Show canned
MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Association has announced the cancellation of its April show in Barcelona, Spain.
Photography by MYBA
11 February 2021
Advertisement
In a statement, the trade organisation quoted the COVID-19 pandemic and international travel restrictions as barriers to presenting this year’s edition.
“After careful deliberation, and consultation with Marina Port Vell, our show managers, it is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of the 2021 MYBA Charter Show, which was scheduled to take place from 26–29 April in Barcelona, Spain.
“The decision to halt preparations for the show was a difficult one but necessary as recent developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, together with travel restrictions, mean holding the event is no longer feasible.”
The annual invitation-only event for brokers and brands involved in the global charter industry provides exceptional networking opportunities, showcases the industry’s finest vessels, and generates solid business.
“We know it’s the right decision based on the information we have today,” the MYBA said in its statement.
Advertisement
In place of the in-person event, the MYBA together with Marina Port Vell are exploring alternative ways to engage the superyacht community and move forward.
The MYBA said: “The show must go on – it’s in our DNA – and even if that’s not happening this year in the way we intended, we are certain we can tap into new avenues that will help our valued members and show stakeholders to mitigate the level of disruption to business.”
The statement continued, “We will be sharing additional details about our plans in the coming weeks, so please stay tuned.”
Australian charter brokers are accustomed to attending many of the world’s charter events. David Good, CEO of AIMEX-Superyacht Australia, said: “It’s sad that the show won’t progress, but given that the international community wouldn’t be able to attend, it’s the right decision.”
“Australia was scheduled to be the featured destination at the MYBA show, so we are looking forward to 2022 when the world is likely to be back to some form of international travel.”
Cam Bray, Director at The Superyacht People, said: “It’s a good move, health- and safety-wise. We want to maximise the exposure for the Australian charter market as soon as we’re confident international travel will resume.”
Luxury Charter Group CEO Jeni Tidmarsh attends the majority of the international charter shows. “We’re a global company with offices in Australia, Europe and the US, and among us, we usually inspect up to 500 yachts a year. With the onset of COVID, we have been able to draw on our vast resources and our network of industry colleagues worldwide.
“With no MYBA Show this year, although we will miss inspecting new yachts and meeting new captains and crew, we have learned to engage our clients in different ways to make sure they will be best-informed when it comes to making their charter decisions and when they are able to travel internationally again.”
Peter Redford, Managing Director at Fraser, said: “Although it would have been great to showcase the stunning fleet of superyachts at the MYBA show, it is understandable that it has been cancelled.”
Redford continued, “As with many other industries, the yachting sector is facing a problematic chapter in delivering yearly and well-regarded events due to the pandemic, however on a more positive note, yacht sales and charter bookings have grown over the past year.”
“I believe our industry has shown tremendous resilience, commitment and loyalty toward an industry we are all passionate about and highly respect.”
MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Association is an internationally renowned professional organisation founded in 1984, whose members are involved at all levels within the superyacht industry.
Members of MYBA are represented in all fields of brokerage, charter, technical management and construction of large yachts.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
