Guidelines for the 60th Antigua Charter Show

The Antigua Charter Yacht Show returns to the docks of Falmouth Harbour next week for its 60th year, with the addition of a new board member Captain Andrew Burridge and the promise of a show ‘with a difference’ to kick off the Caribbean charter season.

Promising something new for brokers, captains, vendors and press attending, the global yachting community will relish the opportunity to reunite once more on the picturesque sands of Antigua island.

After the cancellation of the 59th annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show last year due to the global pandemic and concerns around health and safety, new restrictions have been put in place to keep everyone safe this year.

Here’s everything you need to know:

General Advice - Travel to Antigua

* For air and sea arrival requirements and Antigua & Barbuda government regulations, please refer to the latest travel advisory.

* Vaccination – all arriving passengers are required to be fully vaccinated to be permitted entry into Antigua and Barbuda.

* PCR test – all arriving passengers by air must have a negative Covid-19 RT PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 using a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab taken within four days of their flight (this includes transiting passengers). Please note that rapid antigen tests and home tests are not accepted.

* Transfer info options – there will be a VIP line specifically for show attendees through Immigration & Customs at the VC Bird International Airport and complimentary buses to transport to English Harbour.

* Help line – first point of contact EMS call 911. Secondly if it’s an emergency call ABSAR at 1 268 562 1234 who will assist in the interim of EMS arrival. For any questions or assistance please call the ABSAR office in 1 268 3992.

* Curfew – currently in effect from 11pm – 5am daily subject to change.

Covid Protocols

• Fast track option – as per above, upon arrival you have the option of taking the complimentary transfer from the airport to English Harbour and nearby hotels. Please make advance arrangements for places outside this area.

• Transfers – masks are to be worn and sanitize to ensure your safety at all times.

• Vaccination card – please have a copy of your vaccination card physically or electronically as you will be required to present upon entry to the show and marinas. Please note 70% of the population is now vaccinated.

Show Protocols

• Registration format – this year we will be preparing ahead of time to ensure all registrations are done online, times will be sent to attendees for collection of their IDs and show bags.

• Covid-19 RT-PCR test & health screening questionnaire – to be presented upon registration and collection of IDs and show bags in order to enter the show.

• In our efforts to combat gathering at the Hospitality Desk, please be sure all photo IDs are submitted in advance, even if you wish to pay upon arrival.

• All companies having several attendees need to assign one person to collect on behalf of their team. There will be a fast track for collection whereby there is one entrance and one exit in order to maintain the protocols and keep everyone as safe as possible.

• At the collection area, badges will be categorised alphabetically based on the name of the company. Please state the company name upon collection.

• Yacht standard procedure requirements: accessible sanitise stations and masks are mandatory, a limited number of brokers allowed to view at any one time on board the yacht (subject to each yacht) you can also meet outside the yachts. Pre-booked appointments are encouraged.

• All yachts are requested to have a daily log of attending persons for each day of the show.

Departure Information

• A nursing station will be available for rapid antigen tests and PCR in Nelson’s dockyard on the right just inside the old gate on the 7^th, 8^th, 9^th December between 9am and 5pm. All hotels also provide testing on request.

• Rapid antigen tests will be permitted for departing passengers in cases where the receiving states permit the use thereof by individuals returning to their countries of origin. Hotels will be required to provide this service to their guests.

• PCR tests – we will be arranging a mobile station in the dockyard to assist with facilitating the tests prior to departure for those who aren’t able to get it done at the hotels. The cost of these tests will be confirmed at a later date.

• Transfer information and procedure at the airport – please ensure your transport to the airport with your relevant hotels. The wearing of face masks in public spaces is mandatory throughout Antigua and Barbuda and social/physical distancing protocols must be adhered to. Therefore all departing passengers must wear a face mask while on the airport compound and in all public places.