The sun shines, as it almost always does in Mallorca, a Mediterranean island where a few of us are fortunate enough to live and develop our professional activity. The Balearic archipelago as a whole encompasses a total of 30,000 boats and 22,000 anchorages, according to data released last year by the government of the region. The Balearic Islands is what it is today thanks to its nautical ports. In fact, there are testimonies dating back to 1270 in which mention is already made of the Muelle Viejo de Palma. From the 13th century to the present day, the nautical sector, and everything that is developed through it, has been very present in the economic engine of the Balearic Islands.
Currently these five islands are home to 48 marinas. Hundreds of boats meet in different regattas that take place in the Balearic Sea and nautical tourism is of special importance among those who decide to spend their vacations in the islands. That is why it is more than necessary to develop an economic activity and services closely linked to the fleet of boats that are based in the Balearic Islands.
Among the services that have an important impact is undoubtedly the one related to the aesthetics and maintenance, both inside and outside the boats. We refer specifically to the nautical upholstery and the indisputable quality that the material installed must have because it has to be able to withstand the inclement weather that occurs throughout the year.
That is why in Decoraciones EGEA we have been working for years with manufacturers such as Sunbrella, Agora, Pytón Contract or Alonso Mercader to offer the maximum guarantee of durability and quality. The high summer temperatures, the saltpeter of the sea, the winter frosts ... the nautical canvas requires special characteristics for the protection and durability of the finishes of a boat.
Among the qualities of the fabrics we must always resort to those that are resistant to ultraviolet rays, so that the fabrics do not fade, they must be effective against mold and possible fungi that may appear in areas that remain wet for long periods of the day and must be suitable for cleaning with anti-stain treatments, bleachers and, of course, water resistance must be a key factor when deciding on one fabric or another. We definitely recommend leathers, leatherette, chenille, microfiber and slivers. All of them have antibacterial, flame-retardant and antifungal properties.
But, although the characteristics are important, so is the aesthetics. The upholstery must provide a modern look that conveys the comfort and warmth that comes to mind when we imagine days at sea.
Because on a boat, whether large or small, there are many elements that are based on textiles. Protective covers, which offer shade and protection, covers for small boats, which protect the entire surface from bow to stern when the boat is in port, covers for sails, cushions, both for indoors and outdoors, curtains, carpets, table linen to match the aesthetics, even in bedding we can offer the best fabrics in terms of quality and design.
During this year 2021 in Decoraciones EGEA we have made 40% more reforms in boats compared to last year. Undoubtedly this is an upturn because little by little we are returning to normality, tourism is opening and people want to enjoy the nautical environment. In addition, this type of activity is among the safe ones, sanitarily speaking, for the characteristics that it presents.