Mahón. Nautical businesses in Minorca are calling for a reassessment of the structure of mooring costs during the summer season. An average-sized sailing boat of around 11 metres in length has to pay between 40 and 120 euros a day for a mooring in August in the marinas and ports of Minorca, figures akin to hotel tariffs which can also extend to July and September.
The most economical are those managed by the Balearic Ports Authority in Fornells where they are hired out for between 35 and 40 euros a day, water and electricity included. The most expensive are at the Moll de Llevant in Mahón where the same daily service will cost more than 120 euros.
Realising the potential that Minorca holds for sailing and other water sports, the islands Association of Nautical Businesses has long called for a refreshed approach to the charges that are made for moorings.
Association President Justo Saura said yesterday that the first people who suffer from the high charges imposed (generally) by private mooring management organisations are the holiday-makers themselves, but not far behind them are the businesses such as restaurants and tourist shops which depend on marina trade.