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.
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 here.