The 2012 MYBA Charter Show in Genoa, Italy, is without doubt one of the premier gatherings of yachts anywhere. This year’s show, which took place on April 30-May 4, provided a more cohesive and even better organized show than ever. In all, there were nearly 80 yachts in display. In addition to the impressive gathering along the show’s main quay, two other marinas also were included. Water ferries provided timely transport across the harbor to the Aquarium docks, while a slightly larger ferry plus land vehicles connected visitors to the nearby Fiera Marina. It all went like clockwork. 

Neptune Group Yachting, as always, was pleased to be amongst those in attendance at this show, which is by invitation only. More than 300 top charter brokers and agents from around the world came to inspect the yachts and visit with their crew. While size certainly was a factor, perhaps more important was the quality of the yachts on display. 
Two of the largest vessels in the show provided a stunning side-by-side contrast in excellence: the 78.4m AMARYLLIS with her “jaw-dropping” traditional lines and the crisp contemporary elegance of the 73.5m MOGOMBO.

When asked which yachts most caught my attention and why, I immediately think of the 38m Sanlorenzo 4H (left). She sports gullwing doors that swing upward to open and hull doors that drop down to form balconies in the main saloon and master stateroom, providing a great “indoor-outdoor” feel to this contemporary yacht. 

Another eye-catcher is the 37m yacht AURELIA, owned by a car racing enthusiast. His passion is reflected in the décor of this stunning yacht from her racy and colorful exterior to her Formula 1-themed interior. 

For those who prefer retro looks, the 55m sailing schooner GERMANIA NOVA stole the show.  She is a replica of a 1908 yacht that literally had a book written about her adventures during World
War II. 

One of the best values was the new sailing ketch, 32m KESTREL, smartly styled after the traditional gullet vessels owned by the builder. She is designed around comfort and performance offered at an affordable rate.

As I toured the charter yachts on display at the Genoa show, I heard their captains and crew discussing their clients’ favorite summer destinations in the Med, including the Côte d’Azur, Croatia, Montenegro, the Turquoise Coast, and Greece’s Dodecanese Islands. We welcome the opportunity to discuss specific yachts and destinations to fit your perfect yachting holiday requirements. Please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .