Former king's yacht between Ibiza and Mallorca: Luxury, history — and who actually pays?

Champagne, a hot tub and a chapter of Spanish prominence

Evenings at the West Dock: the screech of seagulls mixes with quiet conversations of passersby on the promenade, somewhere the fritura (fried fish) is sizzling, and between the lampposts the lights of the 43‑metre yacht Foners, formerly known as Fortuna and once owned by former King Juan Carlos are twinkling. For about €19,000 to €21,500 per day — depending on the season — you can rent this vessel. It accommodates eight guests, has jet skis, SUPs, a hot tub and apparently more than just comfort: a history. Once in royal hands, today part of a charter fleet. That attracts looks, curious photos and, of course, questions.

Main question: Is this still luxury or already a problem?

Against the backdrop of the Tramuntana silhouette and the glittering sea it sounds absurd and a bit glamorous. But the price raises questions that are hardly discussed at the beach bar: What consequences do such charter yachts have for the local economy? How burdensome are they for harbours, berths and the environment? And: who really benefits from this form of luxury — the islands or primarily their owners?

Economic quick check: lots of money, limited benefit

In the short term the business is tempting: charter revenue, crew jobs, berth fees, services. But value creation often remains fragmented — a phenomenon described as tourism leakage and its effects on local economic benefits. Many services come from international providers; crews frequently do not live permanently on the island. For local boat mechanics, dive centres or restaurants a booking can be a lucky day, yet regularly the money does not flow into neighbourhoods away from the harbour. A lasting effect on the broader local economy therefore remains limited.

The berth-space effect and the infrastructure question

A 43‑metre vessel ties up a lot of harbour space. Not every quay, not every marina is designed for that. The consequence: bottlenecks in high season, increased berth prices and occasional conflicts with smaller fishing boats and traditional coastal operators. Marinas are asked to provide additional services — from waste disposal to security. Should infrastructure be aligned with private luxury interests? Or is there an opportunity to rethink berth management according to socio‑ecological criteria?

Environmental accounting: consumption, waste, noise

Speed has its price. Large engines consume fuel, produce emissions and noise — aspects that quickly become relevant along sensitive coasts and in protected areas such as the waters around Cabrera. On‑board waste disposal, sewage management (MARPOL Annex IV) and frequent boat movements affect water quality, marine life and seagrass meadows such as Posidonia, which are vital for coastal ecosystems as explained in resources about Posidonia seagrass meadows. Similar problems have been documented for private short-term boat rentals in coves like Port d'Andratx, where noise, damaged seagrass and safety risks have been reported.

What is missing from the discussion

Public debates usually revolve around celebrities, price and anecdotes. Less attention is paid to the question of transparency: who pays berth fees, how are environmental rules enforced, what incentives exist for environmentally friendly technology? Also rarely on the radar: ways for local people to participate — for example through cooperation with local providers or time‑limited public viewing events that could distribute income socially.

Concrete proposals and opportunities

There are solutions that could help Mallorca regulate luxury without suffocating tourism: tiered berth fees by season and environmental efficiency, special rates for yachts with hybrid or electric engines, mandatory waste and sewage standards as well as better control and transparency about ownership structures. Marinas could include social clauses in contracts — for example contributions to local community projects. And instead of just admiring the ship: cooperation with local tourism offices for exclusive but socially balanced events could create added value for the island.

A pragmatic tip for those interested and observing

If you want to book such a yacht: plan early. Contracts, crew arrangements and suitable berths need lead time. If you prefer cheaper options, look for half‑day tours or local RIB rides — often almost as beautiful and considerably cheaper. For everyone who wants to watch: the Paseo Marítimo at sunset is free and delivers the best show — with the smell of salt, the vibration of boat engines and the low hum of the city in the background.

Conclusion: A former king's yacht between Ibiza and Mallorca is more than a status symbol. It is a focal point for questions that will occupy our islands in the coming years: how much luxury can the infrastructure bear, who truly benefits, and how do we protect the sea? If we address these questions openly, the glamour might be turned into sustainable revenues — instead of merely watching it glide by in admiration.