THE ART OF SAILING

Boat builders :Capeador The boat factory

On 10th May 2011, a group of 11 European students went to Capeador which is a boat building factory to interview the builders and owners, one of whom is Ramón Saura. This factory is located in the industrial park of Mahon. The students asked 20 questions to learn about the process of building boats (llaüts). In the interview Ramón Saura explained that the company began in the sixties when a well-known Mahonese boatbuilder, Juanito Petrus decided to build his first polyester “llaud”. In 1975 Justo Saura, led by his passion for the sea, started running the company and later on his three sons joined the company. Mr Justo Saura and his son Mr Ramón

The first boat was build in 1950s and it was made of wood. Nowadays the boats produced are in the same shape but with different materials like fiberglass, resin and wood.

When they build a boat they follow a specific process: 1. They first make a handmade prototype without the mould. 2. They make a fiberglass mould around the prototype to produce copies. 3. They paint the inside of the mould in the colour of the boat. 4. They add a layer of fiberglass and resin. 5. When it is hard they remove it out of the mould , then the main part of the boat is ready. 6. All the accessories are added according to the wishes of the customer.

There are many types of boats produced and of course the price depends on the size varying from 2,5 metres to 12 metres and the accessories so that the boat can have prices varying between €500,- to €300.000,-. The biggest boat can contain 12 people standing or 6 to sleep.

After the interview we had the opportunity to visit one of the boats in process from the inside.

To sail on a small boat you need a special license and for a big boat you have to be at least 18 years old. If you are sixteen and you are curious to experience the risk, challenge and the feeling of freedom of the ocean then don´t hesitate to make the first step towards the art of sailling.

German:Anna Rudloff, Vanessa Rund. Holland: Roy Heikens Italy: Nicola Carotti Spain: Juana Melia, Lucas Viladomiu, Jaume Florit, Charlotte Baillie, Oliver Villalonga Wales: Derek Au-yeung

Teachers: Maria Luisa Violini (Italy) and Joan Florit (Spain)