XXXIV Boatshow Palma Review

The sun was shining brightly above Palma’s stunning cathedral and old town when Grabau International arrived in Mallorca to visit the 34^th incarnation of the Palma Boat Show. The Balearic-based Spring show is actually two shows in one. Alongside the traditional boat show there is the Superyacht Show which draws the crowds to inspect the lines of stunning superyachts, all offered for sale by their respective brokerage houses. From the sublime to the slightly ridiculous and from the ultra-modern carbon cruiser racers through to the 100yr old classics, there were boats on display to suits all tastes and budgets (relatively speaking…).

As much a networking event as a boat show, the Palma Superyacht show is also a great opportunity for brokers to check out their counterparts offerings and forge new cooperations. Although in the brokerage world, we love it when we can list a yacht and then find the buyer, in reality, the listing and selling of larger yachts will often be split across two or even more cooperating brokerage houses.

So, on to our highlights of the show. Unsurprisingly, we start off the fantastic 2014-launched Vismara V80 ‘NAKUPENDA’. Featured in one of our recent ‘Iconic Vismara’ features, NAKUPENDA is the current flagship from Vismara Marine and offers cutting-edge design innovation and technology in spades.

Again, rather predictably, our wanderings took us into the exclusive realm of Baltic Yachts. With our good friends from Finland having a formal presence at the show (Baltic Yachts have a permanent service and refit facility in Palma), three of their most iconic customs offerings were on display. Pulling off the neat trick of being on of the largest (and certainly the shiniest) sailing yacht at the show, the 2006-built 46m ‘PINK GIN’ wowed all that saw her. Combining timeless and understated elegance with a real tour-de-force of technology, there is nothing to beat her. With the emergence of the latest 53m ‘PINK GIN VI’ from the Baltic Yachts yard, this stunning yacht is now very seriously for sale and priced accordingly at a whisker under Euro 9m.

Next in our sights was the Baltic 87 ‘ANNY’. The thought and engineering that has gone into this yacht just needs to be seen to be believed. With a Euro 1.5m refit completed only recently, her ask of Euro 2.2m including EU VAT doesn’t seem unreasonable, especially bearing in mind her eight-figure replacement cost. With a lifting keel, ‘James Bond’ style dinghy garage and high tech epoxy build she is, without a doubt, one of the most special yachts in this size and price bracket.

Completing the trio of brokerage Baltics was slippery and ultra-competitive Reichel Pugh designed Baltic 78 Custom ‘LUPA OF LONDON’. Campaigned with great success by the current owner, this canting keel carbon speed machine makes no compromises on comfort once below decks thanks to her beautifully crafted teak joinery interior and very practical layout. Her recently price reduction to just £1.45m VAT paid makes her a fantastic entry into the world of Maxi racing and cruising.

Offered through the same brokerage house as LUPA OF LONDON, the 2013-launched Tempus 90 ‘TEMPUS FUGIT’ from Arkin Pruva Yachts tugged firmly at the heart-strings. Stunning classic topsides and interior, coupled with modern and slippery hulls lines have made this stunning yacht a real success on the race circuit, but those lucky enough to have a tour over her decks and innards would struggle to find even the smallest blemish. She genuinely is ‘as new’ and as such her asking price of Euro 2.65m seemed an absolute bargain.

Perhaps the biggest show-stopper at Palma was the mesmerising Wally 130 ‘ANGELS SHARE’, one of three Wally Yachts on offer at the show. Launched in 2009 and extensively updated and extensively refitted in more recent seasons, this iconic yacht knocks on the door of cutting-edge yacht design and then barges straight through it. Looking slightly like the world’s largest day-sailer, she is a very accomplished racing yacht with a great interior layout below decks. Her 6m deep keel will probably keep her away from the Solent, but her Euro 11.95m ask seems not unreasonable for such a well-fettled yacht.

Putting the sensible hat on again, a tour aboard the 33.5m Palmer Johnson ‘KEEWAYDIN’ with her beautiful John Mumford Design interior just felt ‘right’ from every angle. The perfect yacht to spend extended periods aboard, this beautiful classic gentleman’s yacht is a true credit to her caring owner. The perfect liveaboard, at $2.325m USD she represents fantastic value.

Rounding off our whistlestop tour of the dockside delights at Palma and devoid of rags and sticks was the 2008-launched Ferretti Custom Line Navetta ‘MALVASIA’. Amazingly spacious and practical with accommodation for up to 12 guests in five lavish and elegantly decorated staterooms. Maintained to exceptionally high standards, this shines in her excellent presentation. At Euro 2.6m inclusive of EU VAT and Spanish matriculation taxes, she is a great option for both private and charter usage.

If you would like further information on any of the yachts shown above, or would like to discuss your yachting requirements, please contact us.