N & J Asia at Mediterranean Yacht Show (MEDYS) 2022
The 7th edition of the Mediterranean Yacht Show (MEDYS) offered no less than 87 yachts on display, confirming its reputation as the largest charter show in the east Med. Over 600 charter brokers from all over Europe, the US attended along with one representative from Asia, Charter Broker Lies Sol from N & J Asia.
Nafplion town (or Nafplio), a 2-hour taxi ride from Athens Airport, is absolutely delightful. Quaint, narrow alleys -which do not allow cars to pass through, a Medieval castle on a hill top about two minutes walking from the marina, and an islet with a Venetian fortress right in the middle of the harbour, are just some of the attractions.
Trying to inspect as many yachts as possible, meant the pace was much faster than at the MYBA Charter Show, which ended a few days earlier. Most sailing, motor yachts and catamarans on display at MEDYS 2022 would be marked with an 8 to a 10 out of 10, for yacht condition, interior decor, Captain and crew, and available water toys on board. Yachts ranged in size from the magnificent 95m Golden Yachts O’PARI to a line-up of Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot catamarans from 15 – 20 meters, with a strong selection of yachts of 30 – 45 meters in between.
Of special interest were the outstanding and recently (2020-2022) refitted classic yachts, such as 26m Admiral ZOE (1999), 42.5m Picchiotti LIBRA Y (1977) and 45m Heesen DALOLI.
A great ‘new’ yacht was created by the very comprehensive refit of a 35m Technomar called CAN'T REMEMBER. The yacjt featured an unusual green-coloured hull and one of the best-dressed crew at the show. Her interior was adapted to charter guest comments and requirements: larger cabins were created by moving a bathroom, sound-proofing was installed, a twin cabin was made convertible, a Pullman bed was added, the Kids’ Play room was converted to a bunk bed cabin, the uncluttered top deck’s teak deck was refurbished.
Two Perini Navis were berthed next to each other. Similarly sized, they showed completely opposite interior styles, both equally stunning. 50m BARACUDA VALLETTA (2009|2020), whose interior was designed by John Pawson, incorporates extreme, minimal lines based on concepts of light, space and proportion. Besides the super minimalist decor, a state-of-the-art AV system, and a clever transom door (which transforms into a large sunbathing platform), BARACUDA’s highlights include an incredible 1.4 square km of sail area!
52m XASTERIA (1995|2020) featured a classic nautical interior, as specified by her owner of 25 years. The yacht is meticulously maintained and/or where necessary restored, in order to remain in pristine condition. Elegant cherry-wood paneling with intricate, inlaid beading, and well-chosen artworks and furnishings -many from her original interior- create a warm, cushy atmosphere. The aft deck is slightly sunken and -protected from the wind by bulwarks and superstructure- is the most popular guest area.
44m Heesen BLISS, was a favourite in the show; with beautiful interior, and a long-term crew, always a good sign of a happy charter yacht. For a family charter, the sky lounge can be converted to a huge, extra stateroom, with the added advantage of a private bar. If a large party area is called for, the sofa and table in the salon can be moved out. The sundeck has a beautiful Jacuzzi and a good lay-out with plenty of seating and sunpads, and there’s a beach club with sauna on the lower deck.
Report by Charter Broker Lies Sol / N&J Asia
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