Russell Currie, the CEO and Dealer Principal for Fairline North Mallorca based in Puerto Pollensa, is extremely excited about this year’s Palma International Boat Show. “This event is the Cannes of Spain and seeing how Mallorca has developed in all areas over the years, working with a leading premium British brand on the island is a delight because Mallorca sells itself on the global market.”
Russell is keen to stress that he has spent more than half of his life working and living in Mallorca.
“That speaks for itself,” he said on the eve of this year’s boat show. “We have had a couple of challenging years. Emerging from Covid had its calm and rough moments, then we had the invasion of Ukraine and now the conflict in the Middle East, so while times are challenging for the industry as a whole, we’re flat out. We’ve had some excellent feedback from clients and all of the dealers on the island are working in very close collaboration and that’s good for our industry and also good for Mallorca.
“Under the current climate, some people may obviously think twice about purchasing or upgrading a luxury item like a Fairline or any other premium yacht, but this is where Mallorca has one of its many advantages at play.
“For those worried about fuel and potential spikes in prices, running costs in Mallorca compared to other nautical destinations are relatively low and can be easily limited because the island has so many idyllic locations within very close proximity to the many excellent ports and marinas.
Royal Yacht Club Pollensa
“For example, set sail from the Royal Yacht Club in Pollensa and within just ten minutes you are at the first perfect mooring, the next is just 20 minutes away, and within half an hour you are off Formentor, and there are very few places like that in the Mediterranean. So for an amazing day out at sea, you don’t have to burn a lot of fuel,” said Russell. He has always been passionate about the nautical industry and Mallorca, despite his early experience of the water having not been in the warm climes of the Mediterranean but during holidays on the somewhat cooler Isle of Arran, Scotland. “Growing up, we would spend every holiday there and I loved it. Boating, diving, you name it,“ Russell told the Bulletin.
Offset fuel concerns
“The same can be said for the rest of Mallorca. Set sail from Portals and most people head for nearby Portals Vells; embark in Cala d’Or and head for the spectacular Cala Mondrago. Mallorca offers stunning destinations within relatively very short distances and this helps offset any fuel cost concerns and that is a major plus for the industry and the island,” he said.
“On top of that, Mallorca is just a short flight from most key European airports; air connections between the island and the UK are second to none. Britons, Germans, Scandinavians can just hop on a plane and they are on their boats and out to sea within a matter of hours. Plus, Mallorca has been my home for well over 30 years now and I’ve seen great changes, just as you have. The investment in the infrastructure, the hotels, the airport, the marinas and restaurants, it’s all first class. And what is also very important, it’s a safe and secure destination. All this makes our job in the nautical sector easier because Mallorca sells itself on the global market.
United States
“I remember 30 years ago, the vast majority of North Americans we would meet at boat shows in the States had never heard of Mallorca, didn’t know where it was. The South of France yes. Today, it’s got a shining and growing reputation. Yes, it’s a long way for an American to come just to go boating, especially when one takes into account that the US has the largest nautical industry in the world with great locations. But for those looking to be based in Europe for a number of years for work commitments or a lifestyle change, why live in London when you can live in Mallorca? It’s certainly cheaper than a family home in Mayfair and then within a maximum of two hours’ drive you’re on your boat in the sunshine and that’s priceless,” Russell stressed.
Level of professionalism
“The level of professionalism in the nautical industry here, from the yards to the dealerships and brokerages, is second to none and that is recognised around the world - hence why owners are queuing up every year to get into Mallorca’s shipyards for refits and repairs,” he added.
“What is equally important is that next year Fairline will be celebrating its 60th anniversary. We have always been true to our roots but obviously the market is always changing and evolving and as a leading premium British brand - we’ve just teamed up with the Aston Martin Owners Club, another fine example of British engineering and design – it’s not all about price. It’s also about new and innovative features and I’m not talking gimmicks. While on the one hand we take great care of our loyal and trusted repeat clients - they are the foundations of our business - we’re also looking forward to the new younger market who may not be as accustomed to boating.
Extra features
“So we’re introducing extra features such as balconies and beach clubs in order to offer a unique and more exciting experience. Our design and development team is a carefully planned mixture of old and new professionals who bounce off each other so we can care for our many long-standing clients while attracting fresh blood.
“Not all boat builders are doing this. Fairline is very much leading the way and then, once you factor in the prospect of having the vessel based in Mallorca – the golden nugget of Mediterranean boating – then you have the perfect product,” Russell said.
We’ve got you covered
“Fairline’s network of dealerships around Mallorca means that we’ve got you covered. Owners are just a call away from the dealers who know the island and can take care of anything and everything. And add to that the new three-year manufacturer warranty Fairline is now offering, we also offer maximum peace of mind,” Russell explained.
“So at Fairline, we have a lot to be proud of at this year’s boat show in Palma which, to be honest, offers a much greater return than the boat shows in Cannes or Southampton; plus, what an environment to be exhibiting in.
The future is bright
“What a back drop with the show in the shadow of the Cathedral and the old part of Palma surrounded by world-class bars, restaurants and hotels. Who wouldn’t want to come here and have a yacht moored here?
“I haven’t lived most of my working life on the island for nothing and I’ve seen what the rest of the boating world has to offer,” he said.
“Very few locations, if any can match Mallorca. Yes there are always hurdles to overcome in the industry like moorings, for example.
“But boating is cyclical in a way. People get to an age when they decide the time has come to up the anchor.
“That means that we have a free mooring and perhaps a boat with it and those go to the next generation. So the future in Mallorca is very bright and that will shine at the show,” Russell said.