The season opener takes the spotlight with 40 years of nautical glamour
In the very heart of the Mediterranean, Palma de Mallorca eagerly awaits the Palma International Boat Show (PIBS) and Superyacht Village (SYV) from April 25th to 28th, 2024. A key event for nautical enthusiasts, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the show and brings a renewed focus on sustainability and economic impact in the region.
Marina Moll Vell in The Heart of Palma
The Palma International Boat Show, organized by The Business Innovation Institute of the Balearic Islands (IDI), is renowned for opening the Mediterranean nautical season. Located at the picturesque Moll Vell, nestled at the foot of the cathedral, the show converges boat builders, brokerage houses, marine technology, and the Mediterranean luxury lifestyle and this year with even more events surrounding the show including conferences and exclusive networking opportunities, it promises to be the most successful event in the show’s history.
“Palma International Boat Show is a benchmark internationally, setting the stage for the nautical sector and marking the beginning of a thrilling Mediterranean season,” remarks Steen Christensen, Sale & Purchase Broker at FRASER YACHTS.
Lottie Underwood UK Manager at MEROS, the Co-ownership company for Sunseeker Yachts emphasises “PIBS is always an incredible event where we get to showcase the best that Mallorca has to offer both on land and sea. Mallorca is a MEROS hub with an office in Portals, it is of great importance to us and our clients. It’s a true gateway to the Med.”
PIBS, SYV and the Steer Towards Sustainability
The 2024 edition is steering towards sustainability with a comprehensive plan to reduce the environmental footprint and enhance social and economic aspects. The commitment extends to measuring the carbon footprint, waste management, and water consumption. A sustainability catalogue will guide exhibitors, suppliers, and visitors towards a greener future.
Exploring the Epitome of Luxury at Palma Superyacht Village
The Palma Superyacht Village, synonymous with exclusivity, takes centre stage as the show within the show. An exclusive brokerage and charter show dedicated to yachts 24m and above, it boasts 80 yachts on display for sale or charter, showcasing the epitome of luxury. With 75 international exhibitors providing top-notch services to the yachting industry, PSV is a hub for the industry to gather as well as for clients visiting the diverse range of vessels on display.
“The Palma Superyacht Village is a great showcase of yachts for charter and sale. After 10 years, it’s a very well-established show, and I expect this year’s event in 2024 to be another success,” states Barbara Müller, Senior Charter Broker at OCEAN Independence Palma.
Tim Carbury, Sales Broker at Moravia Yachting, emphasised the strategic timing of the show. “The PSV is a fabulous show that is well attended by qualified clients, and a show that I have had considerable success at over the past few years. It’s perfectly timed to kick off the Med season for any new buyers.”
The Inaugural Balearic Superyacht Forum
A pivotal event and new this year to the Palma International Boat Show is The Balearic Superyacht Forum. Organized by the Balearic Marine Cluster, IDI and the collaboration of The Superyacht Group, this international superyacht forum spans April 24th and 25th.
The forum’s agenda promises a captivating exploration of innovation, sustainability, and the evolution of Palma’s nautical repair and refit industry. Experts and professionals will engage in dynamic discussions on the opportunities and challenges facing the Balearic Islands as an international nautical tourism destination.
Brokers Set Sail for Success
As anticipation builds, prominent yacht brokers share their excitement and expectations for the PIBS and the Superyacht Village. The consensus amongst those in the know is clear—that the Palma shows are a vital rendezvous for clients looking to buy and charter yachts in the upcoming season and this represents a unique value proposition, setting Palma apart amongst the plethora of boat shows in the ever-expanding yachting calendar.
Stephanie Skinner, Company Owner at SNS Yacht Charter, adds, “I am excited about the 2024 Palma Superyacht Village! I make fantastic new contacts and visitor numbers are steadily increasing. It’s a great networking opportunity but also a perfect moment to reconnect with industry colleagues.”
Thomas Harder at Mallorca Marine Group enthuses, ”This show is an absolute MUST for us and forms the basis of our yearly calendar on a par with Düsseldorf Boot and the Cannes Yachting Festival.”
Superyacht Partners, a brokerage house with a track record of success, is particularly optimistic about this year’s show. Director Will Bishop, reflecting on last year’s achievement, states, “I see the Palma show as one of the most important on the brokerage calendar—it is really the only pre-season show to allow buyers and sellers to connect on a large scale, at the traditionally busiest time of year in terms of sales. Buyers can inspect several boats, make an offer, survey and sea trial and be on the water for the start of the cruising season.”
As the Palma International Boat Show and the Palma Superyacht Village prepare to unveil their offerings, the stage is set for an immersive experience that intertwines maritime tradition, new technologies, sustainability, and networking opportunities set in the breathtaking surroundings of a jewel in the Mediterranean crown, Our city by the sea, Palma de Mallorca.
For more information and updates, visit palmainternationalboatshow.com/40-aniversario/ and palmasuperyachtshow.com.
Sea, Be Seen and Sail into the Sunset
Our choice of Yachts to explore and purchase at this year’s PIBS and SYV
Pearl 72
The multi-award-winning Pearl 72 is in a class of its own amongst its peers. Packed with features usually found on much larger vessels this powerhouse of engineering, technology and design belies her relatively diminutive 21.99m (72’2”) size. The stand-out design partnership of Bill Dixon Design on the exterior and Kelly Hoppen on the interior made the industry stand to attention with the open-plan ‘Indulgence’ design particularly noteworthy. Visit the Pearl 72 with Mallorca Marine Group at PIBS.
S/Y Shamanna
The 35.1-metre sailing yacht Shamanna, crafted by Finnish yard Nautor Swan and designed by German Frers was delivered in 2016. this GRP yacht boasts a performance cruiser design with a lightweight carbon build, flush deck, and plumb bow. Sailing features include push-button controls, a twin helm for visibility, twin rudders, and a hydraulic lifting keel. With a sleek interior accommodating eight guests in four cabins, Shamanna has undergone a refit, enhancing her appeal. Equipped with a 450hp Scania diesel engine, she reaches a top speed of 12.8 knots. S/Y Shamanna is for sale with Superyacht Partners.
M/Y Blue Infinity One
MEROS Yachtsharing’s Sunseeker 95 yacht, Blue Infinity One, showcased at Boot Düsseldorf, stands out with its custom design and luxurious features. Accommodating 12 guests across five staterooms, the yacht underwent modifications, creating a sheltered forward area, refreshing the paint job, and reconfiguring the flybridge to include a spa bath, crane, Jet Ski, and barbecue. The main saloon boasts a spacious layout with an L-shaped sofa and a dedicated dining area. The master suite exudes serenity with sky-blue furnishings. The exterior offers ocean views from the sundeck’s opulent bar, alfresco dining on the main deck aft, and a top speed of 26.5 knots powered by twin MTU engines. See the MEROS team at PIBS .
S/Y FRIDA
The 70′ Green Marine FRIDA, is a luxury sailing yacht designed for high-performance cruising. Built by Green Marine and managed by X-Yachts Denmark, FRIDA boasts innovative design and construction, featuring a carbon hull, elegant teak veneer interior, and Corian worktops. Accommodating six guests, it includes a master suite with en-suite, two guest cabins, and a crew cabin. The tastefully designed interior offers amenities like a pop-up TV, an electrically adjustable dining/lounging area, and a well-equipped galley. The deck features advanced sailing controls, carbon fibre rigging, and a fold-down bathing platform. Regular maintenance and €400K in upgrades from 2021-2023 ensure FRIDA is in top condition. S/Y FRIDA is for Sale with Northrop & Johnson.
Swan 98
In 1970 a client’s request led to the creation of the Swan 55, one of the world’s largest yachts produced in series and fiberglass at the time. Designed by Germán Frers, it marked the beginning of Swan Maxis. Today, Frers’ elegant designs come to life in Nautor Swan’s modern facility in Pietarsaari, Finland. The Swan 98, a world-girdling performance cruiser, features a dual-purpose deck, combining efficient sailing and stylish lounging spaces. The interior, designed by Misa Poggi, emphasizes tradition and innovation. The Swan 98 on show at this years PIBS/SYV marks the first time the model has been available on the brokerage market. For Sale with Nautor Swan Brokerage.
Omikron OT-60
‘The Motorboat that feels like a Sailboat’ The OT-60 by Omikron Yachts is presented at PIBS. Two renowned sailboat designers were appointed to design this very special long-range Motoryacht OT-60: Juan K. (Naval architect of Club Swan and high-performance racing yachts for Volvo Ocean Race and America’s Cup) and Lorenzo Argento (Co-Founder of Brenta Design) They accepted the challenge of the briefing, to design a low consumption, technical advanced and sustainable Motor Yacht. The result is a nomination for the Europe an Powerboat Award of the Year. Range: 1.000 NM at 8 knots with a consumption is as low as 1,25l/nm. For Sale with Flensburger Yacht-Service