This young lawyer is leading a project that situates the marina as among the best in the Mediterranean. In a few short years, and despite the current financial crisis, the port has become a reference point. Pleasure boats and mega yachts from all over the world, now dock in its harbour. Sailors choose it because it is a quiet port located in the historic centre of Cartagena. Through training and experience, the personnel at the Marina is among the top teams in international marine management.
As we walk through the port, Mamen says that her day to day role basically consists of “serving both those who stay long-term and passersby. In any business you manage emerging issues such as: dealing with suppliers; maintaining the facilities; preparing for events such as the recent Southampton Boat Show; organising regattas, sponsorship and training; relations with the Port Authority of Cartagena; promoting the Navy nationally and internationally, and so on. You must assume the responsibility of being a manager, with all its consequences.”
We stopped to watch a yacht, bearing the British flag, just entering the port. Two sailors are waiting on the dock. In a matter of moments of manoeuvre on behalf of the crew, and having perhaps spent several days at sea, they are treading new land. I ask about regular visitors and Mamen tells me that they have different types of customers. ‘The differences between these users and the mega yachts are significant. The mega yachts come through a shipping agent. Dealing with them is usually minimal. But with the crews of vessels of up to 30 meters in length, dealings are much more direct and closer. We attend to the reservations personally, by phone or e-mail, answer their queries, etc.. Most are foreigners. English. They are well treated and, as they spend time here, they become friends. Almost daily we receive mails and postcards from all over the world, sending greetings and thanking us for the treatment they received in the Marina. Many return when they can. Once a boat returned several years later, and then went around the world. It was very exciting to see them again. It wouldn’t surprise me that this boat that has just docked, was recommended here by a friend. The continued growth of the port is due in large part to word of mouth between sailors’.
“So tell me, Mamen,” I ask, “is the marina like a big family. “We want it that way. We try to provide sailors with anything they might need, however unlikely it might seem at times: cooking, fitness, medical assistance, excursions … We have even found Spanish classes, for those who like Spain and wanted to learn the language. When William and Kate got married, all the boats were decked out and we organised a TV room with computers so they could watch the wedding live and have access to all the news. Likewise, with the World Cup. People say they feel better here than at home. These moorings are very broad. The provide privacy. And you see those boats there …?, They are moored to the side of the dock. It is much more comfortable. ”
Before leaving, Mamen reminds me that ‘in September, the port exhibited at the Southampton Boat Show. It was a positive experience. Many of the English living in Britain and based at the marina came to see us at the booth. It also promoted Cartagena. Unfortunately, there just know the Costa Calida … Look, for an Englishman, sailing is innate. Despite the bad weather, the British are sailors by nature, and our marina, and climate are perfect for them. Moreover, as their way of life is so different from ours, at the boat show, we realized that we can sell the Cartagena marina as an interesting and attractive package. This is our current project and future challenge. “