The Mediterranean yachting season was opened by the Antibes Boat Show, taking place in April 17-20. Right now it's the biggest yachting event in the Mediterranean at this time of the year.
The show was unique because of several reasons. Firstly, the port Vauban is the largest private marine in the Mediterranean. Secondly, the marina can take yachts over 100 metres long at the legendary Milliardaire’s Quay. Thirdly, several Russian billionaires have villas on the Cap d'Antibes. And finally, the exhibition's programme included a lot of interesting events.
But a boat show is first and foremost a yacht exhibition. The presence of numerous brokerage companies both independent and representatives of the specific shipyards is a speciality of this event. There were no launches or presentations of the new projects at the Antibes Yacht Show; it was a venue for those who interested in buying or chartering a yacht. That's why there were so many big charter companies including Edmiston, Camper & Nicholsons, Gaspard Yachting, Blue Water, YCO, Yachting Partners International, Cavendish White.
Yacht production companies such as: Rodriguez, Ferretti, Princess, Maiora, Canados, Aicon, Azimut, Sunseeker, Sunreef, Béneteau, Jeanneau were attended at the exhibition. Except the exhibiting yachts the visitors could see various related brand-name products too, and exactly- Harley Davidson motorbikes.
Along with the names well-known to the Russian readers, there were participants conspicuously absent on the Russian market. For example, the French Arcoa – a maker of 12.6- to 18-metre open motor yachts. Though the company’s line has only four models, it includes the redwood speedboat Le Canot with a cabin at the bow and the large three-cabin Mystic 60 with spacious tender garage at the stern. There was another French participant - Expression, a manufacturer of 25- to 29-foot tenders popular in the Middle East and China (where the company has regional offices). The tenders are made of plastic and have a central control console. They are equipped with outboard motors (customers can choose the preferred make but the standard version comes with Mercury Verado). The Simon group's projects - Galileo Yachts - cover a wide range of models from explorer-class vessels to catamarans. Currently the company is building three multihull yachts at their Moroccan shipyard: Kéréon 77', Arkona 67', and Cap Carbon 65'. Shama Yachts presented four models - 100-foot, 116-foot and two 118-foot luxury yachts.
The show also included a lot of society events. About 400 guests gathered together for the Captain’s Dinner at La Siesta. According to the eyewitnesses’ reports, the yacht owners and their guests were dancing till all hours. Saturday night there was Crew BBQ at the Milliardaire’s Quay: the yacht crews demonstrated their skills while the visitors enjoyed music, barbeque and beer. At the same time Exhibitor Cocktail was taken place at the Bastion St Jaume's terrace. Sunday night’s programme was organized by the Royal Mougins Golf Resort: a cocktail party for VIP guests. By the way, there was a chance to play golf during the boat show: a tee was set up at the fort's wall and everyone willing to pay the fee could send the ball into the sea, where a speedboat was measuring the results. The winner got a nominal prize while the proceeds were donated to charity.
Konstantin Startsev
Photoreport
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