The ICOMIA Marinas Group (IMG) “Golden Cleat Marina Award’ is a newly created distinction designed to honour outstanding individuals who have demonstrated a true commitment to the global marina community throughout their careers.
It will come as no surprise to those in the industry that this prestigious honour was awarded to Majorca based Oscar Siches at the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference in Dubai. The conference attracted 200 delegates from 24 countries making it a truly global event despite covid travel restrictions.
Suzanne Davies, CEO Marina Industries Association commented, “On behalf of all members of the Marina Industries Association in the Asia Pacific region, our congratulations to Oscar Siches on receiving a Golden Cleat Award. While this award recognises a ‘lifetime of dedication’, we certainly hope it doesn’t end there. Oscar has been a great contributor globally and has shared his insights and knowledge over the years addressing our biennial Marinas International Conference and Trade Exhibition and we look forward to that continuing for some time yet.”
The criteria for the award were set around 2 key areas:
Dedication – Exceptional leadership, advocacy and dedication to the betterment of the world’s marina industry
Sustainability and Innovation- An industry leader who has demonstrated leading edge mindset and commitment that would result in sustainability, innovation and environment protection
There is no one who is more deserving of this award than Oscar Siches. His consummate professionalism alongside his infectious humour and style is well known to many.
Oscar who was totally surprised by this honour stated, “Well established awards reinforce the feeling of belonging to any organization. Awards send two messages: the first is the recognition of an exceptional performance by the winner. The second is that the reception of the award is not over when the ceremony finishes. The recipient should remain, as much as possible an example to be followed, encouraging peers and fellow industry colleagues to excel in what they do and become candidates for the award’s following editions. The honour of receiving the first Golden Cleat Award is humbling and I will work to be the best ambassador possible for our industry.”
Oscar has considerable experience in the boating industry having skippered sail and power yachts in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, both for private and charter clients. Oscar gained firsthand knowledge of the industry as a partner and manager of two marinas in Palma de Mallorca, over a period of 15 years. He currently consults on the design and operation of marina projects in various countries and is a designer of customized marina elements. He is a Certified Marina Professional, member of ICOMIA’s Marinas Committee, member of PIANC Recreational Navigation Committee, Convenor (coordinator) of Work group “yacht harbours” at the ISO organization and founding member of the Asia Pacific Superyacht Association and the Global Marina Institute, where he served 6 years as a director. Oscar has also been a speaker at more than 30 marina conferences in 12 countries in the last 14 years. He is one of the main contributors to Marina World magazine, a columnist in a local Mallorca nautical publication and his articles are widely enjoyed in many international publications. The scope of Oscar’s involvement and his support for the industry has been enormous and has impacted many.
Singapore based GMBA Consultant YP Yoke stated, “I have known Oscar for many years – we were fellow members of the ICOMIA Marinas Group (IMG). Prior to the pandemic we met at least once a year, every time in a different location, for a business meeting, a meeting with the local host & administrators to learn what their challenges were, and a field trip to see the local marina infrastructure. There was always time for camaraderie and fellowship. Oscar is never afraid to speak his mind, and always has a refreshing perspective, even on the mundane. I can’t think of a more deserving candidate for this inaugural award”
The universal mission of the ICOMIA Marinas Group (IMG) is to improve the quality of the recreational boating experience through the development of marinas, yacht harbors, boatyards and small boat launching ramps. Acknowledgement by the industry of the valuable work so many stakeholders are doing within this sector is important as organisations like ICOMIA and the Boating Industries Association continue working to create the best possible environment for the boating industry.
For further information
Maryanne Edwards
Email: medwards@gmba.blue or info@gmba.blue
Mobile:+61412916036
Website: www.gmba.blue
N.B. Global Marine Business Advisors and its associated website www.gmba.blue are not registered legal entities. GMBA is a network of independent marine industry advisors.