Debut edition of The Superyacht Show closes its doors

By Rebecca Bradbury 8 May 2018

Brand new, consumer-facing yachting event The Superyacht Show 2018 came to an end at the weekend after four days of luxury yacht viewings at the OneOcean Port Vell in Barcelona, Spain.

Organised by the Large Yacht Brokers Association (LYBRA), the brand new show is the only event in Europe focused solely on serving consumers. It offered serious yacht buyers and charterers the opportunity to step aboard some of the world’s leading yachts in a private and luxurious setting.

The quayside experience for the ultra-high net worth clients and their representatives in attendance was designed to be relaxed, elegant and enjoyable as the four-day show, which ran from 2 to 5 May, purposefully moved away from the B2B element associated with more traditional boat shows.

Among the yachts lined up in the OneOcean Port Vell was a fine selection available for charter, including the 76m/248ft superyacht ANASTASIA from Oceanco. Designed to deliver the complete charter experience, she is jam-packed with amenities, including a 30m private nightclub, a health deck and a movie theatre.

Another show-stopper was the 70m/230ft charter yacht JOY. A 2016 build from Feadship, her revolutionary exterior styling from Bannenberg & Rowell, expansive deck areas and beautiful interior design from London-based Studio Indigo made her one of the most popular superyachts on display.

Likewise, the 66m/218ft charter yacht OKTO from ISA drew no end of admiring glances. With a sleek, silver superstructure perched atop a jet black hull, a large and inviting aft deck pool and monochrome high heel-friendly Esthec decks, her aesthetic appeal should come as no surprise.

The Superyacht Show is the only event in Europe focused solely on serving consumers

One of the highlights, however, was the award-winning 81m/266ft superyacht KIBO, which made a surprise appearance. Built by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2014, she features generous deck areas dedicated to entertaining and a luxurious, beach-house style interior from Terence Disdale.

Alongside the superyachts, there were exhibits from a variety of luxury brands, and The Superyacht Show also turned the spotlight on Barcelona as a superyacht destination. The city is easy to get to, has a new marina and is teaming with world-class architecture, cutting-edge cuisine and a variety of cultural attractions.

Over time, LYBRA hopes to develop the show into the definitive, pre-summer buying opportunity in the Mediterranean, and the event is expected to return in 2019.