Becoming the 2nd worldwide spring brokerage show in less than a year was close to a miracle, surviving the bad weather which has poured over the show 3 days out of 4 was almost harder. However, exhibitors are satisfied. Brokers and Captains confirm that the rain has kept the curious away and that only the ‘real clients’ came. The large yachts brokers are convinced by this second annual show, it has gained notoriety in a very short time and confirms its future potential.
During the evenings, various events animated these 4 days. The ‘Captain’s dinner’ brought nearly 400 guests together at La Siesta. The captains and their spouses enjoyed meeting in a convivial atmosphere and danced the night away. Saturday evening, the Crew BBQ was held on the legendary Milliardaire’s Quay. Music, skewers, beer and cheers were abundant while on the other side of the ramparts on the terrace of the Bastion St Jaume, at the ‘Exhibitor Cocktail’ a couple of hundred guests were mingling in a more champagne and petit fours ambiance. Although both events were taking place in different areas, all guests enjoyed the fireworks. Finally, Sunday the Royal Mougins Golf Resort was hosting the ‘VIP Cocktail’, luxury and refinement were present and gave the opportunity to the guests of the various night time events to meet and appreciate this exceptional site.
This year some of our exhibitors had organised seminars in the restaurant area on the terrace of the Bastion St Jaume. Friday morning Cathelco received about 40 persons to whom they explained various methods to prevent corrosion. While Riviera Charts had chosen for their seminar subjects such as ISM code application, new cruising materials and services and also new medical equipment for yachts. On the Capitainerie Quay, the smaller units section felt left out because of the distance between both entrances. Improvements are already in the works to resolve this for the next edition. Although the amount of visitors has remained the same as last year (9 000), the diversity of clients, professionals and journalists proves the growth Antibes Yacht Show has undergone since its birth and reinforces the very promising future of this must see spring event in the nautical world.