We are slap bang in the middle of the Autumn Boatshow season, Barcelona is in full flow as I write this and with METS, Amsterdam next on the agenda. Always a popular show, we shall be there in force looking at all the latest launches of equipment for the coming season and catching up with contacts and friends from all around the globe. It seems to be the one show which is somewhat more grounded  than some others we could mention, definitely a big plus point for me !

Valencia Boat Show will be underway by the time this issue hits the docks, and this is a show which seems to be gaining traction under the leadership of Nacho Gomez Zarzuela, and Valencia generally is recovering from the doldrums after losing the America’s Cup business. It’s certainly attracting boats from Mallorca who are looking for a less expensive mooring option, and the Varadero offering a full service for those who can’t get into STP.

Grand Harbour Vilanova, just up the road from Valencia, is also providing stiff competition, now that Pendennis have taken over the running of the shipyard, and it was interesting to hear that long time Palma based Lady Moura is spending the winter in Port Denia whilst undergoing a partial refit. And with MB 92 as busy as ever, this part of the Med really seems to be thriving.

The refit season is well underway now, here in Palma , with STP and Astilleros de Mallorca bursting at the seams, and it seems, having more larger yachts here than usual. M/Y Dar and M/Y Dreamboat , both 90 mtr yachts are here in Palma for their winter refits, as well as the 78 mtr C2 and 72 mtr Axioma.

Monaco Yacht Show was seemingly another successful show, with more new yacht launches than ever before, a larger average size of yacht than ever before and more parties than ever before !! The big question for many exhibitors is simply is the cost of exhibiting justified, or could they achieve similar results just by being there and circulating around the show and its periphery. Several long standing exhibitors I have spoken to are certainly questioning their continued participation within the show. Maybe the organisers need to be careful not to kill the goose!

Last month saw the return of the Quaynote Superyacht Conference here in Palma, hosted by the Hotel Saratoga. The feedback seems to have been generally positive, and you can read about it all later in this issue.

Pinmar also held their final fling last month, after handing out over 1,000,000 euros over the years to charitable causes. A sterling effort and an event which will be difficult to replace in the yachting calendar, although I am told to watch this space for further news !!

Fair Winds!

Simon Relph – Editor The Islander