For those of you who are new to Mallorca and don’t speak Spanish (or Catalan!), here are some nautical phrases that will make your life easier in marinas and harbours:
At the marina:
- ¿Hay algún amarre libre? — Is there a berth available?
- ¿Dónde está la gasolinera? — Where is the fuel dock?
- Necesito agua y electricidad — I need water and electricity
- ¿Cuánto cuesta por noche? — How much per night?
- Mi eslora es de 12 metros — My boat length is 12 metres
On the radio:
- Puerto de Palma, Puerto de Palma, aquí velero [name] — Palma port, this is sailing vessel [name]
- Solicito permiso para entrar — I request permission to enter
- Recibido — Received/understood
Emergency:
- ¡Hombre al agua! — Man overboard!
- Necesitamos ayuda — We need help
- Hay una emergencia a bordo — There is an emergency on board
Most marina staff speak English, but making the effort in Spanish is always appreciated. And in the smaller ports outside Palma, English isn’t always spoken.
Anyone want to add to the list?
Great list Katrin! I’d add some Mallorquín (the local Catalan dialect) too:
- Bon dia — Good day (this is how people actually greet each other here, more than ‘Buenos días’)
- Gràcies — Thank you
- De res — You’re welcome
The locals really appreciate it when foreigners make an effort with Mallorquín, even just a few words. It shows respect for the culture.
Also useful: ‘No hi ha problema’ — No problem. You’ll hear this a lot in marinas!
This is so useful! I’ve been here two years and my Spanish is still embarrassingly basic. I can order food and get a taxi but marina Spanish is a whole different vocabulary. Saving this post!
Does anyone know of good Spanish classes in Palma? I should really make the effort properly.
As an Italian, Spanish was relatively easy to pick up, but the nautical terminology is different even between Italian and Spanish. The radio procedures are universal though — just remember to use the NATO phonetic alphabet for your boat name.
One more useful phrase: ‘¿Puede repetir, por favor?’ — Can you repeat please? Essential for radio communication when you don’t quite catch what they said!
I’ll confess my Spanish is poor after five years here, which is embarrassing. The marina staff in Pollença are very patient with me. But Katrin is right — making the effort matters. I’ve found that even my terrible accent gets a warmer reception than just speaking English at people.
I’m going to practise these phrases before my next fuel stop!
We’ve enrolled in Spanish classes at a language school in Palma. Starting next month! We figured if we’re going to live here, we need to commit to learning properly. Will definitely add these nautical phrases to our vocabulary list.