Camper & Nicholsons prepares for a busy show season

13th July 2023
As the Autumn show season approaches, preparations are well underway for the highly anticipated Monaco Yacht Show and Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Benjamin Bensahel and Pascal Savoy contemplate what the market can expect from the yachting industry’s prestigious events, outlining Camper & Nicholsons plans and how prospective buyers and sellers can benefit from the team’s extensive experience.

It is an interesting period for the superyacht brokerage market, with fluctuating demand in the first half of 2023 and global economic forces causing uncertainty for the year ahead. Despite these dynamics, the Camper & Nicholsons brokerage team is optimistic for a busy and proactive Autumn show season.

As Europe has been impacted by high inflation rates, Benjamin Bensahel, Europe Head of Sales & Brokerage at Camper & Nicholsons, is seeing more yachts coming onto the market and less sales happening than in the last two years. “There are still motivated buyers, but levels of activity have returned to just below 2018-2019 numbers,” he comments. “We anticipate that this will pick up with the start of the show season in September – the feedback we’ve received from the Monaco Yacht Show organisers is that the show is almost full, and it is becoming difficult to find a berth.”

The market expectations

From an American perspective, Pascal Savoy, who joined Camper & Nicholsons as US Managing Director in 2023, acknowledges that the US market remains reactive to interest rates and Wall Street trends, but is positive for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. “We expect a large turnout of buyers eager to explore the latest yachts on market,” he asserts. “As asking prices have started to come down a little, buyers will be seeking favourable opportunities.”

Camper & Nicholsons will be returning to its prime location on Quai des Etats-Unis during MYS, which offers easy access to the VIP entrance and VIP tender pick up. For clients looking to peruse the yachts on display at the show, the team will ensure they are given the ultimate MYS experience. “We arrange everything so that clients enjoy a smooth and luxurious experience at the show, picking them up from their hotel or yacht with our car or tender,” explains Benjamin. “Having strived to understand each client’s requirements, our brokers will then cherry-pick the yachts of interest, organise private viewings and conduct debriefs in our private office over a coffee or drink.”

For FLIBS, the US team is busy redesigning and revamping the Camper & Nicholsons booth to create a more inviting and aesthetically pleasing space that aligns with the expectations of the US market. “We will have a new lounge area around the booth for clients to relax,” advises Pascal. Furthermore, the company is taking a bold step by securing a new, larger location at FLIBS, positioning the booth strategically for the expansion of the show in 2024. “It’s a big investment, but necessary – it’s an expanding period for Camper & Nicholsons in the US, and we have high expectations,” Pascal adds.

Advantages of having your yacht on display

Camper & Nicholsons will also be representing a stellar line up of yachts during this year’s show season. For MYS, the company has already confirmed four northern European-built yachts of the highest pedigree. For FLIBS, the team is currently deciding between a pool of quality yachts.

Owners looking to sell their yachts still have the opportunity to benefit from Camper & Nicholsons unparalleled experience and knowhow of maximising a yacht’s visibility during show season. “The name Camper & Nicholsons brings confidence to buyers and industry players,” advises Benjamin. “With a yacht listed with us, they know they are going to see a yacht where all information shown on the brochure are accurate, where all paperworks are in order, KYC approved with the prospect of smooth and professionally handled transaction.”

Camper & Nicholsons also stands out with its in-house MYS app. Allowing any client to access the brochures and specs of yachts in show, plan their MYS journey and register for yacht viewings, the platform also benefits the yacht owners by providing them with additional exposure and detailed insight into viewer interest.

Pascal highlights the quality service provided by Camper & Nicholsons. He adds; “The boutique feel owners have with us is very important. And, behind the scenes, our other divisions offer comprehensive support and expertise to enhance the overall customer experience. Our worldwide presence as one of the largest brokerage houses also makes us an attractive choice for owners seeking global reach for their yacht.”

Whether a client is looking to buy a yacht or sell an existing one, the Autumn show season presents important opportunities that are not to be missed. As Benjamin summarises; “MYS and FLIBS are still the greatest shows in our industry, where you see buyers walking around, and even deals happening, during the shows. For a buyer, the shows are a unique opportunity to have some 20 yachts within their requirements in one place. For a seller, the shows are an opportunity to catch the attention of those clients.”

As the show season approaches, Camper & Nicholsons looks forward to elevating its clients’ show experience with an impressive fleet of yachts, an enhanced presence and outstanding service. For prospective buyers and sellers looking to attend the shows, please contact our team to find out more.