Barcelona MYBA Charter Show 2023: Best Yachts On Display

Explore some of the best moments of this year’s MYBA Charter Show in Barcelona.

The Denison charter team spent three days in Barcelona at the MYBA Charter Show this April. The show “was a success, with a great selection of 25 superyachts from all kinds (modern, classic, sailing),” according to Denison’s Europe Charter Management Director Nicolas Fry, who was in attendance–along with Europe Director Jeremy Roche and charter specialists Caroline Antlett and Molly Playfair. Discover the highlights of the show, including some of our charter team’s favorite yachts on display.

Nicolas Fry’s Top Picks

The Barcelona MYBA Charter Show was a huge hit for all who attended. Each member of our team reported back on their most preferred yachts and what they liked about them. “We all had our favorites and, for me, it was M/Y MARALA, a 59m classic yacht from 1931 built by Camper & Nicholsons and refitted completely in the last five years at Pendennis,” Nicolas shared. “It’s amazing how they rebuilt this yacht like new, keeping its old spirit.”

“My second favorite is M/Y ARTISAN, a 63m Benetti from 2019. The interior of this yacht is very well-designed and the crew is just incredible. We enjoyed a great tour of the yacht and then were offered some canapés and delicious white wine. We couldn’t leave this yacht as the discussions with the captain, the chief steward, and the stewardess were so interesting. Hospitality at its best onboard this yacht and on many other ones.”

“I also had the privilege to be invited for lunch on board S/Y MINDFULNESS, a 24m Advanced from 2021. The Italian crew made us feel like we had arrived on an Italian island like Sardinia or Sicily with great pasta and lots of prosecco.”

Other than impressive yachts, there were also amazing events, including one hosted by Denison. “On the first day of the show, Denison Yachting organized its first cocktail party in Barcelona and it was a huge success,” Nicolas commented. “We hosted about 100 guests–charter brokers from all different companies, captains and crew from yachts attending the show, friends and colleagues from the industry. We were at a Mexican restaurant called Oaxaca and privatized the bar, called La Mezcaleria. We enjoyed great Mexican food, beers, cava, Mezcal, and margaritas. The event was sponsored by four partners: H&V Yachting, Med Yacht Services, Fort Insurance/Yacht Safe, and Luxury Treasure Hunt. This partner offered us a nice show with a magician and even a quick happening with Michael Jackson and two dancers. Our guests enjoyed a fun evening and were delighted to network in this friendly atmosphere.”

Molly Playfair’s Favorites

Molly Playfair also had a nice list of picks for clients looking to charter a yacht. “For our catamaran fans, SYLENE, the Lagoon 77. She has five cabins thanks to a unique layout, an amazing use of space for a boat of this size.  Super fresh and calming interior and a lovely French crew of four to look after your every need, including a stewardess who is a trained masseuse and a deckhand who is a Pilates and yoga instructor–these extras are a rarity on a boat of this size.”

Another top recommendation: “The 1990 Feadship, EMERALD, beautifully reimagined by Design Unlimited in a total interior and exterior refit last year. She is looking immaculate.”

“Last but not least, the 2020 Amels GALENE,” Molly says. “Her on-paper credentials speak for themselves, but in going onboard and meeting the crew, I became even more aware of her fantastic water toy inventory–you name it, this boat has got it. From aquaglides to wake surfs to Seabobs and sailing dinghies, and a crew to match, including a kite surf and sailing instructor.” It seems like this charter yacht really has it all.

Caroline Antlett’s Preferred Yachts

Caroline Antlett was eager to share her favorites for her clientele: “I also loved MARALA, PANDION PEARL, and the Sunreef VIDA LA VIDA.”

“MARALA is a boat with a level of history that must be almost unparalleled. She was built in the ’30s, converted into a warship in WW2, and saw action out in the tropics. She has been meticulously refitted and has so many special touches, such as a wooden Riva sailing boat that was the first sailing dingy used in the Olympics. Her interior is an elegant 1930s glamour. She is niche, but for the right client, she would be perfection.”

“PANDION PEARL has a really stunning and different interior,” she shared. “There are a lot of strong colors and features yet also soft shapes, so it feels inviting and comfortable at the same time. The owner’s wife did the interior. Between the crew, they speak 11 languages, which is something different to be able to offer.”

“VIDA LA VIDA has a beautiful interior design and large cabins that we were not used to previously with catamarans. The master has a walk-in wardrobe and storage is not an issue. The chef does mindfulness and yoga with clients.” There is much that differentiates this charter yacht from the rest.

“I also loved SYLENE,” Caroline enthused, “and the stew does hair and nails and makes her own organic skincare, which is really another level.” Talk about added perks!

Denison is excited to have had such a great experience at the 2023 MYBA Charter Show in Barcelona. We look forward to next year!

Interested in chartering one of these or another yacht for your next luxury getaway? Contact a Denison charter broker for more information.

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