One of the most prestigious shows in the world of yachting has just concluded: the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA) Charter Show was held in Barcelona from April 24 to 27 and was deemed a resounding success.

It’s the first time that the show has been held on the Spanish coast and Barcelona really turned on her best with show participants being treated to the very finest Spanish hospitality.

The 29th MYBA Charter Show welcomed participants at one of the most luxurious ports in Europe, a world class marina named “OneOcean Port Vell". Its ultra-modern mega yacht moorings became a comfortable business hub by day and the venue for much networking and socialising by night.

Last summer, the MYBA announced that the 2017 charter show would take place in the Spanish port of Barcelona. Considering that Italy’s Genoa had been the venue for the show for the past 16 years, this decision understandably sparked much interest.

Representatives of the world’s leading yacht charter companies had a chance to inspect the yachts, meet the crew and get an appreciation of the yacht’s own brand of service presentation; and with the 2017 summer season fast approaching, the timing is spot-on. In a similar way, brokers and industry representatives were able to familiarise themselves with what is newly available in the way of industry-related services.

The MYBA allows industry professionals to see an encompassing array of mega yachts available for luxury charter. It’s a fundamental element in the process of familiarisation for brokers and agents... before they talk with their clients about their next luxury charter vacation, most of the potential questions have already been answered. A brochure only goes so far in providing that kind of confidence.

Seventy luxurious yachts went on display this time, and among them, the luxury mega yacht, “Ramble On Rose” captured everyone’s attention. This beauty has an expansive sundeck and was well photographed during the show. Likewise, the motor yacht “Joy”, winner of this year’s Showboats Design Award for Best Exterior Design and Styling, was also caught in the lens; displayed, as she was, for the very first time in Barcelona.

Even though professional brokers and yachts’ crew were gathered to talk business, the festive atmosphere didn’t leave the quay for a minute. And despite cloudy weather and occasional rain, nothing could dim the mood. Everyone’s good cheer and enthusiasm made for an upbeat show.

Participants particularly enjoyed the fifth MYBA Superyacht Chefs’ Competition, with first prize in the 55 meter and over category going to talented chef, Dean Conbeer of the motor yacht “Icon”.

At 17:00 hours on the final evening, all participating yachts sounded their air horns in unison, marking the end of what has come to be known as one of the most memorable events on the Superyacht calendar. It was raining at that time, but even so, the experience of being engulfed by a sea of trumpeting horns was enough to rouse the emotions.

Barcelona and OneOcean Port Vell were so well received by brokers and members of the luxury charter yacht industry that the MYBA Charter Show is set to be held there for two more years. Ole!