Boat shows are generally much the same, though there’s always a frisson of excitement around the Monaco Yacht Show. By far the largest European in-water show, and as much of a business networking event as a charter/sales forum, ‘everyone’ in yachting goes to Monaco. This time was different, though, following the cancellation of the 2020 show and the 30th edition deferred by twelve months. Many attendees left it to the last minute to commit to attending, in case COVID would again spike travel plans, doubtless giving the organisers a few headaches up until the show opening. There was evidence of some exhibitors not taking up their booked slots and a fair few regulars were missing. There were also considerably fewer yachts on show, though was it a success? The evidence suggests it was. The success of any exhibition, trade fair or boat show is always difficult to measure, given that they are often just a barometer of prevailing market conditions. New build order books are full and the pre-owned market is hot, so the only people not smiling this time were brokers with no more stock to sell. The biggest innovation was the ‘VIP’ pass on the opening day, banishing […]