New Repair & Refit section a first for 2017
Growth is the underlying theme at both the 34th Palma Boat Show and 5th Palma Superyacht Shows which start tomorrow and run until Tuesday, May 2. The Palma events are following right behind the MYBA Charter Show held in Barcelona in what represents a mini Spanish boat show season.
The 34th Palma International Boat Show based at Moll Vell has expanded its space to accommodate 220 yachts and boats on the water, a 20% increase on last year, and a 10% increase in the number of exhibitors, with 224 set to show off their wares. The show is organised by IDI (Instut d’Innovació Empresarial de les Illes Balears Conselleria de Treball, Comerç i Indústria).
The 5th edition of the Palma Superyacht Show reports that around 70 yachts are due to be on show over 24m (78.5ft) with 60 exhibitors. The usual dominating presence of sailing yachts is maintained with a 75:25% mix of sail and motor respectively for this year.
To expand its coverage the show includes a dedicated Repair and Refit section which includes a mix of local and international exhibitors highlighting their services and facilities.
The show, organised by the Balearic Yacht Brokers Association and Arne Ploch of CNI, has become a key fixture: «The show is now very well established as an important event in the International Nautical Calendar and has been fully subscribed since the beginning of the year,» claimed Arne Ploch. «2017 will see a modest increase in the number of superyachts on display – with about 67 vessels ranging from 24m to 60m(197ft).”
He added: “Following the increased popularity of the Balearics as a charter destination 2017 will see more charter yachts on display (about 30%). As in previous years the combined Palma Boat Show and Palma Superyacht Show will provide a range of eateries and complementary facilities both within Moll Vell and nearby. Refit and Repair facilities will feature strongly this year.”
Commenting on the Palma events, Iago Negueruela, the Balearic Minister for Employment, Trade and Industry, said: “This year’s show will be displaying the latest trends in yachting and maintenance as well as nautical services. The show is an example of public-private collaboration between the government and the nautical sector and as an event at an international level for the industry, nautical tourism and the thousands who visit the show each year.”
The first day will see an Investors Forum being held which will have some 40 potential investors and start-up businesses attending.
In terms of the MYBA Charter Show which has been running since April 24 and ends today its seems by all reports to have had a good first edition at its new home at Marina Port Vell in Barcelona. It attracted 56 yachts which translates into two very impressive totals: 2437.9 linear metres and 29.000 gross tonnes. There are 554 crew members and 495 brokers & charter managers in attendance all contributing to the success of the event and inspecting and appraising the yachts on display.
In addition there are 107 exhibitor stands that are showcasing the finest ancillary services on the market, and 25 sponsors expressing their support. The total number of attendees is over 1,600.
Palma International Boat and Superyacht shows both grow as demand rises _ IB