The Fall Charter Yacht Show saw record-breaking participation as 173 brokers came to the Virgin Islands to meet captains and crewmembers last week, organisers said.
Sixty boats were showcased this year, according to Janet Oliver, the executive director of the BVI Charter Yacht Society.
The bulk of the event was hosted at Nanny Cay Resort and Marina, but for the first time 13 boats were also showcased at the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, Ms. Oliver said.
She added that the CYS will consider continuing part of the show on the sister island in the future as well.
“A lot went into it, but I would say that if the feedback comes back that it was really very beneficial, then I would say there’s no reason for us not to,” Ms. Oliver told the Beacon.
She added that the inclusion of Virgin Gorda gave brokers a chance to further experience the territory.
“In one way, you know, you might think, ‘Well that takes up time.’ But at the same time, it’s really important for us to showcase the BVI,” Ms. Oliver said. “And so when brokers have an opportunity to get out on the water and to ride past all of the islands — and just [have the] spray in their faces — I think it gives them a better idea of the BVI as a destination.”
‘Ports of Call’
The Nov. 11-14 show’s activities, themed “Ports of Call,” got under way with an evening featuring 40 vendors at the Vendor’s Marketplace at Pegs Leg’s.
Over the next three days, the brokers toured the boats and mingled with captains and crewmembers during social events.
Other activities included tablescaping, cocktail and culinary contests.
The show grew from last year’s numbers of 140 brokers and 53 participating boats.
“It was a very slow building-up after Covid,” Ms. Oliver said. “I think we’re back to where we used to be. Our numbers used to be up around here.”
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