#mgmboats – Irish boat firm MGM Boats has announced two new yacht and boat brokerage sales offices in the mediterranean. 'We have been working on this project for 18 months and have decided to select Cala d'Or Mallorca and Vilamoura Portugal as our first phase of expansion into the med market' explained director Martin Salmon.

In Mallorca, MGM are based in Port Petit and are working alongside Nick Jones from International Boat Centre.

Nick Jones has operated a boat sales and maintenance business in the picturesque port of Cala d'Or since 1989. We have done a lot of business together over the past five years and have co-brokered a lot of deals.

In Portugal, MGM are based in Vilamoura next to the town marina. They are working alongside Chris Watson of Algarve Marine Services who has over twenty years' experience in the service and maintenance sector in Portugal. "We have worked together on many deals in that region, Chris has handled all of our maintenance storage and logistics, said Salmon.

MGM Boats are an established international yacht broker. They currently have over 300 brokerage boats for sale and these are berthed in a wide variety of locations throughout Europe.

'With our two new Mediterranean locations we intend to greatly increase our market share and increase our listings particularly in the larger boat sector, ' said Martin.

The contact details for MGM in the med are:

MGM Boats Mallorca
International Boat Centre
Port Petit 320-321
07660
Cala d'Or
Mallorca
Spain

MGM Boats Portugal
Edificio Vilammarina Office 60,
Marina de Vilamoura
Quarteira
8125-401
Portugal

Leading Irish boat sales firm MGM Boats is preparing a summer long celebration of its 15–years in business and a new logo is part of the firm's birthday rebranding. Afloat.ie brings you a sneak peek of the new MGM look above that will shortly be emblazoned on a new boat sales website along and a a new office in Carrickfergus. There will also be other staff announcements as the company continues its international developments.

Enterprising broker Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats has been in the Middle East last St. Patrick's weekend attending the Dubai International Boat Show. The Dun Laoghaire firm who specialise in international yacht brokerage have spent the winter months working hard to sell clients boats at foreign boat shows.

Not content to limit themselves to a depressed Irish market the go ahead firm headquartered in Dun Laoghaire harbour regularly attend established shows in Southampton, London, Paris and Dusseldorf as well as Helsinki.

The reason behind this Summer's rebranding is a rapid exansion of its brokerage division in Europe and the Middle East. It is an opportunity to give ourselves a unique and prestigious brand identity. 

'Our new logo and corporate identity will work well across all mediums of communication. It will complement our Boat Show Brokerage stands at the fifteen planned international events for the 2003/14 season' says MGM managing director Gerry Salmon.

#mgmboats – Go ahead Irish yacht brokerage firm MGM Boats Ltd of Dun Laoghaire are exhibiting this weekend at the Stockholm Boat Show in Sweden.

Irish boat firm MGM Boats Ltd is marketing 300 brokerage craft valued at €50m at world boat shows over the Spring season.

The leading Irish marine firm is the Sunseeker, Jeanneau and Aquador agent in Ireland and has had a winter tour of the world's boat shows at Paris, London and Dusseldorf.

The main thrust of the firm's activity is the marketing of Ireland's largest brokerage listing in Ireland.

In the last 12 months, MGM has also travelled to many other foreign markets including Dubai, Finland, Siberia and Moscow as well as the more common European yachting centres in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and the Balearic Islands.

The firm is also making a push on the Lagoon 39 catamaran, a brand new model from the French manufacturer. 'Live aboard cruising is a growth area on big catamarans' says the firm's Ross O'Leary who was on the Lagoon stand at the Paris and Dusseldorf shows.

The Swedish show opens tomorrow and runs until Sunday 10th. The firm's Joe Hill is working the first part of the week, Martin Salmon doing mid week with brother Gerry finishing next weekend.

The show opens Monday - Friday*, 12 noon - 8 pm and Saturday - Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm. More details here

#boatsales – Irish boat brokerage firm MGM Marine Boats are exhibiting at this weekend's Miami Boat Show in Florida. John O Kane (pictured left) and Gerry Salmon are both working on the impressive Sunseeker stand with Ross O'Leary working on the Lagoon Catamaran stand.

The brokerage firm headquartered in Dun Laoghaire has been active over the winter period at key international boat shows and attended the Dubai Show in the United Arab Emirates and the Russian show in central Moscow.

#londonboatshow – Irish boating firm MGM Boats Ltd is flying the flag for Ireland at this week's London boat show at the Excel arena.

The Dun Laoghaire firm is promoting its brokerage listing of boats worth over €50m.

MGM will also be distributing information about the Gathering Cruise in Ireland this year both on its London and Dusseldorf Boat Show stands.

The leading Irish marine firm is the Sunseeker, Jeanneau and Aquador agent in Ireland and is embarking on a winter tour of the world's boat shows at Paris, London and Dusseldorf.

The main thrust of the firm's activity is the marketing of Ireland's largest brokerage listing in Ireland.

The Dun Laoghaire firm wrapped up several deals following the Southampton Boat Show, a venue where the Dublin firm had its own brokerage stand.

In the last 12 months, MGM has also travelled to many other foreign markets including Dubai, Sweden, Finland, Siberia and Moscow as well as the more common European yachting centres in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and the Balearic Islands.

The firm is also making a push on the Lagoon 39 catamaran, a brand new model from the French manufacturer. 'Live aboard cruising is a growth area on big catamarans' says the firm's Ross O'Leary who will be on the Lagoon stand at the Paris and Dusseldorf shows.

There's no doubt about the lengths MGM boats of Dun Laoghaire will go to seek out new markets. We reported on the MGM Boats stand at the Dubai Show on St. Patricks day. Russia is also a growth market in the yachting industry and having brokered a significant number of boats into Russia throughout the last couple of years, the Irish firm undertook a second trip to Russia in March for the Moscow Boat Show. Thinking ahead MGM's John O'Kane and Joe Hill brought a copy of their favourite magazine with them as its hard to find on Red Square.

In the last 12 months, MGM Boats have travelled to many foreign markets including Dubai, Sweden, Finland, Siberia and Moscow as well as the more common European yachting centres in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and the Balearic Islands. "MGM Boats are one of the few International Yacht Brokerage companies who "get out from behind the desk" to best market the clients' boat and there is no doubt that this approach yields results for the client," says the firm's Joe Hill.

Sailing Preparations are well underway for The Sovereign's Cup that takes place from 22nd to 25th June 2011, as Kinsale Yacht Club is gearing up to welcome 140 boats and their crews for a fantastic four day sailing and social programme. Kinsale Yacht Club is delighted to announce that MGM Boats, Eli Lilly and Fáilte Ireland have come on board as partners for Sovereign's Week 2011.
"We are delighted to announce our partners for Sovereign's Cup 2011 as MGM Boats has opened a new brokerage office in Kinsale, Eli Lilly is a long-established multi-national and the support of Fáilte Ireland is a great measure of the impact the event has on local tourism," said Gary Horgan, Regatta Director.
Entries are rolling in each week, with both regular competitors and newcomers to the event from all over Ireland and the UK. This year welcomes previous Sovereign's Cup winner, Eamonn Rohan returning to defend his title on his Quarter tonner 'Anchor Challenge'. Also registered is previous Sovereign's Cup winner and team Captain of last year's victorious Rolex Commodore's Cup Team, Anthony O'Leary on his Ker 39 'Antix'.
There are a number of entries in the strong Quarter Ton fleet, including international professional yachtsman, Peter Morton who will race on 'Odd Job' as his wife Louise Morton (and Quarter Ton Class Secretary) will race on 'Espada'. Other Quarter tonners include 'Black Fun' from New Zealand, Neil Kenefick on 'Tiger', Rob Gray on 'Aquila', Ian Travers on 'Bandit' and Ken Lawless on'Supernova', to name but a few.
According to Regatta Director, Gary Horgan, "As well as the excellent sailing conditions, race management and social programme ashore, we are encouraging sailors and guests to start thinking about their travel and accommodation plans. We are delighted that the Cork Swansea ferry will enable more sailors to access Kinsale easily from the UK and Failte Ireland's website www.discoverireland.ie/cork is an excellent vehicle for checking out accommodation in Kinsale and surrounding areas," he added.
The social programme is based around providing a fun atmosphere after racing for people to enjoy and later in the evenings there will be some great music for a top party atmosphere. The event kicks off with a launch reception at Kinsale Yacht Club on Tuesday 21st June and the week will draw to a close following the prizegiving on Saturday 25th June with a Bar-B-Q and musical entertainment.
The Sovereign's Cup was established in 1995 and has been a very successful and hugely popular cruiser regatta. The biennial event attracts over 140 boats from all over Ireland and the UK who compete for the prestigious Sovereign's Cup for best all round score in IRC and The Portcullis Trophy for best ECHO handicap.
There are many Classes for entry; including Class 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and two White Sails classes. Also, the Quarter Ton Class Championships will be taking place during the Sovereign's Cup, bringing many new visitors to Kinsale from the South of England and Wales in particular.

Maybe it's the fine weather? Maybe it's Enda Kenny or the IMF? Perhaps it's the sheer good value in boat deals and people determined to get on with life? Whatever it is, the Irish Marine trade is starting to see a turn in its fortunes this Spring after a torrid three years where boat sales plunged by 80%.

Any upturn couldn't come quick enough though. The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) is counting the cost of recession that has reduced its membership by up to two thirds as marine firms closed their doors.

"For the first time in three years I'm seeing fresh enquires and importantly new blood coming into Irish boating, said Bernard Gallagher of BJ Marine in Malahide, north Dublin.

Boat dealers are offering substantial discounts

The new confidence in Irish boat buyers is primarily being seen in the sailing boat market.

One of the most accurate barometers of marine leisure activity, some dealers are reporting a return business levels not seen for three or four years.

"We've just sold a lovely 38-footer in to Howth and we've more sales in the pipeline said" Gallagher.

Other dealers confirm the same saying there is definitely a positive mood among buyers to go the extra step in the sales process.

It's quite a turnaround because up until very recently, dealers admit there was 'no boat buying mood at all'.

Ironically though after such poor sales at home there's now a real shortage of boats for sale here because over the past few years a lot of Irish boat stock was sold abroad.

"We badly need boats for our brokerage listings", says Gallagher who also operates branches in Belfast and Malta.

Many say sales will never get back to the dizzy heights of 2006 but for now good product ranges at the right place plus a splash of Easter sunshine is helping to move things at least a step in the right direction.

Irish dealers have been resourceful in finding markets abroad and an example of this is Dun Laoghaire dealer MGM boats who has just returned from the Portuguese boat show where there was positive vibes in Villamoura despite the recent bailout there too!

The MGM Boats Stand at the recent Villamoura Show

Is there no end to the achievements of Irish boaters against seemingly impossible odds?

The winter may have been a time of hibernation for some of us but as the stories in Afloat's March/April issue will bear out Irish sailors have been battling the elements all winter long.

James Carroll competed in January's Sydney-Hobart offshore race and, much closer to home, Paul A. Kay journeyed through snow and ice in December from Dun Laoghaire to a new marina on Valentia Island.
As if to prove a point that we're down but not out, a winter of results on foreign waters includes a win in the Mirror World Championships in Australia and a top Olympic result in Florida, USA.

They are gutsy performances from youth teams that shows, if nothing else, the next generation of Irish sailors is really up for a fight. All this plus lots, lots more on news-stands next week!

Selected contents from Ireland's only boating magazine include:

News

Surveyors Issue Boat Launch Warning, Buoyant Dinghies Buck the Market, Ice Diving in Ireland, German U-Boat Rediscovered in Cork Harbour, an Historic Trophy for South Pacific Dream Cruise, MGM open in Cork, Hugh Mockler joins Crosshaven Boatyard plus lots, lots more.

News Focus

A new masterplan for Dun Laoghaire harbour is badly needed but it needs buy in from all those that use it

Going Offshore

The tenth Dun Laoghaire to Dingle offshore race was launched in style

Marine Conference

Combating the downturn was the focus of a unique marine gathering on both sides of the Irish sea.

Gear Review

New dinghy gear, a new Crosshaven boot from Dubarry, a new raincoat for girls and an upgrade for Musto's MPX.

This Island Nation

The decision to shut down the fog signals was based on a detailed risk assessment. Tom MacSweeney on the loss of fog horns

Sailor of the Year

Anthony O'Leary of Cork is the Afloat.ie/Irish Independent "Sailor of the Year" in celebration of his outstanding achievements afloat nationally and internationally.

Tall Ships

W M Nixon looks at the realities of national sail training in the 21st Century.

Tall Ship Conference

Ireland could yet have a tall ship to replace the Asgard II and the Lord Rank, if a new group formed to press for a replacement is successful

Racing update

Ulstermen's World Title, Topper worlds for Dun Laoghaire, Two Irish campaigns line up for Figaro Race, SB3 Sailors Cry Foul at Dun Laoghaire Parking Fees and an Irish entry in the Moth worlds in Australia, Irish Mini 6.50 Campaign in Prospect.

Youth Worlds preview

Results achieved abroad this Winter are the backbone for further Irish youth
success

Figaro Preview

Two fledgling Irish La Solitaire du Figaro campaigns edged closer to the start line last month

Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta

Volvo Dun Laoghaire regatta has taken in 22 entries six months ahead of the first race of the biggest regatta in Irish sailing.

Fireball Worlds preview

Dun Laoghaire's Noel Butler intends to continue his winning run in the Fireball class this season but the year ahead doesn't look so easy as the World Championships come to Sligo

Sovereigns cup preview

Up to 30 Quarter tonners will be at the Sovereigns Cup this year including one from New Zealand.

Shiver to deliver

A journey through snow and ice from Dun Laoghaire to Valentia Island

Sydney-Hobart Race

Outside of the Volvo Ocean Race, the Sydney Hobart is one of the world's most challenging offshore races. James Carroll Raced it in January.

Inland

As the cuts begin to bite, it may be time to look at the British direction for our waterways, writes Brian J Goggin

Dubarry Nautical Crossword

Soundings

A Google aerial photo proves useful navigating for Baldoyle Estuary

As part of ongoing plans to expand its brokerage service (and promote the ranges of Sunseeker, Aquador and Bayliner Boats) MGM Boats Ltd of Dun Laoghaire is opening a new sales office on the waters edge, at Pier road, Kinsale. The office is expected to open by the End of February. "We have invested heavily in our Brokerage Department over the past two years resulting in a steady increase of Boat owners submitting their boat to us for sale" says MGM's Martin Salmon.

The Dun Laoghaire firm also has bases on Strangford, the Shannon and the English South Coast in Hamble. Salmon says the firm currently has 'tremendous value to offer the Cork boaters in quality used sportsboats, sailboats and motor cruisers'. In spite of the hard-times the award winnig dealership says it is looking forward to a 'prosperous season' on the south coast.

Kinsale is a leading sailing port in Ireland and this year the town and local yacht club hosts one of the biggest events of the Irish sailing calendar, the Sovereigns Cup in June.