That time of year is fast approaching again when the global yachting industry descends on the South of France for Europe’s most prestigious boat shows. As we celebrate another busy Mediterranean season, this period showcases innovations in yacht building, design and lifestyle, and offers a glimpse of the industry’s most coveted superyachts currently on the market. BOAT catches up with the team at leading brokerage firm Burgess to gain their insights on the current state of the brokerage market and the anticipated boat show season ahead.
Brokerage is booming
Burgess has reported a busy summer season, selling seven yachts and a 125-metre Port Vauban berth in just three weeks. These sales, totalling €520 million in asking prices and 515.1 metres in total LOA, showcase a remarkable achievement. “These impressive results from Burgess demonstrate the confidence that our clients place in the strength of the Burgess team and our unique structure,” says Richard Lambert, senior partner and head of sales. “We are very proud of this accomplishment, and we are positive for the outlook of the superyacht market for the remainder of 2024.” Notable transactions included the 74-metre Amels-built New Secret, sold in less than five months after joining Burgess' fleet, and the 29.1-metre Princess X95 Amelia.
A busy boat show season
Following a successful summer, Burgess is anticipating a busy 2024 boat show season, beginning with the Cannes Yachting Festival on 10-15 September. This key event in the yachting calendar showcases some of the most celebrated sub-500GT yachts, typically in the 30-50-metre semi-production range. Due to Burgess' recent surge in activity, it already has several yachts confirmed for the Cannes lineup and a growing waiting list.
Leading the charge is the 40-metre Anya, a four-deck Sunseeker built in 2015 and refitted in 2020, boasting an excellent charter record. Also featured is Royal Hakvoort’s 38-metre Perle Bleue, which was built in 2007 and underwent a refit in 2013 that earned her the World Superyacht Awards’ Best Refitted/Rebuilt Yacht category. For those interested in the explorer yacht market, Pendennis’ 2024-built, 34.9-metre Fox is ideal for an outdoorsy family. Additionally, the sporty 33.2-metre Levantine II offers a versatile, charter-compliant option in excellent condition.
“We've had an overwhelming response for all of the autumn boat shows,” explains Emily Byerly, global events and brand partnerships at Burgess. “This reflects the robust global brokerage market and demonstrates the increasing value of boat shows to the industry.”
Maximising your boat show experience
While boat shows can be exhilarating for both sellers and prospective owners, having a trusted, experienced broker on hand can maximise your time and ensure a smooth experience. From Burgess’ global team of 32 sales advisors, their sub-500GT specialists will be on hand throughout the Cannes Yachting Festival at Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto. They can provide insights into current market trends, help you find yachts that match your specific requirements, and handle any surprises that arise during the buying and selling process.
“The boat show season has kicked off with genuine energy and high demand,” notes Tim Davis, chief marketing officer at Burgess. “Clients want to see boats from the best fleets in the world and owners want to offer their boats through the best brokerage houses to ensure a fast, professional and seamless transaction.”
For more information about Burgess’ brokerage services or to book an appointment with them at the Cannes Yachting Festival, contact the team today.
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