In only the second year since it began, the 2014 Palma Superyacht Show is unquestionably fulfilling its potential as the Mediterranean’s most attractive ‘season opener’.
From an international visitor’s perspective, Majorca’s hospitable climate, combined with mainland Europe’s 1st May public holiday, have made the prospect of visiting the Show an attractive proposition.
From an organisational point of view, take-up has exceeded all expectations, with berths for over half the expected number of 60+ yachts over 24m length taken, and 75% of shore-side exhibitor stand space already allocated.
Running concurrently with the 31st Boat Show Palma, in the heart of Palma, exhibitors and visitors benefit from the very real prospect that yachts can be sold and charters booked in comfortable readiness for the coming season.
As the only public admission event organized by the industry itself, the Show remains unique and commencing this year, benefits from a recently signed partnership agreement with MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Association.
Returning exhibitor, Paul Allan, Business Development Manager of Palma Refit and member of Refit Alliance, said “The Refit Alliance is an open and transparent group of five or six specialist companies offering complete flexibility and no internal politics! For us, being at the Show provides a great marketing opportunity to discuss refit opportunities and summer cruising support with international owners, captains and senior crew”.
Unlike other shows, Palma Superyacht has a unique and pleasing ability to attract an approx 50:50 ratio of sail to power.
Confirmed highlights from the beauty of sail include Mystere – 43.2m, currently the largest sailing yacht signed so far and for sale through Ocean Independence. Ganesha 1 - 38.9m, built by Fitzroy Yachts 2006 and shown by McMasters Yachts. Scorpione dei mari - 29.10m, built in 2005 and refitted in 2010/11, is one of two magnificent Jongerts on show from Dahm International’s Palma office.
Northrop & Johnson senior broker/director, Simon Turner and his team will be displaying three yachts, including the 23.98m s/y Paula Rosa, Seaway Shipman 80, built in 2008 and having been owned, enjoyed and thoroughly spoilt by a private family ever since.
Summarising progress so far, CNI Palma, Senior Yacht Broker and member of the Superyacht Show organising committee, Arne Ploch, said “Most of the yachts attending fall between 28m and 35m, with the 47m Heesen Let it Be the largest booked to attend so far, but that’s likely to change in between now and when yacht registrations close on 1st April.”
