Taking place from 27 April to 1 May, 2019, the Palma Superyacht Show is now in its seventh year, having transformed as an event since its inception in 2013. The original formation of the show came about when a group of local brokers decided to simply get together to promote their listings of yachts for sale, not realising at the time that the event would later become fully established on the international boat show calendar.

Arne Ploch, sales broker at Camper and Nicholsons and president of the Balearic Yacht Brokers Association that organises the Palma Superyacht Show, explains that, while the event has grown exponentially, the fundamental principles on which it was founded have been preserved. “Given the show’s basis, it was important that it had a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, was not hugely expensive to participate in and would be an enjoyable experience for all brokers, potential buyers and visitors,” he says. “It was not our original intention for it to become the largest exhibition of sailing yachts for sale, but it naturally evolved that way due to the enormous influence Palma has in the sailing sector.”

The recovery of the financial market has also contributed to the year-on-year growth in the number of yachts at the show as well as the increase in the number of exhibitors. The show has also benefitted from the support of the Balearic government, and the collaboration between the public and the private sectors has given the show all the necessary tools to grow.

While many yacht shows have become very commercially focused and thus overlook the true purpose of a show, the Palma Superyacht Show is organised by the industry and refreshingly formulated around the clear idea of what is needed to make a yacht show work. “We have customised the show to present yachts to potential buyers or charter clients in a relaxed and pleasant environment,” says Jane Thompson, show coordinator. “We also focus on bringing yachting to new potential clients that may not be aware of what yachting entails. Our resources are reinvested into the following year’s show to fine tune its continuing development while maintaining the original concept.”

The 2019 edition of the Palma Superyacht Show will feature a greater percentage of large motoryachts display and a new dedicated tender section. Following the success of last year, an extended show area and a 72m floating bridge that connects STP shipyard to Palma's iconic fisherman's dock will return once again to enhance visitor experience. The popular FunFair, sponsored by Port Adriano, will also be returning with daily performances to entertain visitors.

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Palma International Boat Show

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