The Future of Superyachts Conference took place at the wonderful Hotel Saratoga, on Palma Mallorca’s prestigious Paseo Mallorca. The first time the conference has returned to the island for several years, it was an absolute raging success with tickets selling out and standing room only for those who made the last minute decision to join.

Palma is the perfect venue for such a conference as the future of superyachts is certainly a subject close to the heart of the island in terms of industry, marinas, berths, refits, charters, tourism and the environment. The list is endless. On the back of this profound interest Quaynote Communications, the specialist conference company partnered with superyacht specialist magazine The Islander and were able to attract many high profile speakers and delegates from within the industry’s esteemed walls.

Targeting superyacht managers, marina operators, charter agents, lawyers, corporate service providers, tax consultants, registries, refit & repair yards, industry associations, captains, brokers, and other professionals, The Future of Superyachts brought together senior industry figures for networking and discussion, acknowledging the importance of Spain as a superyacht hub and destination.

The topics discussed included global trends and the market in Spain, the moorage problem, Tenders & Toys, the role of aviation in superyacht operations, refit – painting & warranty, marina development around the world, VAT and taxation and importantly, the future of Palma.

Ken Hickling, Chairman of the one day conference in his closing speech summed up the key themes of the day by saying that his three key takeaways from the show were Flexibility, Adaptability and Responsibility. That we are in a changing world and industry at the moment and whilst the end product of the superyachts will remain the same, the process of reaching that end product are going to have to improve by injecting those three words into the heart of it.

Simon Relph, Owner and Editor of The Islander Magazine said: “The 2019 Superyacht Conference was, in my opinion, a cracking day with high level participants and speakers alike. The day threw up some interesting facts and opinions. Charter in Spain was well down in 2019, in spite of an increase in charter licences being issued, and the opinions expressed were basically those related to costs in comparison with places like Greece. One Captain gave an example of being quoted 2,200 euros per night in Ibiza compared to 600 euros in Greece ! This, coupled with provisioning costs, limited moorings and our rate of VAT were said to be the main causes. There was a feeling that the Balearics were being left behind in terms of our facilities in looking after the larger Superyachts. Mainland Spain seems to be getting a jump on the Balearics which is a concern.

We sometimes don’t like to hear any negativity, but if we are to keep Palma and the Balearics at the forefront of the industry these issues need addressing.”

Feedback from the day at the post conference drinks hosted on the stunning Es Baluard terrace were extremely positive and it is hoped that this will be the first annual conference to be hosted in Palma in the coming years, as we as an industry come together to effect change.

For further commentary on the day head to Youtube where you can find Yachtfilm’s roundup of The Future of Superyachts Conference 2019.