ANEN and AENIB promote debate on the future of yachting at the Palma International Boat Show

The Balearic nautical business association consolidates its presence at the Palma International Boat Show 2026 with an intensive day marked by industry reflection, institutional recognition and professional networking.

The Association of Nautical Companies of the Balearic Islands (AENIB) has experienced one of the most notable days of its participation in the Palma International Boat Show 2026, which is being held at Palma’s Moll Vell until May 2nd. The joint AENIB and ANEN stand has once again become a meeting point for the Balearic nautical sector, hosting professional activities, institutional events and networking spaces as part of one of the leading international gatherings for the nautical industry.

One of the main highlights of this edition is Blue Horizon Plaza, a new space promoted by AENIB and ANEN together with SEA TEACH, designed to encourage sector-wide connection through meetings, debates and networking around the blue economy.

During its first two days, held on April 29th and 30th, Blue Horizon Plaza has been very well received by companies, institutions, professionals and organisations from the maritime, educational and scientific fields. The Blue Horizon Plaza programme addresses some of the key issues that will shape the future of yachting. Through round tables, presentations and professional meetings, the space aims to generate synergies, share knowledge and strengthen the role of the nautical sector as an economic driver and an active player in the sustainability of the marine environment.

Following sessions dedicated to innovation applied to the nautical sector and cooperation between associations, ports and organisations linked to the industry, Blue Horizon Plaza will continue over the coming days with two new sessions. On Friday, May 1st, at 10:30 a.m., the space will address the role of education and training in the future of the nautical sector, while on Saturday, May 2nd, also at 10:30 a.m., the closing session will focus on the Mediterranean, its value and the main challenges it faces.

The day was also marked by the presentation of the Marcial Sánchez Barcáiztegui Award to Jaume Vaquer, president of AENIB since 2017 and one of the most representative figures in the Balearic nautical sector. The award, presented by the Regional Minister for Business, the Self-Employed and Energy, Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro, recognises Vaquer’s career and his contribution to the professionalisation, strengthening and international projection of yachting in the Balearic Islands.

During his time at the head of AENIB, Jaume Vaquer has led the association through particularly complex moments for the sector, including the pandemic, when his ability to liaise with public administrations and his strategic vision were key to sustaining activity and defending the business network. Likewise, one of the most significant milestones of his presidency has been the integration and strategic alignment of AENIB with ANEN, a decisive step in strengthening the representation of Balearic yachting at both regional and national level.

The recognition is also especially symbolic for AENIB, as it comes exactly ten years after the same award was presented to Margarita Dahlberg, the association’s first president and an essential figure in the history of the Balearic nautical business association. A decade later, the award once again recognises the work of a person directly linked to the evolution, consolidation and defence of the sector through AENIB.

Regional Minister Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro highlighted “Jaume Vaquer’s great dedication to the nautical sector of the Balearic Islands, his strategic vision and his firm commitment to business representation, which have helped position the Balearics as an international benchmark in yachting.”

The Marcial Sánchez Barcáiztegui Award, presented every year as part of the Palma International Boat Show, recognises companies, organisations or individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the growth of the nautical sector. The event was attended by the Director General for Industry and Industrial Estates, Alfons Gómez; the manager of the Regional Development Agency of the Balearic Islands, Silvia Delgado; the Director General of ANEN, Jordi Carrasco; as well as institutional representatives, businesspeople and industry professionals.

After the award ceremony, the AENIB and ANEN stand hosted a new edition of the traditional Vermut del Mar, which once again brought together a wide representation of companies, members, authorities and nautical professionals. The gathering became a major crowd-puller and reaffirmed the role of the joint AENIB and ANEN space as a focal point for the sector during the boat show.

Through its participation in the Palma International Boat Show 2026, AENIB once again strengthens its commitment to the representation, promotion and defence of the Balearic nautical sector, one of the strategic pillars of the economy of the Balearic Islands. The association thus maintains its determination to continue creating spaces for meeting, reflection and collaboration that help project the present and future of Balearic yachting both within and beyond the islands.