Bigger, busier and back where it began: All the highlights from the MYBA Charter Show 2025

The MYBA Charter Show returned to its roots in Sanremo this year, marking the 35th show since its debut in the Italian Riviera town. Held from 28 April to 1 May at Portosole Marina, the 2025 show built on the momentum of last year, with a larger fleet, record-breaking attendance and glorious weather all contributing to a vibrant atmosphere across the docks.

"Returning to Sanremo proved to be a wise and rewarding decision," says MYBA president Raphael Sauleau. "Positioned near the heart of the Western Med yachting hub, with many yachts wintering nearby and improved logistics via Nice, the location was ideal."

The show saw 81 charter-ready yachts this year, ranging from 16.8 metres to 90 metres in length – a 40 per cent increase over the 58 yachts present in 2024. Visitor numbers were also up, with 1,081 attendees recorded compared to last year’s 1,030. "Based on what I have heard so far, many felt this was one of the best MYBA Charter Shows in years," says Güneş Aysun, chair of the MYBA Charter Show Panel.

The largest superyacht in attendance was represented by Large Yacht Corp, Oceanco’s 90-metre Luna, which was awarded Motor Yacht of the Year at the 2019 World Superyacht Awards when she was known as Dar and has since been kept in pristine condition.

The show also welcomed a wave of new charter yachts, with crews pulling out all the stops for their grand debuts. One standout was 72.8-metre Lürssen Starfire, available for charter with Northrop & Johnson, whose gleaming new white hull was almost unrecognisable after a comprehensive year-long refit at Abeking & Rasmussen. Helping attendees navigate the marina was MYS, which provided a convenient sea shuttle system. The show’s social calendar was packed with events for exhibitors, brokers and crew, including the Captains’ Dinner at Villa Nobel, sponsored by Luise Yachting Italy, and the Show Opening Cocktail, sponsored by Begüm Yachting. Exhibitors enjoyed their own dedicated party, while the invitation-only Yacht Party gave attendees the chance to celebrate on board in style. This year also marked the return of daily seminars, including a VAT workshop led by H&V Yachting and a presentation by Navozyme, on behalf of MYBA, on a new tool for brokers called YACHTFOLIO Router.

"What stood out the most to me was the energy and spirit on the docks," Aysun says. "Sanremo welcomed us warmly and the entire community came together. The weather was on our side, which always helps, but what really made the show special was the level of engagement from everyone."

Crew members played a starring role throughout the event, especially in the show’s signature competitions. This year’s MYBA Superyacht Chefs’ Competition challenged culinary talent to present "Wellness on a Plate" in the form of a healthy yet indulgent brunch. Winners included Keegan Oliver of 52.3-metre La Mirage, Joshua Urdang of 37.2-metre Away and Cloé Caillaud of 28.8-metre Cartouche. Meanwhile, interior crew impressed with their flair for design in the Tablescaping Competition, based on the theme "A Touch of Jade". Top honours went to Aimie Keech of 72.8-metre Starfire, Angeliki Stamouli of 43.5-metre This Is It and Morena Celestini of 29.6-metre Seataly.

Another highlight was the All Hands On Deck Competition, which tasked crew with devising imaginative charter guest activities during inclement weather.

This year’s winning teams came from 81.3-metre Alfa Nero, 47-metre Acqua Chiara and 27.6-metre Unicka. The show wrapped up with a celebratory blast of horns and a glamorous crew party at Victory Morgana, honouring the dedication of the 714 crew members who helped make this year’s MYBA Charter Show another success.

Find out more information about the MYBA Charter Show by visiting its website.

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