The Evolution of the MYBA Charter Show: A Decade of Growth in the Superyacht Industry

By Katie Scott 17 April 2025

The MYBA Charter Show has become a staple event in the world of luxury yachting, showcasing some of the most exquisite Mediterranean yacht charters operating within the region. From its humble beginnings, the show has continued to grow, opening gateways to some of the most indulgent charter destinations in the world.

Launching with its inaugural edition in 1990, the 2025 MYBA Charter Show marks 34 editions packed with a captivating range of motor and sailing yacht charters primed to present indulgent environments and premium amenities for the ultimate escape to sunkissed beaches, thought-provoking UNESCO Heritage sites, and plenty of seascapes for breathtaking watersports sessions.

Ahead of the forthcoming event, scheduled to run from 28 April - 1 May, we take a look back over how the MYBA Charter Show has grown over the past decade to become the pivotal event it is today.

Gaining Traction In The Yachting Industry: 2014–2015

From April 28 to May 2, 2014, the 26th MYBA Charter Show lit up Porto Antico in Genoa. Building on the previous 25th celebratory edition in 2013, the MYBA Charter Show kept the momentum going and continued to blend business with celebration, offering a platform where yacht quality, culinary talent, and exceptional service came together for an immersive display of West Mediterranean yacht charters.

The Chefs’ Competition embraced the theme of “International Brunch Made Onboard,” encouraging attending yacht chefs to showcase both savory and sweet dishes in inventive ways. A total of 52 superyachts were on display, including some of the most iconic superyacht charters of today, such as 241.6ft (73m) superyacht rental NAIA, plus 267ft (81m) charter yacht ALFA NERO, and 236ft (72m) yacht rental AXIOMA - who both hit the headlines after being released from sanctions.

Charter yacht AXIOMA

Back on the charter market: Superyacht rentals AXIOMA and ALFA NERO scheduled to attend 2025 MYBA Charter Show

The 2015 edition returned to Genoa's Porto Antico, attracting more than 350 pre-registered charter brokers, who engaged in yacht inspections and networking opportunities, such as the extended Opening Cocktail Party at the Genova Aquarium. Maintaining a strong attending fleet around the 60-70m range, the 2015 MYBA Charter Show witnessed the arrival of 229.8ft (70m) superyacht AMADEUS, 231.6ft (70.56m) luxury yacht charter FORCE BLUE, and 213.3ft (65m) motor yacht charter SEANNA.

With the Chefs’ Competition themed “Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet Dinner Party with Decadent Chocolate Dessert”, this edition witnessed some updates to attendance records, with the fleet being marginally younger than the previous edition, and discussions emerged regarding the future location of the show, with potential alternatives including Barcelona and Antibes.

Establishing Its Presence in 2019

Proceeding with the change of location, the 31st edition of the MYBA Charter Show was held from April 30 to May 3, at OneOcean Port Vell in Barcelona, Spain. Marking the third consecutive year at the popular Spain yacht charter destination, following nearly three decades in Genoa, the attending fleet of luxury yacht charters continued to maintain steadily increasing numbers approaching the milestone of 60.

Highlights from the show included the ever-popular Chefs' Competition with the challenge to prepare a vegetarian starter and dessert, along with a vegan main course, reflecting the growing demand for plant-based cuisine among charter guests.

Charter yacht NERO

Along with the gradual increase in attending Italy and Sardinia yacht charters, the 2019 edition of the MYBA Charter Show proudly showcased a higher size range compared to previous years with some of the largest displaying yachts including the industry renowned 295.7ft (90m) superyacht rental NERO, the captivating 288.9ft (88m) sailing yacht charter MALTESE FALCON, and 247.8ft (75.5m) charter yacht WHEELS from the fleet of Oceanco yachts for charter.

A significant aspect of the 2019 show was the presence of both newly launched yachts and recently refitted classics. This blend of new and revitalized yachts highlighted the show's commitment to innovation and promoting high standards across both new builds and existing Mediterranean yacht charters.

Post-Pandemic Recovery: 2022–2023

Following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MYBA Charter Show made its much-anticipated return in 2022 at OneOcean Port Vell in Barcelona. The show’s comeback was measured but meaningful, with a notably reduced fleet of just 18 yachts. Despite the reduced scale, the average length overall (LOA) stood out at 48.98 meters, showcasing a refined selection of youthful charter yachts with an average age of 23.5 years - with the largest attending superyacht being 270.7ft (82.48m) motor yacht SEA PEARL, previously known at the time as SECRET.

Compared to earlier shows like 2015 and 2019, the 2022 edition was considerably smaller, both in fleet size of attending motor yacht charters and broker attendance. However, it represented a critical moment for the industry’s revival, beginning to restore confidence and highlight the versatility of the luxury yacht charter market.

Superyacht charters on display at MYBA Charter Show

The 2023 MYBA Charter Show marked a confident step forward in the post-COVID recovery, building on the foundations set in 2022. A total of 28 yachts were on display—an increase of over 50% from the previous edition—with a combined LOA of 1.33 kilometers and an even younger age average of 16.71 years. Among the show’s highlights was the repeat appearance of the captivating superyacht charter NERO, plus an impressive 25 yachts making their MYBA debut, reflecting renewed enthusiasm among both owners and brokers to showcase fresh offerings to the market for indulgent Italy and French Riviera yacht charters.

In contrast to 2022’s scaled-down return to the annual yachting calendar, the 2023 edition revived the energy and momentum that had defined pre-pandemic shows like those in 2015 and 2019. It confirmed that the superyacht industry not only withstood the pandemic’s disruptions but emerged with a sharpened focus on innovation, quality, and the experience of luxurious charter vacations.

The Modern Era: 2024–2025

The 2024 MYBA Charter Show marked a return to peak form, with a fleet of 51 charter yachts—matching the scale last seen in the standout 2019 edition. Featuring a total LOA of 2.27 kilometers, a significant leap from post-COVID years, this edition placed the MYBA Charter Show firmly back among the top industry showcases.

Breaking ground with the introduction of a 319ft (97.2m) superyacht— motor yacht charter CARINTHIA VII became the largest yacht to appear in recent show history, setting a new benchmark for scale at the event. Notably, 48 of the yachts were debuting, underscoring a fresh and competitive fleet that was eager to impress.

Another defining feature of 2024 was the drop in the attending charter fleet’s average age to just 15.2 years, indicating a continued rejuvenation of the France, Italy, and Greece yacht charter market. Compared to 2022’s 23.5-year average, the 2024 MYBA Charter Show balanced the presence of icons with the energy of newer builds, reflecting MYBA’s evolving identity: one rooted in tradition but increasingly forward-looking.

Charter yacht CARINTHIA VII

Charter yacht EMIR

Fast forward to the forthcoming 2025 MYBA Charter Show, this year's event has already gone down as the strongest in the show's history, a result of the momentum built over the past few years. With a staggering 80 superyacht charters in attendance and a total LOA of 3.5 kilometers, the event has shattered previous records. Currently promising 65 yacht debuts, an enticing mix of classic and new yachts will be on display at the Portosole Marina in San Remo.

Along with the sharp uptick in attendance numbers, the attending fleet of charter yachts has an average age of just 12.49 years, the youngest on record. From a modest 18-yacht showing in 2022 to this record-breaking high, the MYBA Charter Show’s evolution illustrates the expanding global significance of the event and the resilience and innovation of the modern luxury yachter charter industry.

Scheduled to run from 28 Apr - 1 May, the forthcoming trade-only MYBA Charter Show is just weeks away from showcasing the youngest ever attending fleet of luxury yacht charters in the event's history. To find out more about the fleet on display or to arrange for an industry professional to attend on your behalf, contact your preferred yacht charter broker today.

Alternatively, find further inspiration for your next charter vacation by viewing the entire fleet of luxury yacht charters.