Private viewing ‘events’ set to underpin shows in 2021

Palumbo Superyachts Ancona has announced that its three-day private event which took place last week ‘marks the beginning of a growing path’.

The company says that opening its doors as a response to Covid-19 offered visitors the unprecedented opportunity to meet the commercial and technical teams and introduce them to the superyachts first-hand. It allowed close-up appreciation of the fine craftsmanship and exclusive designs.

The company has called this the ‘first edition’ of the event, and it’s not the only business who’s thinking about open days offering attractive ‘exclusivity’ for 2021.

Beneteau has already taken the initiative. It says it’s organised events, private trials and exclusive days in France (Cannes-Mandelieu, La Rochelle, Les Sables d’Olonne) and internationally (Monaco, Spain, Italy, UK, Germany, USA).

Beneteau Groupe is also preparing for the opening of virtual shows (December 10-12) and creating new digital formats that are more immersive and interactive.

Across the Atlantic, Ocean Independence has declined to exhibit at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which is still seeking high general footfall (although restricted compared to previous years).

“The wider yacht sales market has not seen any negative impact from the lack of major European shows and continues to inspire confidence,” Ocean Independence says in a statement.

“Ordinarily at this time of year, we would be gearing up for one of the premier events in the yachting calendar. The event is still going ahead, however Ocean Independence – along with many other larger yacht brokerage companies and non-US shipyards – has decided not to participate due to the risks posed by Covid-19.”

But the company’s arranging private inspections at the same time and says it has a number of significant yachts at various stages of sale, either under offer, undergoing sea trial/survey or at closing.

It looks as if the direct appeal exclusive event for buyers will continue into 2021, as Covid-19 isn’t yet ready to be tamed just yet. But does this mean shows will suffer too?

Tim Mayer, sales and marketing director for MDL, thinks not. He’s already planning the company’s show calendar for next year with four shows being proposed (two at Ocean Village, one on the Thames – Penton Hook, and one in the West Country, most likely Queen Anne’s Battery) and reports a high number of expressions of interest, enough to give the marina group confidence to take the next steps.

“We’ve had a really good response from companies who have expressed interest in bringing boats in,” Mayer says. “But that’s with the intention of setting the shows up for serious buyers only, not mass attendance of the public. That’s going to be the key to getting the go-ahead from all involved.

“I understand the reasons behind some companies offering exclusive days, but what they’re missing out on, and they know it, is the potential to steal someone else’s customer. It happens, and that’s why bespoke, boutique boat shows like the South Coast Boat Show will always have a place in the industry.”