The inaugural edition of The Superyacht Show has kicked off at OneOcean Port Vell in Barcelona. The event, launched by the Large Yacht Brokers Association (LYBRA) and running from May 2 to 5, has welcomed a spectacular line-up of boats from 40 to 76 metres — with many at the upper end of that spectrum. Star turns include the 81.1 metre Abeking & Rasmussen superyacht Kibo, 75.5 metre Oceanco Anastasia and 59.6 metre Benetti Andiamo.
Jonathan Beckett, CEO of Burgess and president of LYBRA, told Boat International that the nascent event is a response to the industry’s need for a “commercially sensible boat show formula”.
“All the member companies of LYBRA invest a considerable amount in the growing number of boat shows around the world every year,” he said. “This is challenging to sustain for companies with large fleets of brokerage yachts in addition to the multi-channel global marketing campaigns that we drive.
“The show is being staged by the industry for the direct benefit of the industry and has been devised to keep the cost of participating as manageable as possible for the yachts,” he continued.
The more reasonable price-tag also makes this more financially viable for charter yachts than other shows of this sort — in which clients rather than charter brokers are the focus. The clout of LYBRA, meanwhile, means those clients are more likely to turn up.
“Charter yachts are generally not on display (unless they are also for sale) at other client-centric boat shows,” said Beckett. “This will provide diversity and opportunities for new business growth in the superyacht industry.”
The timing also places the Superyacht Show in a good position. As Beckett puts it, this is a “prime spring window” when owners are turning their minds to the summer season; while the smart new yacht facilities at OneOcean Port Vell lie in the heart of one of the Mediterranean’s most exciting cities.
“It’s an easy destination to reach and the city itself has great five-star hotels and good restaurants which makes for a pleasant experience for clients,” he said. Complementing the superyachts, a notable selection of luxury companies are displaying at the show, including Aston Martin, the Mandarin Oriental, Airbus Corporate Jets and Helicopters, and many more.
LYBRA members participating in the inaugural show include Burgess, Edmiston & Company, Fraser, IYC, Merle Wood & Associates, Northrop & Johnson, Ocean Independence and Yachtzoo. The organisers plan to expand the line-up in 2019 to incorporate several major shipyards as well.
Boat International is proud to be the principal media partner of the Superyacht Show 2018 and will be providing extensive coverage on every day of the show.