The MYBA Charter Show is moving to a significant new location this year. After taking place in the marine hub of Genoa for the past 16 years, the relocation to Barcelona represents a reinvigoration of the show. OneOcean Port Vell, Barcelona’s five-star marina and home port for superyachts, will host the show for the next three consecutive years. The trade-only event has a long and rich history and is always popular with brokers and companies that offer luxury Mediterranean yacht charters.

The 29th edition of the MYBA Charter Show will take place from 24th to 27th April, 2017, and is set to be bigger than ever. Registration for the event opened in mid-January and organisers have reported a massive amount of interest and sponsorship enquiries. There are roughly 65 berths available and around 50 charter yachts have already signed up to exhibit in Port Vell. There will be 80 to 90 exhibitor stands and the official sponsor is BWA Yachting, an international marine and yachting agency.

Its popularity is understandable when you consider Port Vell’s enviable location, which is perfectly positioned to host a major event. OneOcean Port Vell is one of the only modern marinas capable of accommodating the largest superyachts on the water today. The port opened at the end of 2014 following an €80 million investment and offers 930m of easily-accessible space for exhibitors, primarily situated directly in front of the area where the superyachts will be berthed. Port Vell has four Quays: Spanish Quay and Barceloneta Quay, Deposit Quay and Sota Muralla Quay, which will host yachts varying in size from 22m – 190m.

Despite the change of location, the main programme and agenda will remain similar to previous years. OneOcean offers an array of fantastic amenities that open up the trade show to a range of new options, which will raise the standard of the whole event. For example, the organisers hope to raise the quality of the well-established chef competition and add a cocktail contest.

Not only is the port itself an exceptional superyacht hub, but it is situated in the most vibrant city in Spain. Barcelona offers an abundance of leisure and business opportunities, fine dining and world famous nightlife. Most importantly, it is easily reachable from the rest of Europe and beyond, both by luxury yacht charter and plane. The airport is only 25 minutes’ drive from Port Vell and it receives domestic and international flights from a large number of destinations on a daily basis.

The MYBA Charter Show is the industry’s largest gathering of charter yachts ahead of the summer cruising season. It is now better-connected to the 2017 Palma Superyacht Show, which runs from 28th April to 2nd May. In fact, the show's new location in Barcelona is the perfect launching point for Balearic yacht charters, which have seen a huge surge in popularity over recent years. Ibiza, in particular, has seen a reinvigoration and change of image as it becomes an alternative hotspot for elite holidaymakers. Moving the MYBA Charter Show to Barcelona is recognition of how much easier it is now for yachts to cruise in Spanish waters. It is hoped that the show will firmly place Barcelona on people’s luxury superyacht charter itinerary and have a positive impact on cruising in the region.