Portixol Through the Ages: The History of the Portixol Yacht Club

Palma in 1928 – an era of change and a spirit of new beginnings. At that time, the Portixol Yacht Club existed merely as an idea held by some residents of El Molinar. The historic city wall had already been demolished at the beginning of the century, which led many factories to move out of the historic centre into emerging districts such as Molinar de Llevant. This period of upheaval was further intensified in 1920 by the introduction of the new electric tram, which connected Molinar de Llevant with the rest of the city.

Back then, long before the tourism boom began, industry was thriving and gradually displacing traditional agriculture. ElMolinar underwent an impressive transformation: the district that had emerged in the late 18th century around windmills and fishing became a modern working-class neighbourhood with refineries, power plants, soap factories and the production of oils, carob sugar, paper, cardboard and perfume. Industrialisation brought prosperity to the region and enabled people to treat themselves to the occasional luxury – such as a small boat for weekend fishing trips.

In 1929, the residents of Molinar decided to found the Portixol Yacht Club. At that time there was no seafront promenade yet, so Palma’s coastline looked completely different from today. The first club building was nothing more than a simple fishermen’s hut with a thatched roof, where the club’s few boats were kept. Board meetings took place in a nearby bar. Despite difficult times and a civil war, in 1951, with efficient management and great enthusiasm, they dared to build the ground floor of today’s headquarters.

In the 70s and 80s, the club expanded thanks to new administrative concessions and the annexation of land, extending as far as the mouth of the Na Bàrbara stream. During this period, additional pontoons were built, leading to a significant increase in the number of berths and members.

Nearly a century later, the Portixol Yacht Club is still among the respected institutions, but much has changed. Today it has around 380 members and almost 300 modern boats filling the club’s berths. The days of the old wooden llaüts and boats measuring 4 to 5 metres in length that once dominated the harbour are over. Modern fibreglass boats and motorboats are now the norm, and the atmosphere in the club has changed. It is no longer as family-like as it used to be. Members come to sail and then disappear again. The days when people would dress up on Sundays to linger at the club and chat are long gone.

In the past, it was common practice to catch shrimp in the evening and use them as bait, with the shrimp then being offered for sale at the club. Members would make a point of arriving early, enjoy a relaxed aperitif, and then head off on their fishing expeditions.

Nowadays, leisure behaviour has fundamentally changed. People show up later at the club, go on boat outings, and fishing in the region has almost come to a standstill. To find any fish at all, it is necessary to cover long distances on the water. The fishermen of the past knew the best fishing grounds by distinctive landmarks such as the cathedral, Castell de Bellver, or the mountains of the Serra. Today, GPS and sonar devices are essential, but even with them it is difficult to find good fishing areas, as fish stocks have shrunk dramatically.

The Portixol Yacht Club, called in Spanish “Club Náutico Portixol ”, celebrated its 95th anniversary last August and is currently investing in modernising its facilities. The club concept was renewed in December 2022, and by December 2025 the clubhouses are to be completely renovated. Members hope that once the work is completed, the authorities will find a solution so that the clubs can continue their activities. Although major anniversary celebrations are being planned, they are being postponed in order to take the financial efforts for the construction work into account. The aim is to focus on the future and look forward to the clubs’ upcoming centenary anniversaries.

In recent years, the entire Portixol area has also grown increasingly popular and developed into a modern district that is active all year round. Once a simple fishing village, it has now transformed into a contemporary place. Numerous renovation projects and the expansion of infrastructure have made Portixol a place that fits perfectly with the digital era. High-speed internet connections, modern amenities and the quality of the renovated buildings all contribute to Portixol now conveying the character of modern villages.

Nevertheless, when you stroll through Portixol today, it has preserved its charm as a former fishing village. The old fishermen’s houses have been lovingly restored and give the area its unique character.

If you stroll through Portixol today, you will feel the successful blend of tradition and modernity. The restaurants and bars by the water are contemporary, inviting and cosy. The Portixol Yacht Club itself also offers a pleasant restaurant where you can enjoy fresh local dishes and lunch menus on an authentic terrace. These are places that honour their past while also opening themselves up to the future.