SEVEN commerical yachts and an 80 metre pleasure yacht could be registered under the Isle of Man flag - after a number of clients confirmed their interest in the Island at the Monaco Yacht Show.

The show, which is in its 20th year, attracted 28,000 visitors between September 22 and September 25.

A number of yachting companies from the Isle of Man exhibited at the event including the Isle of Man Ship Registry.

The Registry’s stand attracted a number of prospective clients including those who confirmed their interest in registering their yachts under the Isle of Man flag.

Discussions also took place with a new shipyard seeking to do business with the Isle of Man Ship Registry and a yacht management company seeking to establish a presence in the Island.

Dick Welsh, director of The Isle of Man Ship Registry, said: "The Monaco Yacht Show is the one to be at to ensure the Isle of Man remains a world leader in the super yacht industry - which is becoming increasingly competitive with more and more flags undertaking super yacht registrations.

"This was evidenced by the number of Isle of Man registered yachts in the show, a total of 14, with a larger number anchored off the port of Monaco."

Over 500 major exhibitors attended Monaco including Island based companies Dominion Marine, Moore Stephens and Intertrust.

Also see: Isle of Man Ship Registry making presence felt at Monaco Yacht Show