On Thursday, the Balearic Government established a committee for coordination of actions related to the total solar eclipse on August 12 this year. A key issue is traffic, especially in the Tramuntana Mountains. While the government is considering the possibility of road closures, there is a different concern, one which the president of the charter boats association admits he hadn't given much thought to.
Pedro Gil says that 50% of the charter fleet (around 150 out of a total of 300 boats) has already been booked for the evening of August 12. New bookings are being made on a daily basis. "It's a very special event. The eclipse will occur at sunset. The best location to view it isn't just anywhere; it won't be as visible on the east side of the island as it is in the southwest or west." The island of Dragonera will be a prime spot. Once he started getting calls to make reservations, he realised what the eclipse could entail for the charter sector.
"Many members (of the association) are uncertain about how to manage it because these are high-demand dates. I wish it had happened during a different season." Despite the surge in bookings, he says the association has decided "not to raise prices".
The bookings may be welcome, but there are concerns about safety if numerous boats are in the same areas. "From a logistical standpoint, it is indeed a concern that all the boats will be leaving at the same time and congregating in the same locations. It's worrying because not everyone has the necessary skill, common sense, and best practices."
His recommendation is "to completely avoid crowds and be geolocated". "If clients need help or directions, if they're unsure of their location, I can direct them by phone to a good spot to view the eclipse. To see a beautiful sunset, you don't need to anchor on sand; you can watch it in the middle of the sea without even dropping anchor, weather permitting."
The eclipse will begin around 7.38pm with the gradual covering of the sun. The total eclipse won't occur until 8.31pm, at which point a minute and a half of total darkness will begin. The partial reverse will end at 8.49pm.
"Clients will be able to start viewing it without any problem, but it's important to keep in mind that sunset is at 8.50pm, so they need to be properly advised and exercise caution. Not all licences allow night navigation. I always require my clients without the necessary licence to return 45 minutes before the sunset time indicated on their phones."