Monaco

LYBRA - Large Yacht Brokers Association 

Earlier this month <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> announced that Raphael Sauleau had joined its ranks and assumed the position of CEO, with Stefanos Makrymichalos moving away from the role to act as Executive Chairman for the brokerage firm. SuperYacht Times caught up with Raphael and Stefanos to hear more about this new appointment and what the future holds for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raphael Sauleau appointed CEO of IYC (2022-12-08 16:30:00 +0100)">IYC with Raphael at the helm</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252406/image/large-63236aeebf2cff43281f0f25f3de8fbb.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252406">Stefanos, why is now the right time for a new CEO of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>?Since we restructured <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> in 2015, the company has grown at a rate of 30 percent year-on-year. We are now in nine countries and operate 14 offices, our team has doubled, and both our turnover and profitability have increased by 10 times. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> is one of the largest companies in the industry, but we still see tremendous opportunities for further expansion and optimisation. To realise our ambitious vision, we require bandwidth and a fresh perspective. Having worked closely with Raphael during his tenure as President of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4850" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LYBRA - Large Yacht Brokers Association (Company)">LYBRA</a>, while I was Vice President, as well as our time together on the board of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA</a>, I felt confident that he was the perfect candidate for the position of CEO at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>, and I couldn't have asked for anyone better to join our ranks.Will you remain involved in the day-to-day operations of the company?My involvement will be focused predominantly on developing our technology initiative. We have invested in a tech startup and now have a team of 14 developers. Our goal is to be fully technology-enabled within 2023 and my focus will be on getting us there on time. Additionally, I am very actively involved in the strategic expansion of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> and the development of our US operation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245837/image/large-a3a9f76c40d53529fbfcd90f5871af0c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245837">Raphael, what prompted you to leave&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a>&nbsp;and was this move to&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>&nbsp;already planned?This move has not been planned for a long time but was the result of a strong connection and alignment with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> board and in particular Stefanos. We share a similar vision on many subjects and see real opportunities to keep growing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>’s footprint in the yachting industry. Working hand in hand with the company’s Senior Management and the entire <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> team really appealed to me and I look forward to meeting everyone within the next few weeks.And where will you be based?&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a>&nbsp;had a very strong presence in Monaco and&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>&nbsp;has an office there as well, however the main part of the operation is in the USA and Greece.I will indeed be based in Monaco, however, my role calls for an international presence so I will be visiting and spending time in all existing and future offices.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178464/image/large-3d512391de20a1999efd98e5b62e10f3.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178464">What do you see as the main differences between&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a>?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a> just celebrated its 75th anniversary and has been around for obviously a longer period offering all around services whilst <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> – in its current structure – is younger; however, under its actual leadership, the company has grown exponentially and organically with a somewhat start-up spirit which I like. It is now the largest yacht charter management in the world with an ever-growing activity on the sales, charter retail fronts but also yacht management and other services such as insurance. Its investment in technology provides it with an edge and our strategy as well as vision is shared by all team members alike which certainly allows fast moves.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178457/image/large-fbbc3f7e7bcf440d0f75f8823648bbf7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178457">Where do you see the most room for growth within&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>?Well, everywhere. As outlined earlier, charter management is doing extremely well but we can always do better, and the same pretty much applies on the sales front including charter. I also see tremendous opportunities to grow our yacht management division and strengthen our insurance services. Whilst we are working on a strategic plan which includes technology, possible acquisitions as well as opening new offices around the globe. We give great importance to the human element as our industry remains one where it plays a fundamental role with our customers but also within our team. &nbsp;Stefanos and Raphael, you previously mentioned a shared vision – “to bring the Company to even greater heights, with the human element and technology at the centre of our strategy” – can you expand on this?The yachting industry is undergoing a transformation that will accelerate over the next two years, making it progressively more difficult for smaller companies to remain sustainable. Reasons for this include regulations, compliance, lack of skilled professionals and rapidly changing consumer behaviour. For any company to retain its market share, it will have to invest heavily in efficiency through technology and in elevating its employees' capabilities, to be in the position to also offer them financial and career advancement opportunities.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248465/image/large-63979d1cc2f6dd29afb03c55955b780b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248465"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC opens new brokerage office in San Diego, California (2022-11-08 15:30:00 +0100)">IYC&nbsp;expanded to San Diego last month</a>. What spurred the move and how is business there so far?Expanding to California was proposed to us by Matthew Stone, one of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>’s most successful Sales Consultants based out of the US. We took a thorough look at his proposal and concluded that investing in this prominent region made perfect sense. Consequently, Matt (Matthew) is now a shareholder in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> California and the Managing Partner and we now have an amazing team of five very enthusiastic professionals: Michael Selter, Eric Pearson, Traci Hugues, Patricia Gibbons, and Kenny Bonilla who most recently joined the team.&nbsp;Will&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>&nbsp;be expanding into any other areas in the near future?Absolutely. However, whilst we will also keep on growing our existing structure through an aggressive recruitment, we certainly are looking at Asia, the Middle East and others. We hope to be able to make this happen in 2023.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/185293/image/large-05108fa1ab0908f0e90a84afef8b6934.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/185293">What can we expect from&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>&nbsp;next year, or even the next five years?We are conservative but not risk averse, so we are committed to moving forward with the acquisitions program that we kicked off in 2021: acquiring companies and teams of strategic value. We are also investing in the company’s organic expansion, as well as the development of technologies to increase our efficiency and scalability. We apologise for not being able to be more specific, but as we draw nearer to announcing these new developments, we will share more information.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219459/image/large-551a99d00a5ba5ab70913170fc278097.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219459">I <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56145" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title='Michel Chryssicopoulos on the future of IYC: "We’re aiming to have an E-commerce environment by Q1 2023" (2022-10-12 16:30:00 +0200)'>spoke with Michel Chryssicopoulos during MYS</a>&nbsp;about your E-Commerce site expected for Q1 2023. Is this still on course? And can you expand a little more about what clients can expect from the site?Yes, we are on track with evolving our website into an E-Commerce platform. Certain capabilities will be rolled out in phases, but what we aim for is to enable our users to reserve charter yachts in our fleet online with the use of their credit card. We have already started this transition by introducing several new functionalities in 2022, such as live calendar availability, and we’ll continue on this trajectory. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/194510/image/large-5cc9029be407a4bb899290f1ec079845.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/194510">Can I hear your predictions on both the charter and sales market for 2023?We expect charter demand in the Mediterranean to remain high, though not surpassing 2022 levels, despite an increased amount of tonnage expected to enter the market within the coming months. When it comes to charter rates, they are mostly stable at this time despite a push from certain Owners to raise prices. With already higher APAs this could prove challenging for the yachts that choose to do so.&nbsp;On the sales front, We expect the current market trend to continue into 2023, with demand sustaining, although at a somewhat lower rate, and more yachts entering the market. Prices are also expected to normalise in the coming months.

Raphael Sauleau and Stefanos Makrymichalos of IYC interview  

SYT caught up with Raphael Sauleau and Stefanos Makrymichalos to hear what the future holds for IYC with Raphael at the helm.

Exclusive: Raphael Sauleau and Stefanos Makrymichalos on the future of IYC

During these uncertain times, many questions have been asked concerning the status of this year’s yacht shows and in particular, the Monaco Yacht Show. With exhibitors having been granted an extension by which they are able to confirm their attendance, some have already declared that they do not wish to participate in the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2020">2020 Monaco Yacht Show</a> - namely members of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2589" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) (Company)">SYBAss (Superyacht Builders Association)</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4850" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LYBRA - Large Yacht Brokers Association (Company)">LYBRA (Large Yacht Brokers Association)</a>. <img data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/99272" src="/uploads/store/photo/99272/image/large-e66498e5564e8c01373d68f029fe5d03.jpg">The reasons outlined by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2589" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) (Company)">SYBAss</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4850" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LYBRA - Large Yacht Brokers Association (Company)">LYBRA</a> for withdrawing from this year’s MYS include uncertainties surrounding travel restrictions, the health and safety of their clients and how necessary social distancing will be difficult to maintain at the show. As two of the industry’s top associations, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2589" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) (Company)">SYBAss</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4850" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LYBRA - Large Yacht Brokers Association (Company)">LYBRA</a> also questioned the return on investment for show exhibitors and asked whether the global pandemic is instead an opportunity for the organisers to re-engage with its leading participants and an industry working group to formulate a more “satisfying” business model for the future. This information was addressed in a letter to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show (Company)">Monaco Yacht Show</a>, a copy of which has been seen by SuperYacht Times. <img data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100422" src="/uploads/store/photo/100422/image/large-c42562648fa1eac3eb5bfb33977b4889.jpg">As of 30 April, the Monaco Yacht Show stated that only 5% of the previous year's exhibitors had decided to cancel their participation in this year’s event. As a key panellist in the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/status-of-2020-yacht-shows" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht Times Webinar</a> discussing the future of yacht shows, Gaëlle Tallarida, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show (Company)">Monaco Yacht Show</a>’s Managing Director outlined the plans that the team of 14 organisers have in place to decide the status of the 2020 edition: “I think we will know if we can go ahead by the end of August once we know how the COVID-19 situation will evolve over the next few months and the outcome of our planned meeting with the government in June.”<img data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/99271" src="/uploads/store/photo/99271/image/large-21a834fc98095b75b983b634aab2fdbf.jpg">In a recent poll involving 600 people from the industry, SuperYacht Times found that 47% stated that they believe that the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2020">2020 Monaco Yacht Show</a> will go ahead, with a slightly lower proportion (45%) saying that if the show were to go ahead, they would attend. 50% also said that they would be checking what safety measures were in place. &nbsp;Gaëlle Tallarida provided assurance that the organisers are “working step-by-step to adapt our planning, especially taking client contact into consideration” and that the size of the show in terms of exhibits was, at the time, “stable” but would be adapted in case of fewer exhibitors.&nbsp;“Whatever is decided for September, it will be done to make sure that anybody attending the show will do so safely,” she added. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/99162/image/large-cb6daafad9407ef1c16331c10323948c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/99162">SuperYacht Times contacted the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show (Company)">Monaco Yacht Show</a> and several key members of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4850" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LYBRA - Large Yacht Brokers Association (Company)">LYBRA</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2589" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) (Company)">SYBAss</a> for an update on their participation in this year's shows, but all declined to comment at this stage.

SYBAss and LYBRA members withdraw from Monaco Yacht Show 2020

Members of leading industry organisations SYBass and LYBRA have withdrawn from participating in the Monaco Yacht Show 2020. Find out more here. 

SYBAss and LYBRA members withdraw from 2020 Monaco Yacht Show

The Large Yacht Brokers Association (LYBRA) is organising another edition of the Superyacht Show to be hosted at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/243" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rybovich Shipyards (Company)">Rybovich Marina</a> in West Palm Beach from 25 - 29 March 2020. As an event showcasing a selection of superyachts for sale and for charter, the show’s main objective is to deliver an exceptional experience for yacht buyers and charterers. The show will bring together industry professionals to premiere several new designs and innovations from key players around the world.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/108430/image/large-03965bc3f6553402ee7614e68d701ab4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/108430">The event comes after <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4850" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LYBRA - Large Yacht Brokers Association (Company)">LYBRA</a> noticed “a strong appetite among our clients, and in the wider market, for a truly client-centric show. This event is a completely different concept from anything currently in the market-place. We will simply have a line-up of top-quality yachts available for private viewings; no crowds, no queues, no trade stands; just a relaxed, elegant and enjoyable experience for all. The final line-up will be a carefully-curated showcase of the finest yachts available,” comments the company’s president Raphael Sauleau.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/108429/image/large-0ff7d64dc85691d77627b9eef18557d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/108429">Alongside <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4850" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LYBRA - Large Yacht Brokers Association (Company)">LYBRA</a>, the Superyacht Show is organised by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2589" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) (Company)">Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss)</a> and the Superyacht Life Foundation. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2589" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) (Company)">SYBAss</a> Secretary General Theo Hooning says “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2589" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) (Company)">SYBAss</a>&nbsp;is delighted to be working alongside&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4850" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LYBRA - Large Yacht Brokers Association (Company)">LYBRA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/243" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rybovich Shipyards (Company)">Rybovich</a>&nbsp;to create a more client-focused event. Our members are united in their vision to proactively bring about positive changes to yachting events so that new clients will be attracted by the superyacht lifestyle. We firmly believe that collaboration and cooperation among the key players in the industry is the best strategy for long-term success.”

Superyacht Show coming to Palm Beach in March 2020

The Superyacht Show is coming to Palm Beach, FL, from 25 - 29 March 2020. Read all about it on SYT.

LYBRA announces March 2020 Superyacht Show in Palm Beach

Looking at the full - and, some might say, hectic - superyacht events calendar for 2018, you would be hard pushed to find many in the superyacht world who would say that what the industry really needs is another boat show. Therefore, the announcement in January that the Large Yacht Brokers Association (LYBRA) will be hosting a new superyacht show in OneOcean Port Vell in Barcelona a week after the MYBA Charter Show in May this year was met with surprise by some in the industry.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/30867/image/large-710b887abe5bb62b73ddec50c2961472.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/30867"> Photo by Breed Media / <a href="https://www.zeelander.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Zeelander Yachts</a> With that said, however, at its core The Superyacht Show aims to be fundamentally different to all the other shows that have gone before it in one key aspect: it will be entirely client-focused. With lip-service having been paid to the idea of a ‘client-focused’ superyacht show by many in the industry for years, we spoke to Eric Blair, Secretary General of LYBRA about how The Superyacht Show intends to finally make this claim into a reality for its visitors, and what the long-term plans for the show are.&nbsp;When asked why LYBRA decided to launch The Superyacht Show this year, Blair explains that the LYBRA representatives - which represents the leading superyacht brokerage companies worldwide, including Burgess, Edmiston, Fraser, Northrop &amp; Johnson and more - had been discussing launching their own show for some time. “The appetite for a show had been growing for some time and as they say, ‘There is no time like the present.’”Interestingly, Blair also wholeheartedly agrees with the claim that the superyacht market is already saturated with yacht shows. As he explains, “It is important to be very clear on this point. There are many, many boat shows already and we certainly don’t need another one. The Superyacht Show will not be like any other show worldwide. It is all about the clients viewing yachts that are available for sale and charter. There is no comparison to be drawn with the typical understanding of a boat show format.” And how will this be put into practice? The client focused-nature of the show will underpin everything about it: with what is excluded from the show just as important as what will be present. As Blair explains, The Superyacht Show aims to have a more private, exclusive atmosphere, achieved, in part, by excluding the business-to-business element of typical yacht shows.&nbsp;“There will be no B2B exhibitors, no stands, no traders, no suppliers, just the world’s top brokers, some of the best yachts on the market and a small group of high luxury brands to enhance the experience. Simple, private and exclusive. In short, this will be the very antithesis of a ‘traditional boat show’ as we know it.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/30868/image/large-f425564aa0aed4a4d3d37239e8b36913.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/30868">As Blair explains, this altered focus should result in a far more enjoyable boat show experience for the attendees above all; they become the top priority as a consequence. “Most shows are run on the basis of selling and filling the maximum number of metres-squared to any company that will buy it. Our sole focus is the clients who are coming to view yachts, and asking ourselves, ‘how do we ensure that their experience is a great one?’ From the VIP limo service to the registration, from the excellent restaurant facilities to the hostesses and staff, we are aiming purely for quality, not quantity.” Welcoming owners, charterers, potential buyers, brokers, owners’ representatives and family offices to the show, and with a location in the centre of the popular hotspot of Barcelona in the OneOcean Port Vell, it would not be surprising if many accepted LYBRA’s offer of welcome. Regarding the choice of venue, Eric Blair explains that it was a straightforward decision for LYBRA, as the OneOcean Port Vell was seen to compliment the private nature of the show. “We chose Barcelona, as it is an amazing city that is fantastic as a short-break destination. As for OneOcean Port Vell, this is one of the only superyacht marinas that is fully private with excellent onsite facilities for both yachts and visitors.”&nbsp;And, answering the inevitable question of why LYBRA decided to delve into an already crowded superyacht show market, Blair was unequivocal in his answer. “We do not consider The Superyacht Show to be in the same space or position as any of the other shows, so we are not competing with them on any level.”As for the future of the show, LYBRA’s vision is clear: establish the show’s reputation this year, and then develop into a popular, luxury event which remains fundamentally different from other boat shows. Eric laid it all out for us: “This year we simply want to plant our stake in the ground and lay a firm foundation for future years. Moving forwards, we would like to grow the show into an event that clients and brokers like to attend because they know they can view great yachts in a calm, safe, private, luxurious, fun and elegant environment, far away from the hectic crowds that boat shows attract.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/20618/image/large-a85709100d935a4304028bb0b249f069.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20618">Host on the coast: OneOcean Port Vell&nbsp;An event such as the Superyacht Show brings with it a huge amount of organisation and work for the host venue: a side of the story which is often left untold in reports of boat shows. We caught a few minutes with Ignacio Erroz, the General Manager at OneOcean Port Vell to hear how they are planning to accommodate MYBA and LYBRA in such a short space of time, and their feelings about the future of Barcelona as a superyacht venue. This year, you will be hosting the MYBA Charter Show and the LYBRA Superyacht Show within two weeks of each other. Tell us about how you envisage this working out and the practicalities of hosting two events in such a short period of time.The MYBA Charter Show and The Superyacht Show are two important events in the superyacht industry, which is why each of them requires special attention and dedication. Our great record of previous work in combination with our team’s experience and professionalism makes it possible for us to host two events of such magnitude and make them come out perfectly at the end.&nbsp;You hosted MYBA for the first time last year. Was it always the plan to host these industry events?&nbsp;When the OneOcean Port Vell was newly transformed, the main objective was to create a luxury marina that could offer superyachts all the services and facilities needed in the heart of Barcelona. However, the enormous capacity of our marina and its unique location has also awakened the interest of large associations such as MYBA, and later LYBRA.Tell us about the superyacht scene in Barcelona - do you think the MYBA and LYBRA shows will contribute to this, and if so, how?&nbsp;Barcelona is a city with an enormous potential and unique characteristics that, in recent years, have made it one of the major references to the sector in the Mediterranean. Hosting these shows in Barcelona helps to reinforce the city as one of the key destinations in the superyacht scene, without a doubt. Of course, Barcelona itself also lends an enormous added value to both the MYBA Charter Show and The Superyacht Show.Do you intend to host more events like this in the future?For OneOcean Port Vell it would be an honour to be able to host more events of this magnitude, as long as they do not interfere with the interests of MYBA Charter Show or The Superyacht Show.The Superyacht Show will take place from 2-5 May this year at the OneOcean Port Vell in Barcelona, with tickets available for purchase online from the beginning of March on the Superyacht Show website. <a href="http://www.thesuperyachtshow.com">www.thesuperyachtshow.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="/uploads/store/photo/23641/image/large-5807815e2703721ae6618b7a54d59cdb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23641"></a> This article was featured in the most recent edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Subscribe now</a> to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.&nbsp;

A closer look at the Superyacht Show 

The Large Yacht Brokers Association (LYBRA) has today announced plans to host a brand new superyacht show just ahead of the Mediterranean summer season this year. OneOcean Port Vell in Barcelona will play host to the event which will be held from 2nd to 5th May, just a week after the MYBA Charter Show on 23rd to 26th April.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/20618/image/large-a85709100d935a4304028bb0b249f069.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20618"> The concept of the show steers away from a typical business-to-business event model, and aims to focus on the visitor, creating an environment that existing and potential clients will appreciate, so says Jonathan Beckett, President of LYBRA. He continues: “Our long-term plans are ambitious but also realistic. The idea of a client-focused show was put forward several years ago and we’ve been working on the details for quite some time. We have a great team in place and while our expectations for the first year are modest, I’m confident we’re laying a very solid foundation for the future. 2018 will see the participation of all our member companies and in 2019 we aim to incorporate a number of top quality shipyards and other exhibitors. Everyone is welcome to visit the show since our ultimate aim is to benefit the clients, brokers and the industry as a whole.”Eric Blair, Secretary General of LYBRA adds: “The collective fleet of superyachts that LYBRA members represent for sale and charter is hugely significant. Our members are acutely aware of their responsibility to exhibit their client’s vessels at a time and place that is most likely to produce serious enquiries from qualified buyers. Over time, we, therefore, plan to develop the show into the definitive, pre-summer buying opportunity in the Mediterranean. The LYBRA members have both the ability and desire to bring together a world-class display. Our members’ long-term vision is not simply to create another superyacht show; their vision is to create THE Superyacht Show.”The inaugural event will be held in the private marina of OneOcean Port Vell in the heart of Barcelona. Ignacio Erroz, General Manager of OneOcean Port Vell, concludes: “The luxury world is changing. Affluent clients are now increasingly driven by lifestyle experiences, creativity and individuality. They seek experiences that are inspiring and interesting. OneOcean Port Vell and our beautiful, vibrant city of Barcelona can offer an abundance of incredible things to see and do. We’re delighted to welcome The Superyacht Show and to host a world-class fleet that adds yet another attraction to the myriad wonders of our city.”The show organisers state that a limited number of exhibitors and sponsors will be invited to participate in the inaugural edition of The Superyacht Show. For further information, visit the show’s website <a href="https://www.thesuperyachtshow.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>.&nbsp;