The Palma Superyacht Show, the only public brokerage and charter show organised by the superyacht industry, has not only established itself as a major event on the yachting calendar but has also developed into a show of standing. This 4th edition of the show took place from the 28th of April until the 2nd of May and has proved to be the biggest and most successful to date.

 

Despite the weathergods doing their best to put a dampener on proceedings, this year’s show managed to attract over 35,000 visitors without the added benefit of a public holiday during the show for the first time in three years. So, just a small decrease on last year’s numbers when we had a heatwave plus a public holiday to assist the numbers.

 

This 4^th edition proudly presented some of the world’s most famous super yachts over 24m, all immediately available for charter and/or sale – just in time for the summer season. A line-up of 65 yachts included the 45m record-breaking, high-performance sail yacht Mari Cha III, (she beat the Transatlantic Record in 1998 and the Sydney to Hobart record in 1999) to the iconic 49m Feadship motor yacht MQ2. This show-stealing mega yacht is fresh from an extensive refit here in Palma and exudes the legendary quality of the Dutch yard.

 

The organisers once again did a good job, especially in attracting 65 Superyachts to the show, almost 50 of them sailboats, which is a niche the show has no doubt well and truly built up over the past four shows. The brokers are still keen to attract more motoryachts to the show, citing that the global sales for motoryachts represents around 90% of Superyacht annual sales. From my personal point of view, I think the sailboats add much more to the physical appearance of the show than the motoryachts and are more interesting to the public, especially the likes of the classic yacht Eleonora, which we were fortunate enough to inspect.

The general feeling I got from most stand holders was one of optimism for the season ahead, particularly on the charter side where it seems more and more yachts have now got their head around the legislation and understand that Spain is open for business !

 

We got the views of a few exhibitors after this year’s show to see what they thought.

“Whilst no-one can control the weather, the Palma show was a success and this is in part due to the excellent organisation and the strong showing of sailing vessels in particular. The ability to see so many sailing vessels in one place at the same time is rare and was a genuine draw for both existing and new clients. Reflecting Palma’s amazing marine service skills and the ability to berth, maintain and repair such vessels combined with beautiful cruising grounds, is a major positive.”

Jim Acher
Sales & Charter Broker Bluewater Yachting

 

Despite the changeable weather we had a great show. Some old faces and better still some new.Time will tell now what comes out of it but feeling positive and we all had a great time!

David Ireland –  Managing Director Deckers

 

Once again the show proved to be a huge success despite the weather. The Visedo electric propulsion unit on the ETY stand attracted a lot of attention from engineers and designers resulting in two very significant enquiries since the show. Oc3an also received a number of enquiries on the stand in particular for lighting including an underwater lighting project for a 60m motor yacht. Lumishore flew in especially to present their range of superyacht weld-in and retrofit underwater fittings.

Steve Worrall ETY Superyacht Electrical Services

 

 

“The Palma International Boat Show is the Mediterranean top Show of the nautical industry, we are very satisfied with the results, the quality of the visitors and the wide variety of nationalities represented by visitors to the fair. It is the perfect stage on which to present new products and services to our customers, partners, media and suppliers. For this reason Yacht Center Palma will be next year in the Palma Boat Show 2017 trying to repeat the success of the 2016 edition”.

Andreas H. Bodmer CEO Yacht Center Palma

 

“We noted a definite improvement in the quality of the visitors and also noted a good range of yachts on display”, said Diane Franklin from The Consortium. “We signed contracts during the show and will definitely return next year”,

 

Pat Bullock, from Network Marine Consultants, stated, “This year the Palma Superyacht Show was better than ever! We have been exhibiting since its beginning and have witnessed a marked increase in both the international visitors attending and the interest it has created within the industry as a whole”

 

 

 

An added attraction this year was the entertainment provided by Fun Fair Port Adriano that took place every afternoon during the first three days of the show. These colourful mime artists entertained young and old with their dock side folly and hilarious antics.

 

For the third year running the team at Blue Café & Gastrobar served Michelin starred Marc Fosh’ famous creations from tasty tapas to mouthwatering main courses, all sprinkled – of course – with a little Fosh-inspired magic. The adjacent Nyetimber Lounge, sponsored by the makers of the British award-winning Nyetimber sparkling wines, perfectly complemented the experience.

 

On the social side, an abundance of parties took place. The Palma Superyacht Show Welcome Cocktail, hosted by Marine Survey Bureau, took place after the first day of the show, provided a networking event for both captains and exhibitors to meet and catch up over a drink and enjoy the wonderful canapés provided by Marc Fosh catering. Another well-attended event was hosted by Fraser Yachts, celebrating the launch of their yacht management division in Palma de Mallorca, at a nearby restaurant on Friday the 29^th of April.

 

In the right place at the right time, the Palma Superyacht Show ticks all the boxes for yachts, exhibitors and visitors alike. The winning factor, however, is the show’s same laid-back and friendly atmosphere that characterises Mallorca itself.

 

The Palma Superyacht Show might remain relatively small compared to some, but on a professional level, it is second to none and additionally boasts distinct island flair and a big personality to boot. With this 4th edition’s success in attracting the most prominent exhibitors and most prestigious super yachts, we’re already very excited about our 2017 edition.

 

For information regarding the Show, contact Jane Thompson

T +34 605 223 202E info@palmasuperyachtshow.com or visit www.palmasuperyachtshow.com

 

For press information and/or photography contact Pat Sakellari

T +30 210 9859486 E patsakellari@gmail.com