This year will mark the 29th edition and a new chapter in the history of one of the most important events of the year for charter professionals.

OneOcean Port Vell has fast become a prominent superyacht destination with excellent facilities and infrastructure, located in one of Europe’s liveliest cities, famous for its architecture, art and avant-garde culture, as well as its creativity and forward thinking.

The event was previously held in Genoa for 15 years and prior to that, San Remo. The new location represents a major shake-up for the charter industry, and Australian proponents believe it will reboot interest from international brokers, captains and owners, creating a dynamic and diverse show.

“Barcelona is an incredible city, with great facilities,” said Richard Morris, director at Australian Superyachts.” They will be able to accommodate many more boats in one place, compared to Genoa. There are challenges, in so fat as the Gulf of Lion can be tricky, but the bigger boats won’t have any trouble.”

Australian Superyachts will attend as charter central agents, representing M/Y Paradise, M/Y Delisle III and three new boats in build. “Everybody is very positive and we are going to give it a red-hot go!”

Peter Redford, Director Australia for Fraser Yachts, said the company will be flying its flag in Barcelona, and commemorating its own milestone, 70 years in business in 2017.

Redford said Barcelona is an ideal location for the show: “Barcelona is an excellent city. A lot of the biggest superyachts in the world are moored in Barcelona. It is a vibrant city that could attract more clients and key people from the industry. We are looking forward to inspecting as many yachts as possible and meeting our industry colleagues.”

As he explained, the MYBA Charter Show is one of the most important events on the calendar.

“It is a trade-only show catering solely to MYBA members and YACHTFOLIO subscribers, and is not open to the public. Every year it attracts an increasing number of yachts, owners, agents, brokers and all those companies that have an activity related to the yachting world, making this event one of the most appealing for those that are interested in this sector and looking for some intra-industry networking.

“The state-of-the-art €680 million marina is a very attractive substitute for what Genoa had to offer. OneOcean Port Vell is an excellent marina with great facilities and a very modern yacht club. It is considered to be one of the largest marinas in the world with the capacity to accommodate large superyachts and events.”

Laurie Foulon from Ocean Alliance will attend with the aim of networking with the international charter brokers the company works with: “The majority of European brokers will be there as it’s one of the biggest shows just prior to the Med season. It is important to renew our connections face to face, inspect the yachts, attend the forums and briefings, chat to captains about itineraries and owners’ plans, and fly the flag for Australia and its cruising grounds.”

Ocean Alliance, central agent for nine yachts in Australia, from 30 to 45-metres, customarily distributes information on itineraries and options in Australia, as well as contributing to panel discussions and briefings on Australia as a fascinating destination for charter vacations.

“As this is the first edition held at the brand-new marina, it will be interesting to see what the captains think and how they view what is traditionally ‘the other side of the Med’. It is rising in popularity, and great for a change of scenery and a different flavour,” Foulon added.

On the topic of flavours, crucial to proceedings over the four days are the lunches and dinners on board the luxury superyachts that will gather for the event. “The annual chef competition is part of the display. MYBA members judge crews on their flair and originality. It’s great fun and an excellent way to showcase this important asset of a charter yacht. Cuisine on board can make or break an experience.”

Northrop & Johnson Australia will be there, too. As Managing Director Cameron Bray explains: “It’s imperative for two reasons: to promote Destination Australia and to promote the 12 yachts we represent as central agents and their itineraries to the world’s brokers. We present standard itineraries as well as some experiences that are completely out of the box.

“We meet with all brokers and give them a warm hug from Australia, instilling in them the confidence to send their clients Down Under, knowing there are world-standard brokers here to manage every aspect of their clients’ charters.”

A useful tool for promoting Australia to the international market are the virtual reality headsets supplied by Tourism Australia ”so people can immerse themselves in the full gamut of experiences Australia offers in living colour,” explained Bray.

“Also, the other side is to see first-hand the best charter yachts in the world available for our Australian clients to charter in the South of France, Croatia, Greece and everywhere in the world. We talk with captains and crew and see what the rest of the world is offering, making sure our product is meeting the standard.”

The 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, taking place 4 to 14 April 2018, will be high on the agenda, introducing the myriad activities and attractions in proximity to the venues, which stretch from the Gold Coast and Brisbane to Cairns.

Bray, who was elected Chair of Superyacht Australia’s working group for the Commonwealth Games, says the event will entice corporate clients, families and superyacht owners to our shores.

“For international brokers, Queensland is certainly on the radar as an idyllic cruising ground their clients are very keen to experience. It is important we start marketing a visitation program now to the world superyachts fleet as they traditionally make their cruising plans two years in advance.”

Click here to see our post on MYBA 2016.

Media and PR enquiries: info@oceanalliance.com.au to find out more.
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