Words by Amanda Armstrong and Neil Hornsby, founders of UK-based luxury superyacht charter company Yomira.
For luxury lovers and boating enthusiasts alike, the MYBA Charter Show, one of Barcelona’s leading boat shows, is a highlight of the spring events calendar. This prestigious festival, hosted by MYBA (The Worldwide Yachting Association), has long been synonymous with luxury, and showcases some of the most exclusive charter yachts in the world – not to mention a taste of the glamorous lifestyle that often comes with chartering them.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the beautiful Barcelona coastline, the event attracts industry yachting professionals from across the globe who come to inspect the charter fleet on display and familiarise themselves with the charter crews. The show is often the arena for the unveiling of some of the most extravagant and impressive new or refitted superyachts – which understandably, make it a must for Yomira to personally recommend their clients the very finest money can buy.
Each year, the MYBA Charter Show brings with it a host of new insights and trends that are set to shape the year ahead, and the 2023 iteration showcased a notable shift towards sustainability, health, and wellness – which was evident in the interior styling of the yachts, the range of health services available, and the mouthwatering cuisine being presented by talented chefs.
The latest yacht interiors were as plush as you’d expect, but with a new focus on natural textures, earthy tones and sustainable fabrics. Integrating these eco-friendly elements not has served not only to enhance the aesthetic appeal but also align with the growing emphasis on sustainability – not just in the boating world, but universally.
Many superyachts are now offering an array of health and wellness activities to be enjoyed on board – ranging from yoga and pilates to personal training and spa services. Guests can indulge in spa services including massages, hair and beauty treatments, and other rejuvenating experiences while enjoying their luxurious journey on the seas.
Beach clubs on super yachts have become increasingly popular over recent years, and with them comes a wide array of water toys and recreational equipment. Big chase tenders, which allow yachts to get closer to the beaches, are now more often included, while watersports enthusiasts can enjoy e-surfs, e-foils, wingfoils, paddleboards, and seabobs. On land, e-bikes have gained immense popularity, providing guests with an eco-friendly and exhilarating means of exploration, and many vessels now come with these included.
Crew members on high-end yachts often have demanding roles, and that isn’t about to change anytime soon. In fact, they now offer even more extensive skill sets that go above and beyond their yachting duties, ranging from boxing, sailing, yoga, Pilates and PADI diving qualifications, through to help for personal trainers, nutritionists, hair and make-up artists and florists.
Gastronomy
In terms of gastronomy, top-rated chefs are embracing the latest international food trends, which include family-style cooking with fresh Mediterranean flavours, sashimi, delicate portions, and extensive vegetarian options. ‘World cuisine’ is also trending in the galley, with chefs tapping into their extensive repertoires learned from cruising the oceans to wow charter guests. Neil Waldron, head chef on the 55 metre GALENE, is a great exponent of this, and showcases his culinary expertise in the most mouth-watering of ways for lucky guests to enjoy.
Technology
In technology, Elon Musk’s extraordinary Starlink satellite internet connection is taking the yachting world by storm, with the majority of yachts across the spectrum seeing reliable speeds of 300mbp/s. It’s an impressive tool for clients who need fast, reliable internet wherever the yacht they are on is cruising and ensures seamless connectivity regardless of the yacht’s location – so if you’re the kind of person who likes to combine work and travel or simply enjoys keeping up with friends and family when you travel the world, then this is the solution you’ve been waiting for.
Sustainability
This summer’s show shone spotlight on some of the advancements we’re seeing in the boating world in the realm of sustainability. The breaking technology on the yacht scene is the introduction of HVO fuel – hydro-treated vegetable oil – which is a second generation synthetic renewable diesel alternative that eliminates up to 90 per cent of net CO2 with no need to modify the existing engine set-up on board.
Lammouche is the first yacht in the Mediterranean to use this clean and eco-friendly fuel and it has received rave reviews from the boat’s crew. It’s only a matter of time before we start to see other yachts adopting this forward-thinking and sustainable approach, and ultimately, embracing a more environmentally-conscious future.
The latest hotspots
So, where exactly do the clients who are buying or chartering these impressive vessels want to go on them this year?
As predicted, captains are finding themselves inundated with requests for itineraries in the ‘regular’ hot spots of the Mediterranean this summer – which include Sardinia, Corsica, Capri and the Amalfi coast – as well as Mykonos and Santorini in Greece.
Familiarity and reassurance seem to be key factors in clients’ preferences, as these renowned destinations offer a combination of beauty, cultural richness, and luxurious experiences.
Yachts
If you’re looking for a truly outstanding yacht to charter this summer (or next) then there are some impressive options to choose from that promise the utmost in luxury and an incredible journey you’ll never forget.
The stunning 63-meter Artisan stands out as an exceptional option for those seeking a luxurious and memorable experience on the water. Its elegant design and state-of-the-art amenities make it a coveted choice among discerning travellers – so you’ll need to be quick if it sounds like your perfect match.
58-meter classic C&N yacht Marala is another notable option that has recently undergone a remarkable USD $14 million refit at Pendennis. Its rich history, combined with this recent meticulous restoration, come together to offer a vessel that exemplifies timeless elegance and features plenty of modern comforts, too, providing an unparalleled charter experience.
Seeking a truly unique sailing experience? Kajikia and the brand-new Lagoon 77 catamaran offer a blend of luxury and innovation and plenty of space in which to relax, unwind and enjoy the journey. Comfort, and cutting-edge technology feature prominently, and will leave you wanting for nothing.
To explore these exceptional yachts and discover more about YOMIRA’s bespoke charter experiences, visit yomira.com.
The MYBA Charter Show 2023 took place between April 24-27 at Port Bell in Barcelona.
