As temperatures in sunny Palma de Mallorca are starting to rise, anticipation is also starting to brew for the 5th edition of the Palma Superyacht Show. Since its debut in 2013, it’s not only become a not-to-be-missed event on the yachting calendar but also a show with its own unique identity. This year’s event promises to strengthen the show’s success even further by being the biggest to date in terms of participating yachts and number of exhibitors.
The show’s organizers are not only passionate about finding innovative ways to meet the needs of their visitors and exhibitors, but are also committed to responding to the latest developments in the superyacht industry. This year’s inaugural Refit & Repair area is the show’s response to the island’s thriving big-boat maintenance business. This new B2B section will see a heavy focus on industry professionals and will consist of 21 fully-equipped three-by-three metre stands. The already much-hyped about Refit & Repair area will be complemented by the ‘Captain’s Corner’, which will consist of a bar - deliciously run by Fosh Food - as well as a large tent where pioneering presentations, seminars and product launches will take place. Companies keen to utilise this interactive way to connect with existing customers and potential new clients, are advised to get in touch with us as soon as possible, as there are only a few slots available.
Visitors will be treated to an irresistibly varied line-up of more than 70 of the world’s most stunning superyachts. From 60m mega motor yachts to light-weight performance cruisers: all yachts will be immediately available for charter and/or sale - just in time for the Mediterranean summer season. One of the iconic superyachts that is sure to draw a crowd is the 34.14m SELJM. No stranger on the classic yacht regatta circuit, she claimed the prestigious Concours d'Elegance award at the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and numerous other podium finishes at the world’s most renowned events. Additionally, SELJM has circumnavigated the globe no less than three times.
The 59m mega yacht MAYBE, built by MetalSHIPS & Docks, boasts being the largest yacht to have ever been built and designed in Spain. This magnificent motor yacht was launched only last year and apart from her sleek lines and 5000 nautical mile range, has numerous other aces up her sleeve, like a gym, spa, jacuzzi, sauna, lift, helicopter landing pad and movie theatre.
Event coordinator Jane Thompson states that 98% of shore-side exhibitor stand space was already snapped up last year by the most prominent movers and shakers in the large superyacht sector. Moreover, no less than 85% of exhibitors (60 in total) are returning participants. Astilleros de Mallorca, a yard that refits/repairs more than 120 yachts annually and celebrates their 75th anniversary this year, have been taking part since the very beginning. Superyacht finishers Nautipaints are also long-term exhibitors. Company CEO Toni Salom comments: “We are delighted to be exhibiting at the show for the fourth consecutive year, and return for this 2017 edition with our largest stand to date. In our opinion the show has the best infrastructure in the Mediterranean, not to mention an unrivalled networking service within our home city of Palma.” Roger Horner, Managing Director of e3 Systems commented: “We have been involved with the Show since it started in 2013. We attend shows all around the world but it’s fantastic to have a truly international show right here on our doorstep, in Palma. It gets bigger and better each year: attracting high quality visitors from around the world. This year we have taken a second stand with our partner Kymeta to showcase revolutionary new flat panel antennas.”
The show is equally excited to welcome first-time exhibitors Nautor Swan Service Centre and the locally based Crew & Concierge. Nautor Swan Service Centre will be located next to Nautor Swan Brokerage, well-established brokers of fast, good-to-sail top quality yachts. Crew & Concierge Recruitment Consultant Megan Hazell mentions they "are thrilled to be exhibiting at this years Superyacht Show. Celebrating our tenth anniversary, this is a great opportunity to connect with crew and clients who have been with us since day one or will work with us in the future."
Main Image © Gaston Westphal