Now firmly established as a must-attend event in the superyacht calendar, the fifth edition of the Palma Superyacht Show is fast approaching. Taking place from 28 April to 2 May, the show is valued for its refreshing approach and they way in which its organisers continue to evolve the format every year.

A new addition for 2017 will see a dedicated area for refit and repair. The concept will aim to have a B2B focus and, as such, will take on a different role to the rest of the show. Including a facility for seminars and presentations, it hopes to attract captains and crew, creating a targeted and relevant audience for the companies exhibiting there.

“We have elected to relocate to the new refit and repair area for this year’s show in the hope that it attracts more industry-specific visitors to our stands and perhaps less curious foot traffic that are simply intrigued by the technology as this can take up valuable time,” explains Steve Worrall, operations manager at Horizons Marine Electronics.

“We are also considering utilising the presentation tent located within the area, which will allow us to showcase products and systems in a quieter environment where we can invite up to 35 guests per session. This year we will be announcing at least one new important partnership and a number of product and system updates.”

For Andrew Wilcox, director at Precision Marine, the new area is necessary to bolster Mallorca’s reputation as a quality destination for refit and repair. “At present there are some 60 superyachts here carrying out refits – this is something that does not happen anywhere else,” he explains. “The island’s central location is a plus; accessible for moving both in and out of the Mediterranean, however there is little international promotion of this. We feel that this new specialised section will act as a platform from which to work.

“Over the years we have definitely seen the show as a whole grow and evolve, although it has been aimed more at the public than the professionals. We are convinced that, with this dedicated area, the professional attendance will increase and the organisers will have the ‘problem’ of finding more space for this section over the next few years. Our target is to gain international recognition for the refit and repair part of the show and subsequently for the sector itself.”

With the show’s new slogan ‘visit Palma, discover yachting, enjoy life’, emphasis will also be placed on the concept of introducing new clientele to the market. “Everyone needs to get new people into yachting,” explains Jane Thompson, event coordinator. “We want to communicate the message that people can come to the show and, not only see the boats, but meet the crew and spend quality time with the brokers.”

To complement this aspect of the show, motoryacht Herculina will be in attendance and, in collaboration with Nyetimber, will be offering VIP tastings on board for seasoned yacht owners and charterers, as well as those yet to experience the industry.

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