Palma International Boat Show Stages Sensational Comeback

MALAGA, SPAIN, March 20, 2013 (Press-News.org) With the 2012 event conspicuous by its absence, the pressure is on to deliver a sensational 30th edition of the Palma International Boat Show. Running from 1 to 5 May 2013, organisers have overhauled the format into an activity-packed 'nautical week' and, with the International Yachting Forum and Superyacht Brokerage and Charter Show running alongside, there's plenty to shout about.

Director of the Boat Show, Chema Sans, explains, "Having listened to feedback from both exhibitors and the public we've revamped the format. First, the Show will be five days rather than nine with a late party night on the Friday for entertainment and concerts. Second, to make the week special for everyone, we're laying on TapaMar, a celebration of seafood, Maremostra, the 2013 Ocean International Film Festival, a classic boat display, sailing boat taster sessions for teenagers plus the PalmaVela Regatta in the Bay of Palma. This is now a festival with a maritime flavour which showcases the Balearics' strength as a leading nautical destination."

The new Show setup has gone down well with exhibitors and bookings are strong. 202 floating berths are available for boats ranging between eight and 65 metres, power and sail, new and pre-loved, alongside 5,000m² of land-based exhibition in tented stands and open air displays. Amongst them is Marina Estrella, a 40-year established business representing Azimut Yachts, Atlantis, Minorchino, Cobalt, Hanse and Moody - a business that sees the Balearics as one of the most important areas amongst its 20 location network.

Andreas Reifers from Marina Estrella, says, "This year we'll be taking 15 boats to Palma and this sizeable commitment demonstrates our confidence in a successful 30th edition of the Show. The timing is good for Marina Estrella as we've not only got great models to display, from sporty Cobalts to substantial flybridge Azimuts, but 2013 also heralds the launch our new Marina Estrella Charter and Marina Estrella Service Divisions as well as the relaunch of our main website. Marina Estrella TV is also in the pipeline. The market is stabilising, sales are already improved year-on-year and we are looking forward to a rewarding season."

Another sector strongly represented in May will be yachts over 24 metres by way of the dedicated Palma Superyacht Brokerage and Charter Show. Moll Vell Marina will play host to more than 40 vessels up to 65 metres in length as part of a new initiative to highlight the importance of the superyacht industry and the significant foreign revenue inflow and local employment it generates on the Island. The Balearic Yacht Brokers Association (BYBA) has been formed specifically to promote and champion this innovative Superyacht Show-within-a-Show.

Jamie Small, Sales Manager for Burgess Yachts, one of the six companies in the BYBA, comments, "It's time that superyachts had a greater presence at the Palma International Boat Show as, after all, they do form a substantial part of the Balearics yachting community. The shortened programme will also help to focus our attention onto five days of serious beginning-of-season business and take less time out of the crews' packed schedules. I'm also glad that this year's Boat Show captures the bigger picture and highlights Mallorca as a complete destination with superb culture, cuisine, sailing and nightlife. I am sure it will set the template for years to come."

For more information on the Show visit http://www.boatshowpalma.com. Tickets are five euros on the day, three euros if booked in advance and free for pensioners and children under 12 years of age. For more information on the Palma International Yachting Forum for industry professionals running alongside the Show from 1 to 3 May visit http://www.talkyachtspalma.org.