Today is the last day of the 21st edition of the Genoa charter show, an industry-only event that draws the top charter brokers and charter journalists from around the world. Held at Marina Molo Vecchio, it showcased 65 yachts, a sell-out. Although it also attracted about 100 fewer brokers than last year, perhaps due to the economy, more important, it drew praise from several attendees, one of whom was Missy Johnston, owner of Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters. Johnston agreed to serve as Megayacht News’ eyes and ears during the show, and what she has to say about the coming summer season is encouraging. Here’s her report:
The number of yachts that are actually in the show is based on the number that can fit at the available dockage. Again, this year, several owners were disappointed, as a few yachts were left on the waiting list. I think in these economic times, everyone is pleased to see that owners are still interested in having their yachts offered for charter, and that this show is as large as ever, and once again over-subscribed.
This year the predominant vessel types showing by a large margin are motoryachts. The largest two motoryachts, at a little over 70 meters, are Boadicea and Haida G. There are also a number of new yachts with new crew at this show, which is nice to see and encouraging for the future of yacht charter. (Editor’s note: See Johnston’s photos of Natori, above, and Galaxy, below.) A lot of destination talk for the summer at the show is centering around the Eastern Mediterranean, as it seems that more owners are interested in having their yachts located in Croatia, Greece, and Turkey this coming summer. Of course, as every broker knows, if a non-Greek-flagged yacht charters in any part of Greece, the pickup or drop-off port must be outside of Greece.
Every broker in attendance feels that the number of inquiries from interested yacht charter clients are increasing and that there should be a good yacht charter summer in the Mediterranean this year; perhaps off to a slower start than last year, but everyone is optimistic given the present increase in inquiries and charter bookings. There are still some great dates available, though, in July and August on some great charter yachts.
And as always, the Show Management of Pesto Marine and the volunteer members of the Mediterranean Yacht Broker Association that put this show together, have done an excellent job. The show is well organized, with a great selection of yachts open for viewing for charter for this upcoming summer, and many support industries in attendance have booth representation and information available to discuss all other aspects necessary to put together a great yacht charter.
To learn more, check out the Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters blog.
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