2017 MYBA Charter Show Round Up

The 2017 MYBA Charter Show, hosted for the first time in Barcelona's OneOcean Port Vell this year, came and went in a flood of excitement and... rain! Despite the missed opportunity for branded brollies the show was well organized, easy to get around and, for the most part, even the Wi-Fi was good.

Being the first year in a new venue, constructive feedback on the dock included the need for more 'servicios', a more visible security presence and polite requests for more generous catering at the official cocktail party, essentially all easy fixes which didn't detract from the overall success of the event. 

Some facts and figures on attendance released by The MYBA Charter Show confirm a total of 1,625 visitors, with 56 yachts representing a total of 2437.9 linear metres and 29.000 gross tonnes. A total of 554 crew worked onboard welcoming a total of 495 brokers and charter managers keen to appraise the options ahead of the Med season.

A total of 107 exhibitors showcased the finest products and services on the superyacht circuit, while the Show itself attracted 25 sponsors including the official sponsor BWA Yachting.  

There's no doubt this year's Show attracted a lot of attention due to the pulling power of Barcelona, but equally to the sterling marketing efforts of MYBA, OneOcean Port Vell and enthusiastic posts on social media by industry professionals creating a buzz around the #mybachartershow thread. Delighted fans also caught a glimpse of Spanish tennis icon Raphael Nadal flying the flag on the passerelle!

Highlights for crew included the Superyacht Chefs Competition, sponsored by SuperYachtWorld and Sagittarius Spain which set a genuine challenge as much for the judges as participating chefs who produced an array of inspired dishes. There was also a table scaping competition for the interior department and the inaugural cocktail competition 'Art in a Glass'. Deserving winners were as follows: 

Winners: MYBA Chefs Competition

Yachts 56m and above

1st - Dean Conbeer (ICON)
2nd - Lee Easdon (NERO)
3rd - Simon Phillips (DOUBLE DOWN) 

Yachts from 40 to 54m

1st - Mikeldi Corcuera (MQ2)
2nd - James Perry (NASSIMA)
3rd - Spiro Pavlic (PRIDE)

Yachts up to 39m

1st - Jean Mathee (TWILIGHT)
2nd - Daniel WIlbor (TAKARA)
3rd - Mark Rostant (CHEETAH MOON)

 

Pictured: Winner of the Chefs Competition (yachts above 56m)
Dean Conbeer on M/Y ICON

Winners: Table Scaping Competition

Yachts 56m and above

1st - Stewardesses (DOUBLE DOWN) 
2nd - Daniel Wellman (SILVER ANGEL)
Special mention - Stewardesses (NERO)

Yachts from 40 to 54m

1st - Malcolm Bowers (TALISMAN MAITON)
2nd - Megan Rutty (MIRAGE)

Yachts up to 39m

1st - Holly Eccleson (CHEETAH MOON)
2nd - Christine Snyder (TWILIGHT) 

 

Pictured: Winner of the 'Art in a Glass' Cocktail Competition
Kate Barnett on M/Y CHEETAH MOON 

Best Yacht of the Show

Winner of the Best Yacht of the Show, voted by attending brokers was 70m Feadship JOY, delivered last year and managed by Burgess.

JOY is the result of a collaboration between Bannenberg and Rowell, producing exquisite exterior lines, artistic use of glass and five decks offering vast outdoor space ideal for summer cruising. Studio Indigo designed her vibrant interior with eight luxury cabins for 12 guests, and a large gym and spa room complete with an on board masseuse. 

As the host town for any event Barcelona is pretty ideal in terms of transport, accomodation, excellent cuisine and the friendliness of Spanish locals. There's also plenty to see in the way of fabulous architechture, street art, fine art and history if you plan to stay a while longer. For superyachts and crew, OneOcean Port Vell seems to have it all and they certainly have a lot to shout about. 

*All images courtesy of Bluei Productions