Q&A With Sofia Fast, Y.CO Events Producer
Y.CO at Palm Beach
Q: From your perspective, what makes the Palm Beach International Boat Show such an important event for Y.CO?
A: The Palm Beach International Boat Show is the leading yacht event in the United States ahead of the summer season and a key moment to maximise exposure for current market opportunities. We’re returning with a strong yacht line‑up and our updated Y.CO Clubhouse for the 2026 show!
Q: What can guests expect when they visit the Y.CO stand?
A: The Y.CO Clubhouse will serve as our welcoming space for invited guests and new contacts, with direct access to the Y.CO yachts on display in the show. Throughout the day, we’ll be serving refreshing beverages, and transition into a relaxed Sunset mingle in the late afternoon. It’s the perfect place to connect, discover, and enjoy the show in true Y.CO style.
Q: How does Y.CO approach welcoming clients at shows like Palm Beach?
A: Our team is on hand to arrange and accompany visits on board any yacht in the show, giving guests a clear understanding of the opportunities on the market with the guidance of an experienced yachting specialist. We also offer Y.CO cars to ensure smooth and seamless access.
Q: What do you personally enjoy most about Palm Beach International Boat Show week?
A: Everyone is in great spirits, the weather is usually perfect, and the atmosphere makes it an ideal setting to connect with clients and industry colleagues.
Q&A With Bianca Nestor, Yacht Charter
Palm Beach through a charter lens
For charter clients, yacht shows can be transformative. Bianca Nestor, Y.CO Yacht Charter Specialist, sees this year after year.
Q: Why do charter clients enjoy attending yacht shows like Palm Beach?
A: A yacht show brings what we present online to life. It makes the yachting lifestyle tangible, and offers a rewarding experience for the day. Attending a yacht show blends education with first-hand experience. Guests can move through a variety of vessels at a relaxed pace while we guide them through the differences in yacht construction, layouts, design styles, and onboard amenities, like water toys and tenders. In some cases, charter clients also have the opportunity to preview a yacht they may be interested in chartering in the future.
Q: How does attending the show help clients make more confident charter decisions?
A: While attending a yacht show doesn’t turn charter clients into experts, with the right guidance it helps them identify what they truly value aboard a yacht. This, in turn, allows them to take a more considered approach when selecting yachts to charter, with a clearer understanding of quality, suitability, and overall value.
Q: From your experience, what excites charter clients most when they’re walking the docks?
A: I’ve been attending yacht shows for well over a decade, walking the docks with clients and guiding them through the charter landscape. There are a couple of things that come to mind about the exciting elements of walking the docks. Charterers are really drawn to innovation, and a yacht show (at its core) is a trade show that offers valuable insight into emerging trends, this always captures attention. I’d say the most exciting part is when a client steps barefoot onto the teak deck of a yacht that has truly captured their attention, perhaps one they’ve specifically come to see, the idea of chartering it suddenly feels real. That moment is where the magic of a yacht show comes to life.
Unmissable yachts at the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2026
This year’s line-up reflects the breadth of the Y.CO fleet, from pedigree Northern European builds to modern charter favourites.
Rocinante
A yacht with the confindence to roam far beyond familiar waters. Built by Lürssen and styled by Espen Øino with interiors by Alberto Pinto, the 78.5m Rocinante combines scale with global capability. Her long-range power, expansive decks and assured design reflect true global cruising intent. With accommodation for 12 guests in 8 suites, including five VIP cabins and a 6,000-nautical-mile range, she is designed for owners who value discretion and engineering pedigree. For wellness lovers there is a health, beauty and sports spa. Thrill seekers will love the 20m giant water slide.
Boardwalk
Delivered by Feadship, the 76.5m Boardwalk is a masterclass in considered design. De Voogt naval architecture underpins an intelligent layout, including a forward main deck tender garage housing two large tenders. Wellness takes centre stage aft with a dedicated beach and fitness club, while above, a beautiful mosaic-tiled pool crowns the sundeck. Boardwalk accomodates up to 14 guests across 7 suites. An elevated observation deck completes a yacht built for both adventure and refinement.
Galene
The final Amels 180 Limited Edition, the 55m Galene is a proven charter performer with broad appeal. Fold-down balconies in the main salon and owner’s suite create a strong connection to the sea, while the generous sundeck sets the tone for sociable cruising. Add a high-energy toy box and an experienced crew, and it is easy to understand why guests return to Galene season after season.
