Plans Underway for the 25th Anniversary of MYBA Charter Yacht Show

Super yachts on the main dock at the 2012 Genoa Charter Show

Has the MYBA Charter Yacht Show outgrown Genoa as it did San Remo? That is the question being asked by Captains and brokers alike.


MYBA and perhaps organisers Pesto would like to think not and have set in place plans to make sure that next year’s 25th anniversary outing becomes their best ever show.


Recognised in the past as the International Yacht Charter Meeting, inaugurated in 1988 and held in San Remo up until 2000, the show relocated to the Porto Antico (Ancient Harbour) area of Genoa in 2001.  Local management was provided by the Pesto Sea Group acting as contractors to show owners MYBA who are changing their identity to become The Worldwide Yachting Association.   


In 2006 the show changed its name to the MYBA Charter Show and has, since 2010, been owned by All Yachting SAS (AYSAS) commercial company set up by MYBA


The Show is perhaps the Mediterranean’s most important trade-only gathering of around 80 of the world’s, fully crewed luxury yachts for charter.

And the rain came down

Organised by an elected panel of experienced MYBA members, and show managers in Italy, it attracts professional charter yacht brokers who come to appraise and inspect the yachts, meet captains and crew and discuss important charter related issues, in readiness for the forthcoming season.


Topical seminars and an increased number of exhibitors have made the Show an important, not-to-be-missed business occasion for professionals within the luxury charter industry.      


Despite the vagaries of the weather, this year’s show proved an unmitigated success, with 80 large yachts of minimum length 20m in attendance and 420 registered brokers during the 5-day period. Over 70 exhibitors benefitted from targeted exposure and a lively social programme ensured everyone made best use of the networking opportunities.  


Following demand expressed two years ago by owners, captains and central agents to expand the show, extra berthing space was found on the other side of the harbour at the Marina Fiera quay. Interlinked for visitors via a courtesy shuttle service by land and sea, this extra space was used again this year, with 15 additional yachts berthed here.

Marina Fiera Quay at the 2012 Genoa Charter Show

The resultant addition of this quay means that the show has become fragmented into three distinctly different areas with only one attracting the all important footfall all exhibitors seek.  Some are now calling for the show to move onto a port or venue where all yachts and trade exhibitors are in one spot.


Perhaps recognising this, next year’s 25th anniversary of the show which takes place between 29th April and the 3rd May 2013 is to be subjected to a targeted promotional campaign with a strong sales message about the benefits of attending, exhibiting and/or being a sponsor of the show, will be sent out to a named list of prospects.  


MYBA say, “The marketing message will apply only to businesses or individuals with a direct connection to the luxury charter industry. Charter related exhibitors at the Festival de la Plaisance Cannes and the Monaco Yacht Show, for example, may feel that an additional presence at next year’s MYBA Charter Show will be worth serious marketing budget consideration.”