong commitment to a sector that comprises numerous companies dedicated to recreational boating and generates significant quality employment in the Balearic Islands." He also acknowledged "the shortage of skilled labor in many areas, including the crucial nautical sector, highlighting the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance training initiatives such as those led by Centre de la Mar." Furthermore, he emphasized the continued growth of the Palma International Boat Show, describing it as “an event that positions the Balearic Islands at the center of the international nautical industry and demonstrates the global significance of our nautical sector, which remains a top priority for the Government.”

The evening gathered key figures from the nautical sector, alongside authorities and business representatives, fostering networking and strengthening ties within the Balearic nautical community. Moreover, this event highlights the economic and social significance of the nautical sector in the Balearic Islands.