Nautica - Asociación de Empresas Náuticas de Baleares

 AENB Honours3rd Edition
Recognition 'long serving partner'

 

Mallorca Boat Service has been a member of the Marine Industries Association of the Balearic Islands since January 1985, a year after the creation of this employer.

 

This makes it one of the oldest companies in affiliation and deserving of the Award this year as "senior partner."
 

At that time, in 1985, the company had been more than a decade in operation but with different names: first as Ganorgas then as Mediterranean Nautical Workshops and in 1981, was renamed Mallorca Boat Service as a partner entering Antonio Vilches. During these years the company was also expanding its services, focusing first marine engine repair and later to the custody, maintenance and repair of boats, the services now provided.

The change of custody
"The idea of custody came a bit out of necessity," says Antonio Vilches, one of four partners in Mallorca Boat Service, "since many of our customers were foreigners, mainly French, who came once a year to Mallorca had the problem of where the boats leave the rest of the time. " At first they started with little boats, which they kept in small rented premises Palma, until the volume grew  and they bought a warehouse in the industrial area of Can Valero of 950 square meters in the who are now about 70 boats in length not exceeding 12 meters.

They were the first in Mallorca, in the mid-80s, placing the boats on shelves, an idea that had been on a trip to Miami.

The work of custody is not only storage of boats during the time they are out of water, also have the boat fully prepared when the customer arrives to the island and bring it to its destination. When the client ends his stay he makes the same return process. They offer a repair service immediately, "in which customers do not expect more than half a day," said Antonio Vilches.

 

Most of the company's customers are French, English, German and Spanish markets all very affected by the economic crisis which has affected much in the business. "We started to notice it from 2007 in the repair of outboard motors. Before a customer came and I said "let me repair the engine" and now you say "how much will it cost me?". They ask for the budget, as meaning that come from other sites for the best price adjustments. "

Vilches said that their job depends on tourism, and is optimistic about next season but with some reservations. " In addition, there is increasing competition and the company already decided last year not to raise prices and this 2010 will not either.

The sailing world is very complex and Antonio Vilches therefore considers it important for companies to be associated with an employer. "From the AENB are getting some very positive things for navigation, is that there is a concern that things are slowly improving. I think that in times of crisis like the present, you feel more protected when it is associated. "