 September 2009 The 19th Monaco Yacht Show seemed busier than ever this year, with the harbour packed to the gunnels, with a whole host of different style boats for sale and charter. The crowds also turned up in force - this was a show that was apparently bucking the trend and determined to ignore the current economic downturn. Rainsford Mann Design (RMD Marine) was well positioned at a different site to last year, on stand QJ14 at the end of the designers gallery. We experienced good walk- by trade as well as being in a good position to to mingle and catch up with friends and colleagues in the industry. Displaying scale models of both the Burger 49.5 M wide bodied cruiser and the RMD 92M Superyacht, the stand displayed RMD`s usual broad mix of exterior and interior design concepts . Showcasing for the first time the interior views of the new Raffles 88m motor yacht, RMD also introduced its new range of sail yacht concepts, in the guise of a 30m Sloop and 35m Ketch. With an appreciation that the market in 2009 has hit hard the new build industry for the larger yachts, RMD displayed predominately a series of new and dynamic designs in the 35m to 65M range all available to view in the portfolio section of our sight. The feedback and reaction was excellent and we are in some advanced discussions on several potential projects. "I think the timing of the show this year aligned to the status of the market was well synchronized" says Rupert Mann." It felt like the market was bottoming out and stagnating, therefore potential owners who where looking for a deal recognized that they had to move decisively in some cases, to secure a purchase over the 4 day event . This movement in the market we hope, will act as the catalyst to kick- start the confidence in the industry again" With the usual excellent social events to attend such as the Captains Party arranged by the Yacht Report, the Boat International evening at the Hermitage and the much coveted invitation to the Orchid Office gathering at the Ras Cas, the Monaco Yacht Show continues to provide the perfect back drop for business day and night. On this note, we would like to thank all our friends and colleagues in the industry that continue to support us and we look forward to welcoming you back again in 2010. |