Dear Islander,

With the madness of Monaco now well behind us, our attentions turn to Amsterdam later this month and METS. Just as mad but in a different way!

Overall the general feeling of Monaco was moderately encouraging, with some brokers reporting brisk business whilst others were bemoaning the lack of retail customers. It certainly feels more like a B2B show each year, with many businesses taking the opportunity to hold social events and entertain clients around the various watering holes of Monaco.

METS is a more down to earth show, and one which I always enjoy enormously. It is the showcase for all new equipment launches as well as the Global Superyacht Forum, which presents a great networking opportunity for those involved in the industry.

This month sees those heading across the pond getting ready to either set sail or get loaded on to one of the yacht transport ships ready for the Caribbean season. We have started a Caribbean section in this issue of The Islander, with the intention of keeping our readers informed of the various activities happening out there during our winter season.

Another new feature of The Islander Magazine starting this month, is an in depth look at a different marina each month in the Western Med. We kick the series off with OneOcean Port Vell in Barcelona, one of the newest and most hi- tec marinas around, and now the host of the prestigious MYBA Charter Show in April 2017.

The refit season is now well underway here in Palma, with STP rapidly turning into what looks like a tented village ! It is great to see the yards such a hive of activity and also seeing so many new crew arrive on the island seeking work within the industry. The training schools I know, are very busy , a sure sign that Palma has become THE Crew centre of the Med, with many making the island their home.

Finally, it has been heartening to see how the yachtie world has rallied round , especially here in Palma to raise a huge amount of money for a local yachting industry young man , Gareth Pullen who desperately needs a brain operation. There are very few surgeons in the world who can perform this surgery, and all are very expensive. Gareth has fund a Dr in Berlin who will perform the op for 28,000 euro. The industry both here and his home town of Hamble have raised virtually the whole amount inside a month…… truly amazing, and I know Gareth would like us to thank you all on his behalf. WE now just look forward to a successful operation in the very near future.

Fair Winds