Despite a testing couple of years, marinas are continuing to make important efforts to raise the profile of sailing and nautical activity within their local community. Such pursuits are often very time-consuming but can reap very positive rewards in terms of creating atmosphere in the vicinity, re-igniting passion in sailing and water-sports, providing a safe and attractive platform for novices and strengthening business relationships via collaborative activities with marina operators. What is clear is that type of action can be a powerful motivating force galvanising a group of activities with a common purpose and limited resources to act together in their collective and individual interest.
“Push the Boat Out” day in Puerto Calero Marina
A number of TransEurope marinas have taken the opportunity to follow the model provided by the RYA project Active Marina such as Whitehaven Marina, Royal Quays Marina and Tollesbury where actions include helping to enable sailors to obtain more skills. Julian Goldie, owner of Tollesbury Marina and Hon. Chairman of The Yacht Harbour Association enthusiastically endorses the initiative saying that it enjoyed great support from berth holders. Many other marinas around Europe either maintain or have recently initiated various festivities celebrating the sea and sailing such as Marina Coruña’s “Semana del Mar” or “Sea week” which from the 26th to the 29th July celebrates its third annual edition and incorporates an impressive number of local businesses and civic groups. Also in Spain, Puerto Deportivo Juan Montiel in Murcia holds a similarly successful event during the Spanish May bank holiday with a variety of exhibitions, activities, demonstrations and opportunities to try new water-sports.
Marina Coruña – Semana del Mar
Involving the all-important gastronomic element, don’t miss Belgian member VVW-Nieuwpoort’s International Boatshow, incorporating the Oyster Fair in October This will be the 8th event with boats exhibited in VVW-Nieuwpoort Marina and a helpful shuttle at hand to take visitors over to the oyster fest. For more information, contact Stijn Dierinck, +32 495 248 922 stijn@vvwnieuwpoort.be
