The first edition of the Quaynote Superyacht Conferences 2015 has been a huge success. Taken place from April 30 to May 1 in Palma, alongside the 2015 Palma Superyacht Show, the two-day conference program for superyacht professionals was attended by around 200 delegates.

Quaynote Superyacht Conferences 2015 Delegates

Antonio Deudero, Director General of Balearic Ports and Airports, delivered a welcome speech to around 100 delegates from the international Superyacht industry. During his speech, he stressed the importance of the superyacht sector to the region’s economy, and confirmed his government’s commitment to continue supporting the nautical leisure sector and the infrastructure that supports it.

As an example of the recent growth in The Balearics, partly due to the relaxation of the previously punitive matriculation tax on charter yachts, Deudero mentioned that superyacht charter bookings had increased by 52% during the last four years, and that 2000 additional jobs had been created in the local refit as well as repair yards since 2008.

Rob Papworth, the Superyacht Refit Group chairman of ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations), was also one of the key speakers during the event. Rob stated that the overall objective of his working group’s activities was to “bring certainty to refits,” and pointed to figures from his association’s recently completed survey which showed that 853 Superyachts (over 24 metres) were refitted around the world in 2014, constituting approximately 20% of the global fleet.

Cocktail Party at Port Adriano Superyacht Marina

At the end of Day 1, the delegates and participants could enjoy the lovely roof terrace of the Melia Palace Atenea Hotel during a cocktail party, sponsored by the paint company Jotun Iberica.

Day 2 switched to the ‘Future for Captains and Crew‘, with a good number of knowledgeable speakers and panelists covering development of careers in yachting, and regulatory, licensing and compliance issues for the operation of Superyachts. The day finished with Round-Table sessions including: MLC in relation to superyachts, The changes in matriculation tax and the impact of Spanish Chartering, Onboard training, What steps do captains and crew need to take to ensure yacht security? And how to network for career success.

In the early evening, courtesy of the management of Port Adriano Superyacht Marina, delegates were transported to El Toro for a fabulous cocktail party and a look around the Philippe Starck-designed facilities. Subsequently, on Saturday, May 2, a group of delegates enjoyed an organised day at the Son Gual Golf Course.

Speaking for Quaynote Communications and YachtMedia who jointly organised the conferences and the golf day, Peter Franklin of YachtMedia said: “Based on the excellent feedback we have received from delegates and sponsors, we have already decided to run a second edition alongside next year’s 2016 Palma Superyacht Show, and will be announcing the actual dates very soon!”