The Mediterranean superyacht season started in style at the Antibes Yacht Show last week, with the organisers hailing increased visitor numbers as a positive sign and attendee numbers totalling 15,000. “People came from as far as China for the sole purpose of visiting the show. Offers were made on yachts, and deals were concluded in many yachting business. Overall, exhibitors were again happy with the quality of visitors that come to the show,” says Muriel Pénoty, communications manager at the show.
The view from the Vicem 46M Vulcan. Photo: Mike Edwardson
Among the yachts making their debut at the show were the much-anticipated Vicem 46M Vulcan, with its speedy Frank Mulder-designed hull, and its engaging interior from Art-Line. Also making her public bow was the elegant 45-metre explorer yacht Pride, built by Viudes Yachts, and recently finished at the Mondo Marine yard.
Pride on the dock at Antibes. Photo: Mike Edawrdson
The show also saw the first Prestige Yacht Auction, with a live link to bidders in Monaco. Although most lots failed to meet their reserve price and therefore didn’t sell, but the 78-metre exploration yacht Lone Ranger, which went into the auction with a ‘low estimate’ tag of €3 million, sold for €750,000.