Balearic Islands consider prioritizing residents for berths in non-profit yacht clubs

The Balearic Parliament has urged the regional government to promote measures so that berths managed by non-profit yacht clubs give priority to Balearic residents, based on social criteria and sporting interest.

The proposal was approved during the meeting of the Parliament’s Committee on Tourism, Culture, Sports, Labour, Public Administration and Social Dialogue held on Thursday, March 5th, as part of a non-legislative proposal (PNL) presented by the Socialist group, according to the Balearic Chamber.

Through this initiative, the Parliament also asks the regional government to continue working to promote and recognize the strategic value of sea sports, as well as to maintain federated nautical facilities within the official registries of sports infrastructures.

The chamber also calls on the Island Councils to continue working with the regional government on the development and implementation of specific support programs for non-profit yacht clubs that promote grassroots sport.

The proposal further urges the Spanish Government to review national coastal regulations to ensure that federated nautical facilities can occupy the necessary space to carry out sporting activities.

In this regard, it calls on the central government to convene the Joint Commission of the Special Regime of the Balearic Islands to advance discussions on this issue together with the regional government.

Finally, the chamber encourages the Balearic Government to promote equitable access to sea sports for the entire population, with particular attention to groups at risk of exclusion and areas with fewer infrastructures.

All points were approved unanimously, except for two that resulted in a tie. These related to promoting a mechanism to provide legal certainty for non-profit yacht clubs with educational, social and environmental functions, and encouraging clubs that allocate ten percent of their income to activities.

During the same session, the committee also unanimously approved a proposal from the Popular Party expressing support for promoting La Lonja as a cultural and exhibition space.

The motion calls on the regional government to continue enhancing, promoting and showcasing La Lonja, while maintaining the building as an exhibition space open to the public.

Additionally, in view of the 600th anniversary of the start of its construction, the proposal encourages the organization of activities and events to commemorate the milestone. It also asks the government to promote educational materials and activities for schools to highlight the historical and architectural significance of La Lonja.