N&J Asia at MYBA Charter Show

Although less than 20 yachts were on display - a much smaller number than in any previous year - the MYBA Charter Show was generally considered a huge success. Lies Sol from N&J Asia were there see first-hand the latest superyacht charter options.

Fearing Covid complications, organisers could not confirm if the event would go ahead and it was a short lead in to the show. By that time, charter yachts had accepted bookings, and owners had decided to use their yachts themselves, or already had fully-booked summer calendars (due to rescheduled 2020 and 2021 charters plus new bookings) which caused many yachts to postpone attendance until next year’s show.Along the docks and on-board yachts, charter industry professionals exchanged animated greetings, new connections were made. There was a relaxed, and convivial atmosphere all around.

Yachts on show ranged from 23 – 83m and included sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts. One of the favourites in the show was ROMA, a 62 m Viareggio Super Yachts (managed by Northrop & Johnson) with the delightful Captain Janusz running a professional and fun ship. With only a few days here and there available this summer, ROMA is one of the most popular charter yachts cruising in the South of France, Italy, and Ibiza. She is maintained in top condition by her long-term Captain and crew and the yacht had extensive interior furnishing refits in 2019 and 2021.

A close second was SNOWBIRD, a 39 m Hakvoort with an original, no expenses spared art collection specially curated for the yacht, including works by Roy Lichtenstein and Alex Katz. Soft furnishings were refitted in 2020, with special cow-hide carpets designed by David Ostrander.

Size does matter in the yachting world, and at 82.5m the Abeking & Rasmussen SECRET was the largest yacht in the show. Stylishly opulent, SECRET’s luscious interior, immense deck space and 23 crew, offers palatial comfort to a maximum of 12 charter guests in the Mediterranean region.

During the charter show there were several informative presentations on Mediterranean destinations, fiscal and customs news, charter license regulations and the latest water toys on offer.

Then there were parties!  STELA MARIS (72.1m Viareggio Super Yachts) hosted a chic cocktail, introducing a superb new show (‘Immersion’) by illusionist/magician Tony Steward, who entertained the audience with amazing feats. Materialising a bottle of Champagne out of a red balloon was just the beginning. A card illusion bearing a live butterfly out of a closed box, kept guest amazed.  Show celebration cocktails were held along the boardwalk, with sassy dancers and music performances to keep guest entertained. One of the most popular parties was hosted on charter yacht MIMI LA SARDINE (34 m CDM). With her original decor of natural materials, beautiful native art works and open-style living, she was the perfect venue for a stylishly white-themed, and lively evening.

On the final evening of the show, the winners of the popular, prestigious MYBA Superyacht Chefs’ competition were announced with the prize-giving ceremony attended by show visitors and enthusiastic crew.

The MYBA Charter Show 2022 was pulled off against all odds, was a wonderful event that refreshed and energised charter networks. Hard work by everyone in the show's organization made it possible, with special credit to the senior staff of the MYBA/AYSAS Admin team: Cora, Armelle and Jane.

Text and Photos by Lies Sol