Success for First Caribbean Charter Yacht Show in St Thomas
The Inaugural Caribbean Charter Yacht Show which took place at Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas from 9-12 December has been heralded a resounding success by co-hosts IGY Marinas and IYBA, and the USVI Department of Tourism, the headline sponsor.
With the world changing and the cruising patterns of yachts for charter adapting, International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA) and Island Global Yachting (IGY) worked together to change the structure of a ‘typical’ charter yacht show. As the show wrapped up on 12 December, there was a sense that is exactly what was accomplished.
“The brokers talked about the changes that they wanted to see at the charter shows and we saw an opportunity to do that with the award-winning Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas as the backdrop implementing a renewed focus on the charter broker, captain and crew”, stated Paul Flannery, Executive Director of IYBA. “I have worked with many of the brokers over the years and by listening to what they needed to be more successful, we were able to find the platform to deliver on their requests”.
CCYS's Commitment to Offsetting Carbon
Now that the show has come to an end, The Caribbean Charter Yacht Show has more news. IGY Marinas is offsetting the emissions for the Caribbean Charter Yacht Show by purchasing carbon credits representing the amount of resources used by all of the attending yachts in the show to launch their newest carbon offset initiative. They will also be donating food to The Family Resource Center and non-profit agency dedicated to helping victims of crime in the US Virgin Islands.
“It was a great show and the first of a new tradition in the Caribbean,” stated Tom Mukamal, IGY’s CEO. “The support that we received from the USVI Department of Tourism, and their presence helped in the success of the show. Brokers from all over the world attended the show and the USVIs were fully showcased to them via entertainment, a chef competition, F&B and industry-relevant seminars. It was an unprecedented opportunity to introduce them to the USVI in a new way. We are looking forward to seeing everyone next year.”
Main Events at the Caribbean Charter Yacht Show
This event hosted yachts from 63’ up to 240’ and 70 brokers from all over the world. The show commenced with a captains’ briefing featuring cuisine from Chef Guy Mitchell, The White House Chef, who offered a menu that has been served to previous presidents of the United States of America. Here, the captains’ heard from guest speakers, met some of the show sponsors and had an opening toast from The Macallan.
The Grand Opening celebration kicked off with an appearance by the USVI Department of Tourism and on the outskirts of the gathering, to maintain safe social distancing, a steel drum band and dancers pumped everyone up for the show. Four-time Superyacht Marina of the Year Winner, Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas is an ISPS secure facility, and their amazing security team and the production crew overseen by Jenn Johnson from Jenn Events made sure that brokers were the center of attention during the day by giving them sole access to the yachts while they walked the docks. This structure gave attending yachts the opportunity to focus on the charter brokers limiting interruptions and distractions.
Heather Hatcher from IYC confirmed the CCYS was a success. “IYC is super proud to have participated in the inaugural CCYS. We will certainly be supporting the show for years to come. The marina facilities are well kept, conveniently located and very secure. We felt safe and looked after by the marina and CCYS staff throughout the event. The yachts and brokers who attended were of very high quality and I’m proud to report that IYC’s boats, Laurel and Impromptu, placed 1st and 2nd respectively in the chef’s competition. The entire event was well organized, excellent food and entertainment and an exceptional opportunity to network with industry professionals.”
Highlights & Activities at the Caribbean Charter Yacht Show
Show days were filled with great activities and seminars all directed towards brokers, captains and crew. During the day, brokers were able to visit the Ward’s Marine Electric Welcome Lounge, the Broker’s Lounge and the Gazebo tent area for complimentary food coordinated by Nancy Bean from Wise Up Events and Navy Beach.
The captains had their own lounge sponsored by The Macallan where they could leave their yachts for meetings and tastings. In the evenings, there was an Après Sea that focused on sponsors like Cruzan Rum and Tito’s Handmade Vodka who hosted pop-up bars and cocktail challenges.
The chef competition gave the yacht chefs and crew a chance to shine in front of prestigious judges like Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine Magazine, Chef Guy Mitchell, the White House Chef, Chef Julius Jackson, Caribbean chef, author, and Olympian boxer, and Chef Digby Stridiron, chef/owner at Braata in St. Croix. The judges awarded first place to Yacht Laurel, second place to Yacht Impromptu, and honorable mention to Just Enough. The Caribbean theme was reinforced by involving local businesses and suppliers who provide valuable support to yachts in the USVI.
Some amazing seminars took place during the day, including sessions by leading expedition leader Rob McCallum from EYOS Expeditions and representatives from the BVIs Department of Tourism. This appearance was hugely beneficial because it offered brokers and captains an opportunity to learn about new regulations recently reinstated in the BVIs. It was here, that they could voice their questions and concerns directly with the BVI Department of Tourism and learn what procedures are needed to continue to enjoy the VI waters.
Charlie Moretti representing Luxury Treasure Hunts who hosted two seminars, said they were thrilled to host an interactive treasure hunt leading to a wonderful prize, demonstrating an alternative experience brokers can offer their charter guests. The winners were M/Y Helios2, Molly Mulder and Jessica Perraton.
“This was a commendable first year and we will continue to look for ways to make the show more robust year after year. We have an amazing team that worked tirelessly to make it successful,” states Bert Fowles, Vice President of Marketing for IGY. “The brokers, owners, captains and crew that also showed their support are amazing and we look forward to seeing everyone next year.”
The dates for the Caribbean Charter Yacht Show 2022 have not yet been announced.
Thank you to all our Sponsors and Show Partners:
Jenn Johnson and Jenn Events, Nancy Bean and Wise Up Events, the USVI Department of Tourism, BVI Department of Tourism, IGY Trident, Navy Beach, The Macallan, Ward’s Marine Electric, Shoreside Support, AERÉ Marine Group, Southland Gaming, Azul Marine Lending, Yonder Travel Insurance, Pelion Consulting, Luxury Treasure Hunts, Viya, Northern Lights, World Fuel Services, Forbes Travel Guide, Fairport Yacht Support, OnboardOnline, Superyacht Stories, Yachting International Radio, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Cruzan Rum, Günter Wilhelm Cutlery, Fiji Water, The Fruit Bowl, Purely Meat Co., Petrossian Caviar, Mionetto, Medalla Light, Château d’Esclans, Urbani Truffles, Wine Chips and MBW Café and Bakery, as well as food and beverage sponsors providing products to support the lounges and in-show events.
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