Industry insight: Ostentatious design gives way to quiet luxury, say Palma manufacturers – just one of this year’s hot topics
Courtesy of Palma International Boat Show
On Monday (28 April 2025), Marine Industry News delved into the effects of the current political climate on exhibitors at Palma International Boat Show (PIBS) and heard from the exclusive group that — while it’s a buyer’s market — optimism is in the air. Today, the group talks hot topics and trends, specifically size, the importance of niche segmentation and getting rid of ‘bizarre’ design.
According to Valentina Gandini, CEO of Mylius Yachts, the current trend is to provide a very targeted product. “More and more niche segments are emerging to offer yachts tailored to the customer. In the world of motorboats, there will be a great offer for day cruisers, and among yachts over 60 feet, there will be an expanding market segment,” she argues.
Ongoing popularity of compact and fast dayboats
There won’t be any dramatic shifts in trends or products this year, given the global geopolitical climate, believes Marc Forné, sales manager at Maxim Yachts.
“That said, the ongoing popularity of compact and fast dayboats is likely to be reinforced once again in Palma. It’s a trend that aligns perfectly with our brand and the current market demand.”
Although previously, Silvio Pupino, director of marine sales, Hertz Marine, told MIN he believed “Sales of smaller boats/yachts will probably be affected by the political trends; we see many yacht builders focusing on bigger size vessels.”
Industry moves to hyper-personalised yachts
“The yachting industry is moving towards highly exclusive designs that focus on the hyper-personalisation of the yacht and the creation of experiences,” says Ione Astondoa, COO of Astondoa.
Her company is taking its Astondoa Ax8 to the show. That has an interesting development plan. Seemingly, it was inspired by images sent to the company by fans on social networks – customers and non-customers alike.
The pictures came flooding in after Astondoa asked its networks how they ‘live the experience’ onboard.
“Including our customers’ point of view, taking into account their tastes and lifestyles, is a must for communication. It is about a yacht that responds to what the customer wants to feel on board and what they want to prioritise on their boat: family enjoyment, socialising and sporty sailing. And I think that is the trend in boat design and construction today.”
She very much believes that ‘ostentatious luxury’ is on its way out, along with “all that it implies in terms of stridency or bizarreness”.
“Quiet luxury is becoming a trend in luxury marketing and therefore in certain niches of our market.”
But someone who is rather more laid back when it comes to design trends is Giovanni Aprea, sales director for Apreamare (pictured).
“At Apreamare, we’ve got the privilege not to follow trends,” he says.
The evidence he offers is that the company’s boat design and overall style are timeless. It dates back almost 180 years. “Of course we do invest a lot of work in innovation and R&D to continuously upgrade the performance and comfort of our boats,” he admits, “but design wise we’re always balancing the coherency and consistency with the original design of the ancient Sorrentine Gozzo’s with the right dose of innovations and new ideas.”
USA expected to take up space as Palma hot topic
Pupino (Hertz Marine) expects exhibitors at PIBS to be discussing “exports to the USA.”
“Among boat builders, the focus [of conversation] will likely be on future positioning in the US market and how to adapt to shifting dynamics across the industry,” agrees Maxim Yachts sales manager, Marc Forné.
Gandini (Mylius Yachts) is pushing positivity in the conversation. “The American market will certainly be a hot topic. However, in light of recent developments, I believe it should not be scary. The nautical world is driven above all by passion, regardless of trade tensions or political challenges.
“As manufacturers, it’s our role to channel that passion into our yachts – creating increasingly beautiful and innovative products that inspire the joy of sailing.”
Sustainability is still very much on the agenda
“We’re expecting a strong focus on sustainability and smarter onboard systems – topics that align closely with our services,” asserts Rafal Skronski, managing partner, Marineworks.
Similarly to Astondoa, Skronski says he senses a shift back toward practical, well-supported solutions over purely aesthetic trends. “That works in our favour, especially as we introduce ourselves as a technical support hub for yachts operating in and around the Balearics.
“We also expect a lot of discussion around supply chain realities, technical reliability and the need for fast, responsive service – especially during peak refit and cruising seasons.
“As a new player in Palma, we’re keen to contribute to those conversations and show what we can bring to the table.”
Read all the latest news about sustainability in the marine industry
Strong focus on hybrid propulsion systems and eco-conscious upgrades
“Of course, there is an increasing focus on sustainability. Shipyards are tending to incorporate technology that allows for more and more energy autonomy and greater efficiency,” notes Astondoa.
Lusben is also expecting the conversation to centre around sustainability, particularly the adoption of alternative materials and more energy-efficient solutions.
“We expect to see a strong focus on hybrid propulsion systems and eco-conscious upgrades,” says Gianni Paladino, commercial director. “Many owners are looking for ways to extend the life cycle of their yachts while reducing environmental impact – an approach that reflects a more conscious and sustainable mindset.
“Another key trend is the increasing segmentation of the refit offer. Yachts are no longer just looking for a service provider – they’re looking for a long-term point of reference. They seek tailored, enduring solutions, which is precisely why Lusben has invested in programs such as the Benetti Lifecycle Service, designed to support the vessel’s full operational lifespan.
“We’re also seeing growing pressure for high efficiency in both turnaround times and execution quality. This is especially true in the charter sector, where the yacht is often a business asset. Charter seasons are longer and more demanding than private use, and that translates into the need for fast, flawless service.”
Paladino notes Lusben is witnessing a clear shift away from one-size-fits-all approaches. “Today’s clients are looking for partners who truly understand and can face the specific needs of their yacht, assuring a high level of competence.”
And, he says the role of Artificial Intelligence will be discussed widely. “From predictive maintenance to project scheduling and resource optimisation, AI is opening up exciting possibilities.”
Mainstream volume products to maintain market share
Carlos Vassallo, global head of sales at SAY Carbon Yachts Gmbh, comments that PIBS is on a growth trajectory and that’s set to continue, with an increasing presence from major players in the industry.
As such, he says: “We expect to see a more diverse offering in terms of range, aesthetics, and performance, while mainstream volume products will likely maintain their share of the market.”
The last word, again, goes to Gianni Zucco, co-founder of HP Watermakers. He’s heard that many industry actors will be visiting Palma for the first time this year, so he’s expecting a good quality of attendees. But more than that, he adds:
“The upstarts of the nautical industry will have a difficult time in this historical moment while solid and professional companies will strengthen.”
