Italy

MYBA Charter Show

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA</a> Board has announced that the 35th edition of the show will be held in Portosole, San Remo. This means that the show has come full-circle, returning to the very first place where it was hosted. The decision for the move was primarily due to the need for more berths this year, which they believe will also be the case at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show - 2025- 35th Edition">2025 MYBA Charter Show</a>.&nbsp;Raphael Sauleau, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA</a> President, expressed gratitude toward the City of Genoa, marina management and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7081" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pesto Sea Group (Company)">Pesto Sea Group</a> for making the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show 2024 - 34th Edition">2024 MYBA Charter Show</a> a success. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/276439/image/large-5d0e96dd70316d12074110f8ae4542ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/276439">Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/myba-president-raphael-sauleau-interview" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Modernising MYBA with new President Raphael Sauleau</a>Gunes Aysun, Chair of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA Charter Show</a> Panel, reiterated their thanks to the City of Genoa and added that they “look forward to building on this success in San Remo.”Fabio Pesto responded by thanking <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA</a> for choosing Genoa as the 2024 location for the show. He also thanked the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3398" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Molo Vecchio (Company)">Marina Molo Vecchio</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7081" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pesto Sea Group (Company)">Pesto Sea Group&nbsp;</a>teams, “for their commitment and for having confirmed that our Marina is among the best locations to host events such as the MCS.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/310580/image/large-e83336851740caf22cb3a488a36d7ff7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/310580">“We look forward to welcoming our Members and attending yachts in San Remo from 28 April to 1 May 2025”, concluded Raphael Sauleau.The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show - 2025- 35th Edition">MYBA Charter Show 2025</a> will precede the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mediterranean Yacht Show - 2025- 10th Edition">Mediterranean Yacht Show (MEDYS)</a>, which will take place in Nafplio, Greece from Saturday 3 May to Wednesday 7 May 2025.

MYBA Charter Show 2025 location unveiled

The MYBA Charter Show Board of members has announced that the 35th edition of the show will be held in Portosole, San Remo.

events-retrospectives#1

With his appointment as the new President of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA association</a> announced in April, SuperYacht Times’ Jessamie Rattray and Francesca Webster sat down with Raphael Sauleau to find out how he intends to bring a fresh approach to the association that has just celebrated its 40th anniversary.&nbsp;What is your vision for your tenure as President of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a>, particularly in respect of Yachtfolio and its development?As an association, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> is run by panels and committees and so it is not the case of changing things as one individual, but our vision as the board is to review our processes and to become faster at developing projects and products for our members. Yachtfolio, which we have been working hard on for the past two years, is going to be a major focus of mine. The platform was quite obsolete in its original format, but we have bought in a company to rebuild the platform and now we will be implementing the ads, because the platform has been missing elements that help brokers to perform.&nbsp;We are also going to have a thorough review of our existing processes, including the yacht show which has been successful this year, but which we can still improve. The location of the future shows are still up for discussion between Genoa and San Remo and we will soon decide which one. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245836/image/large-83bd41ab5d0f12028e30ada83d3a867d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245836">So Yachtfolio is now functional and being used by brokers?It absolutely is. Of course as we have rebuilt the platform there are elements that are new and which brokers are not used to yet – so there are some teething issues – but we are going to continue to develop it and iron out any bugs over the coming months with the developers.&nbsp;How does <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> feel about other companies coming into the Yachtfolio space, namely Ankor who launched a charter calendar software last year?My take is very simple, we are the one and only tool which has been utilised by brokers worldwide. Obviously it went through some bumpy times with lack of improvement, but we have worked through these and are receiving very positive feedback from the brokers.&nbsp;It is also important to note that we undergo a lot of due diligence for brokers to become <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> members. We are diligent with all of the yachts that are given access to the platforms because we want to ensure a certain level of charter boat. This does however mean that some smaller yachts and brokers are not given access to the systems, which is something that we are looking into for the future, perhaps creating a Yachtfolio for smaller boats. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/276439/image/large-5d0e96dd70316d12074110f8ae4542ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/276439">The Association has historically received some criticism, as you have outlined, what are the main advantages for brokers becoming <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> members?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> is the pillar of our industry. The association has gone through highs and lows, but the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> contract is the contract used by our industry and though it needs refreshment, it is the most recognised and respected out there. Its wide utilisation recognises its importance to the sector. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> was founded 40 years ago, and I believe it has been proven as a reliable institution for our industry, irrespective of the bumpy time it may have gone through, I see it as a very strong association going forward. And obviously I'm here to make it stronger and stronger with the board and the members.&nbsp;If you look at the amount of companies applying for membership, and the waitlist for the shows alone, you can see that it has a solid reputation.&nbsp;Is there any conflict of interest as both the CEO of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>&nbsp;and the President of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a>?Not at all. Each committee is run by people from each member company. The goal is to have perspectives from each company. Of course that also poses challenges, because we are all working pro bono which means it is harder to be very reactive - but this is one of the things we will be working to improve.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/310580/image/large-e83336851740caf22cb3a488a36d7ff7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/310580">For the upcoming conference with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6362" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYBA (Company)">IYBA</a>, do you already have topics on the table?The industry is getting bigger and bigger with more members, and while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> is super strong in Europe, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6362" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYBA (Company)">IYBA</a> is extremely strong in America. So it's a very good thing that both Associations are coming together once or twice a year, and come up with initiatives such as at the, the panel, the conference, which will take place in June. The idea is to discuss the challenges our sector faces, such as the Class Action that is currently taking place in the US, which is of course also impacting European companies with American offices.&nbsp;I believe that this kind of collaboration will make us as an Association stronger so I look forward to our discussions next month.&nbsp;Finally, looking to&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>&nbsp;in Greece and Fraser’s recent acquisition of Atalanta Golden Yachts, how is the team feeling about another house in this region?As ex-Fraser CEO, of course I knew that part of their strategy was to expand into Greece and it definitely increases the sense of competition having such a strong house making this kind of move. However, I would say that as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> we are very strong in what we can do, we are here at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mediterranean Yacht Show - 2024">MEDYS</a> with more than 20 excellent yachts and we are regularly signing more vessels onto our charter management, so I am not concerned about the competition – it is always healthy. We plan to continue our organic growth, as seen by the acquisition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4463" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachtlove (Company)">Yachtlove</a> in January, and as always our greatest strength is the fantastic team that we have at the firm.&nbsp;This article is featured in&nbsp;Issue 49&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="http://superyachttimes.com/" target="_blank">SuperYacht Times</a>&nbsp;newspaper.&nbsp;You can find a full archive of all previous SuperYacht Times newspapers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

Modernising MYBA with new President Raphael Sauleau

SuperYacht Times sat down with Raphael Sauleau, the new President of the MYBA association, to discuss future plans. 

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA Charter Show</a> Board of Members has announced that after five successful years of hosting in Barcelona, the 2024 edition of the show will be held in Genoa. The 34th edition of the event will take place at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3398" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Molo Vecchio (Company)">Marina Molo Vecchio</a>, with a one year agreement in place.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/25981/image/large-07b2700c070a25efdfb4cc7bf67fa25a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/25981">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA Charter Show</a> had been hosted at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell</a> for the past five years, surrounded by a team of dedicated professionals and state-of-the-art facilities. “It has been a pleasure to host the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA Charter Show</a>, for five editions, in our facilities,” explained Ignacio Erroz, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell</a> Barcelona.“The success achieved during the years that the show was held in Barcelona reinforced our city's position as one of the main destinations for superyachts, opening a wide range of opportunities for the industry, boosting the local economy and providing added value to Barcelona.”The show made many organisational steps forward during its time in Spain and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3398" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Molo Vecchio (Company)">Marina Molo Vecchio</a> are working closely with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA</a> to facilitate an orderly transition process for all involved. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/33645/image/large-c4d85086dcf67b0c25e7be85459b04aa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/33645">“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell</a> Barcelona for their dedication and efforts in hosting the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA Charter Show</a> over the past years. Under Ignacio Erroz's leadership, the team's passion, professionalism, and commitment to excellence, have made the Shows unique experiences irrespective of the post pandemic challenges,” concluded Raphael Sauleau, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA</a> Vice President and AYSAS Chairman.The dates for the 2024 show will be announced in the future, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA</a> clarifying that this move is of a temporary nature until firm and final decisions for the future of the show can be made.

MYBA Charter Show 2024 moves to Genoa

The MYBA Charter Show Board of members has announced that the 2024 edition of the show will be held in Genoa.

MYBA Charter Show 2024 moves to Genoa after 5 years in Barcelona

“My dream is to travel once around the world – whether it’s onboard this yacht or my next, I don’t know. But I’m going to do it,” the owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald</a> told SuperYacht Times, beaming. With good reason, too. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265808/image/large-821f7341b46fc048783e7aba64d31ff0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265808">We were sat in the offices at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a> wistfully chatting cruising grounds, star-studded events and his beautifully refitted 50.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht, which was gently bobbing in the waters lapping the shipyard. “She’s timeless, a real classic,” he said, gazing out the window. “The green was my wife’s idea,” referring to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald’s</a> suave, freshly-painted Orion green hull, courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6101" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jotun (Company)">Jotun</a>. “It was my wife who chose everything in fact, and I couldn’t be happier.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257634/image/large-9366f38055670e91b5ceb8d9c505e234.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257634">But it’s hard to believe that the 50.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> floating in the dock was the same one he bought nearly two years ago. “I love character, class and strong sturdy builds, so when I started looking for a new yacht I knew I was really looking for a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>.” With this in mind, David Westwood of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW Yachts</a>, first steered him to the 44.2-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4366" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Valeria44.2m (145'0&quot;)Feadship1975">Valeria</a>, which is laid up at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a> – as fate would have it. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/259593/image/large-0252709e6fde006536f95fd2b29f2983.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/259593">“We came here to Urk to see the classic 1975 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> you can see over there,” he said, pointing in the direction of the front gate at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a>, towards <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4366" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Valeria44.2m (145'0&quot;)Feadship1975">Valeria</a>. “She’s lovely, really. But the crew quarters are just a little too small for what we were looking for.“The crew has to be well looked after on my boats, they need to feel comfortable. It’s important to us that spacious, well-lit and relaxing areas need to be found in both guest and crew areas. Not only are guests travelling with us, so also are the crew. I want them to feel at home.” With <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4366" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Valeria44.2m (145'0&quot;)Feadship1975">Valeria</a> a no-go, David was back scouring the market for a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> that met expectations. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/196039/image/large-6c1cf1727a767970cde689a72b0858bc.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/196039"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> built 74 superyachts 40-metres or larger before the turn of the millennium, and out of those 74, only 12 are currently on the market. When these yachts are under ownership, they often stay that way. It was in fact Daan Balk, CEO and owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a>, who informed the owner about a potential candidate: the 1990-delivered 48.83-metre MQ2, which was lying in Croatia at the time. Balk personally joined <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW</a> and the owners to inspect the yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265814/image/large-ed3bd1e3447fc1d45e4f7c135b6a2cef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265814"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265754/image/large-ebb517a81c02f593d1b13c100bf0f087.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265754"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265756/image/large-f1cc76efab2089fa67e828788cdc9d7c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265756"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265757/image/large-08fe49bcf5c99fbc1a7a5489e9c90c33.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265757">MQ2’s timeless exterior lines, penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt</a>, and her voluminous interior won him over. The yacht was hauled out and surveyed in Trogir, Daan Balk was a guest throughout the study and provided the owner with sound reassurances. The deal was signed in May 2021, with the owner represented by James Hall and David Westwood of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW Yachts</a>, and the seller John Cohen of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/322" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merle Wood & Associates, Inc. (Company)">Merle Wood &amp; Associates</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265818/image/large-200cb86197f8907e67c59768f906ad8f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265818">But it’s hard to believe that the 50.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> floating in the dock was the same one he bought nearly two years ago. At the time of sale, she was shorter, had less deck space and an old-fashioned stern with small, swing doors that led into the saloon. She was also fitted with twin two tonne cranes, port and starboard. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265764/image/large-f5ef92227d044089b7c4db39a14e7644.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265764">“My tender weighs three tonnes, so those cranes had to go,” her owner explained. “I wanted to restyle the stern section, so I thought why not extend and install a larger crane on the upper aft deck. Daan Balk had left a strong impression on me. I really appreciated his efforts during my visit to Valeria and thought ‘why not take MQ2 there for the refit’.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265781/image/large-1c80402a6a79af370032a66f2a42de19.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265781"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265790/image/large-ede5c877168aec88ce91085c99c4eec2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265790"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265795/image/large-20511eb863d128051c77551f603f4fb6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265795"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265785/image/large-835f076c9e2297ee73ec09d16c4a71bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265785">&nbsp;“There was a lot of interest in this refit from many shipyards,” Daan Balk explained. “We ended up in a neck-and-neck race against <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/86" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amico & Co. s.r.l. (Company)">Amico &amp; Co</a> The final two contenders. In the end though, we were granted the order and we signed the project right after the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/97" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2021">2021 Monaco Yacht Show</a>.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265752/image/large-2b0599b6320a23dd3d157cff20a027d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265752">It turned out to be an extensive 16-month refit in total, with her original interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/435" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Robert Knack International (Company)">Robert Knack International</a>stripped bare and everything down to general arrangement entirely redesigned. Her stern wasn’t only restyled, it was also extended by more than a metre and she now features an impressive aft cockpit, complete with a hydraulic swim platform.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265776/image/large-c7e8853bf9fc6a98904d8c2e6d43252c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265776"> “The platform is fantastic; it can be lowered below the waterline. Just think, any charter guest can get in and out of the water with it, regardless of age. It also goes the other way, and my son who’s 17 was asking how high it can go, as he wants to use the platform as a diving board – it’s possible,” he laughed.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265778/image/large-7db59ce967387b1532637f16f594ca62.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265778"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald’s</a>&nbsp;naval architecture was re-engineered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mulder Design (Company)">Mulder Design</a>, and the team eked out as much as possible with this redesign. “We wanted the maximum we could, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mulder Design (Company)">Mulder Design</a> drew up the plans and made it possible.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265770/image/large-09d0a99ab59be11639ea4aba37fab7cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265770"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265765/image/large-ec6b9c7bf2d0735ca7a317536602df90.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265765">Glass sliding doors have been installed between the skylounge and upper aft deck, replacing the swingset that really was not to the family’s taste. “Look at this space,” he said, swinging his arm around the upper lounge. “Can you imagine being sat here watching Formula One? It doesn’t get much better than that.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265770/image/large-09d0a99ab59be11639ea4aba37fab7cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265770"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265773/image/large-5ddff050fb3e0ab6fd74641de746726c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265773"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265771/image/large-f2e53e7d7af661934e7eb0bb8d3e63d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265771"> The excitement was palpable and contagious. “This wasn’t here before either,” he said pointing to the stairway that connects the upper and main deck. “And the entire sun deck is new too,” he smiled. Taking pride of place forward of the sundeck is a very large Jacuzzi.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265806/image/large-e4ab38a2b432f8f5359257f7a579ec53.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265806">The owner’s wife took charge of the project, working very closely with the UK-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a> to map out and curate the perfect vessel. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a> was incredible to work with. The team is perfect and they knew exactly what we wanted, how we wanted it. They sat down with my wife and in a day they had the whole project mapped out. An amazing experience,” he said.“We wanted a yacht that was built around family use; plenty of space, lots of character and areas where we can relax to enjoy each other’s company,” her owner explained. Quite uncommon, especially for a yacht of this size, forward of the main deck is not one but two VIP suites. “When we have friends and family onboard, having a second VIP suite next to the master suite gives us more flexibility and the freedom to have our family all together, each with private space yet all on the same deck.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265816/image/large-462a9f714a58748a84e772b49ef02937.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265816"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald</a> offers accommodation for as many as 12 guests: four can sleep on the main deck in the two VIP suites, and the remaining eight will find accommodation on the lower deck. Each stateroom is finished with rich dark timbers that are sophisticated and lend the spaces a calming ambiance. There is a strict harmony across the staterooms, with only the ensuites differing in style.&nbsp;“Look at this detail,” the owner proudly said, running his hand over the veined marble bathroom wall. “This one my son picked out.” The portside lower deck double stateroom features vibrant stonework, unlike anything else on the yacht. “We each picked different natural stones for the bathrooms, so each suite has a distinctive character,” he explained. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265817/image/large-ebacdecc9e7bee9249a803d7bab6394d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265817">As we walked through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald</a> the owner was most animated detailing the crew areas. “This wasn’t here before,” the owner said, pointing to a window in the galley. “My wife redesigned the galley and fitted this window. It cost me a fortune, mind. But, look, we’ve positioned it so the galley is well lit and the chef and kitchen staff can enjoy the views.” Each of the crew cabins we stepped into was more generous in size than any I’ve seen before aboard a 50-metre superyacht – or larger, for that matter. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265790/image/large-ede5c877168aec88ce91085c99c4eec2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265790"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265787/image/large-ffeddc33f30ae9b66993860fbda2a04f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265787">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56920" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="50m Feadship superyacht Legacy V rechristened Emerald following major refit at Balk Shipyard (2023-02-09 17:30:00 +0100)">50m Feadship superyacht Legacy V rechristened Emerald following major refit at Balk Shipyard</a>This family-oriented design and generous crew quarters have an added benefit: she’s ideal for the charter market. “I haven’t chartered any of my yachts before now, but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW Yachts</a> has instilled great confidence in me.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald</a> will make her world debut at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA Charter Show</a> in Barcelona on 24 April 2023. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265813/image/large-8bf0ce96031ac3c4b486c089cbbb39a6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265813">“I’m so pleased with her; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/434" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balk Shipyard (Company)">Balk Shipyard</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mulder Design (Company)">Mulder Design</a> and my representative &nbsp;Jim Boot of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WMC Superyachts (Company)">WMC Superyachts</a> have all done an amazing job. If I was to start the project again tomorrow, I wouldn’t change a thing.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emerald50.4m (165'4&quot;)Feadship1990">Emerald</a> will be cruising the Mediterranean this summer season and will either be in the Caribbean or the Indian Ocean during the winter. She’s available for charter bookings through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265807/image/large-9d6a4eebf05e2a8f17adff4ed54455da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265807">

Redesigning the 50m Feadship superyacht Emerald with owner 

The owner of the 50m Feadship superyacht Emerald joined SYT to discuss her refit at Balk Shipyard.

Owner interview: Redesigning the 50m Feadship superyacht Emerald

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

The iconic and vibrant cosmopolitan city of Barcelona stands uniquely placed to gain from the world’s growing fleet of superyachts. The well-established city is positioned between the Mediterranean and a western European gateway to the Caribbean and is known for its year-round good weather, culture, and gastronomy. With its well-connected travel links, leading refit and repair facilities, and infrastructure links <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news/per:24/published:0/not_published:0#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Marina Port Vell</a> has become home for superyachts exceeding 60-metres, making it the perfect destination for winter berthing. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244048/image/large-d01e7c79e2e04a174bf860f8981d7067.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244048">It has never been easier to dock and discover the vibrant attractions of Barcelona as they have the unique advantage of being home to the one of the only superyacht marinas in the Mediterranean located within a city. The premium berthing destination of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell</a> enables guests and crew the privilege of being close to both the town centre and nearby beaches, as well as a 2-hour drive to the ski resort in the Pyrenees mountains.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244040/image/large-f4ac728c1127fb70e202be79014f1de4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244040">Barcelona attracts talent, creativity, and innovation with an array of world leading activities and attractions within the city and on its doorstep. The city is home to some of the best chefs in the world and boasts over 30 Michelin star restaurants including the three Michelin starred restaurants - Abac, with renowned chef Jordi Cruz, Cellar Can Roca and Lasarte. Barcelona also has a luxurious first-rate shopping district representing international and local brands, and along its length are an abundance of art galleries and buildings as iconic as La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, and the admired Sagrada Familia &nbsp;For those more interested in sports, Barcelona is home to their thriving football team and Formula 1. For a more relaxed activity there are the stunning array of beaches along the Barcelona and the Costa Brava. And for innovation and technology, international events as Mobile World Congress or ISE, take place in Barcelona each year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244047/image/large-c0c8318299f138b379b7f1e46dafc424.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244047"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell</a> is a world-class marina for superyachts perfectly located in the heart of bustling Barcelona. The marina was originally built during the 1992 Olympic Games and has provided a major boost to the Catalan coast due to its ability to cater to the superyacht segment. In recent years, Marina Port Vell has witnessed a major shift in traditional cruising patterns. They offer 150 berths and one of the world’s longest quays at 400-metres, making it an ideal destination for the mooring of superyachts of up to 190-metres long.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244036/image/large-f995d732b5d4a03d88a1892f73878756.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244036"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell</a> is a well-established nautical hub that brings together a large number of industry related companies to offer guests the best services in award-winning buildings. The first-class buildings are designed to emulate the grandeur of a superyacht and house offices and exclusive services. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244041/image/large-f1a1e70db6732d966da1923cb27c2c70.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244041">The marina also plays host to annual yachting events such as the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show (Company)">MYBA Charter Show</a>, the Barcelona International Boat Show, and The Superyacht Show in 2018 and 2019, as well as sports regattas and acts as the perfect host venue in the signature for many luxury brands.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244044/image/large-640f823fc9ab646296c769d154fedbb8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244044">Barcelona offers a wealth of transport options including high-speed trains, an international airport and European motorway links. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell</a> is conveniently located 20 minutes from Barcelona’s International airport and has access to a heliport less than five minutes drive from the marina. From sophisticated events to world-class concierge staff and award-winning security, it is not difficult to see why <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell</a> is a recurring favourite among the travellers of the world superyacht elite. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244039/image/large-b4d879764c4e877e89b8e889c3abcbb9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244039"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell</a> continues to grow in popularity as the Mediterranean’s leading superyacht marina and winter home port destination. The marina is run by a team of highly qualified professionals that provide exceptional services for running and managing 70-metre and above superyachts. The marina also provides an exceptional itinerary of events and facilities for the superyacht crews, especially during the winter home port months. &nbsp;They include activities such as yoga classes and social crew events through to training sessions and captain’s meetings and seminars, where the yachting community in Barcelona will be able to bond and meet like-minded colleagues while enjoying.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244046/image/large-66847af8cb661c45b1a30d8deb49a2d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244046">In September 2021, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell&nbsp;</a>presented a new €20 million investment plan involving the remodelling of the marina to enhance its capacity and strengthen its specialised services for 30-metre plus vessels by creating 23 new berths for vessels with a length of up to 70-metres. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244043/image/large-9ecd9b21ed83a24500a98b49700531e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244043">The marina will boast 55 berths for superyachts which will increase up to 65 in periods of high occupancy in the winter. The plan includes the remodelling of different spaces within the marina, such as reconfiguring the marina basin, a landscaping project and installation of a new bunkering system and a Sustainability Master Plan has been introduced to ensure that the marina continues to be a sustainable, safe and innovative infrastructure providing quality services.

Marina Port Vell winter destination

Marina Port Vell to become home for superyachts exceeding 60-metres, make it the perfect destination for winter berthing

Marina Port Vell: The perfect destination for winter berthing

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 

Churchill Yacht Partners had announced their acceptance into MYBA – The Worldwide Yachting Association. MYBA is an internationally renowned professional organization, founded in 1984, whose members are involved at all levels within the Superyacht Industry and held to the highest ethical and technical standards of the industry. New members are only accepted with a proven track record of professional excellence in the yachting industry. Churchill Yacht Partners was formed in early 2004 to provide comprehensive yacht brokerage, charter and charter management services to clients worldwide. Since purchasing the highly successful charter company Rikki Davis Yachts in 2005, Churchill Yacht Partners has continued to expand its charter yacht management and retail booking divisions and currently dedicates its entire focus within the luxury yacht charter and charter management industry. Churchill Yacht Partners +1 954 527 2626 <a href="mailto:Charter@ChurchillYachts.com?subject=Churchill%20Yacht%20Partners%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">Charter@ChurchillYachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.churchillyachts.com">www.churchillyachts.com</a>

Churchill Yacht Partners get accepted into MYBA

Following the success of the Antibes Yacht Show at the beginning of the month, Sea-Alliance Group (SAG), the international maritime business, is showcasing two of its most luxurious Sunseeker charter vessels – MY Donizetti and MY Black &amp; White - at the 23rd MYBA Charter Show in Genoa between the 2nd and 6th May 2011. The show is promoted by MYBA (the Worldwide Yachting Association), and is one of the most important international exhibitions dedicated to charter professionals and superyachts. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134847/image/large-7e41f1d60247a5b12569da18777e5e20.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134434">As well as displaying these two yachts, SAG will be providing information about its growing fleet and range of professional services, which now includes yacht sales and purchase, new construction and technical management, yacht management, charters, marina management and marine projects, as well as crew recruitment. In addition SAG will have MY AncorA, a Baglietto 43m, and MY Darsea, a Moonen 97, available to view in Genoa, both of which are managed by SAG and are available for charter. Black &amp; WhiteBlack &amp; White, a Sunseeker 34m yacht, is described as “a boutique villa on water”. She has been designed to offer an extremely luxurious experience. A special version of Sunseeker’s semi-custom range, she benefits from many high-end upgrades, most evident in the vessel's interior. The elegant, contemporary black-and-white theme is based on the ying-yang symbol, a Chinese sign for complementary opposites, which perfectly sums up the mix of performance and luxury guests experience on this stunning vessel. The spacious flybridge, complete with an outdoor Jacuzzi and enlarged bar, offers attractive and comfortable living areas, while a large aft tender garage accommodates two jet bikes and a 16ft custom made Castoldi tender. As well as opulent entertainment areas and generous accommodation, she boasts furnishings and finishes of the highest specification including Fendi-designed leather furniture, American walnut carpentry, Frette linen and design accessories, and a Bang and Olufsen lifestyle system. Black &amp; White has been hugely popular during the Caribbean charter season and is now currently in the Med ahead of the summer season. The Black &amp; Whitededicated website (www.yacht-blackandwhite.com) features a detailed itinerary of a seven day charter in the French Riveria and Corsica, available via SAG, as well as further images and video content. The charter includes visits to the gems of the Mediterranean, St Tropez, Cannes, Monacoand Corsica. MY Donizetti Donizetti is a Sunseeker Yacht 90, built in 2007, and has a cruising speed of over 20 knots. She provides a versatile layout with convertible twin cabins which enable the craft to accommodate up to ten guests in four cabins, as well as four crew members. The Master stateroom aft has private en-suite facilities, and there is a VIPstateroom forward with private en-suite. The vessel also boasts a twin guest cabin to port with en-suite access as well as a twin guest cabin to starboard with en-suite. The interior of a large, light saloon on the main deck, dining area and bar are finished in satin black American walnut throughout, and an elegant Jacuzzi features on the flybridge. A host of water toys are included such as a SeeDoo RX255 Jet Ski, a BSC46' tender, and various towing toys and inflatables. Itay Singer, Director of SAG, is delighted to be attending the event and said: “The MYBA Charter Show is the event of the charter industry in Europeand one that we consider crucial as we build SAG’s profile in the international market. We are committed to providing excellent charter brokerage services, and look forward to the show and the opportunities that it provides. Attendees can meet with our friendly team members and gain expert advice and the latest information about the vessels we have available for sale or charter, as well as step aboard theDonizetti, Black &amp; White, AncorA and Darsea.” Sea-Alliance Group +350 2006 1666 <a href="http://www.sea-alliance.com">www.sea-alliance.com</a>