The 62nd Antigua Charter Yacht Show concluded last week, with numerous yachts immediately heading to their next charter destinations. Nearly 60 yachts were docked at Falmouth Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard, and the Antigua Yacht Club Marina, including around 50 superyachts. This year’s show delivered an engaging mix of informative presentations, exclusive networking opportunities, and unforgettable events set against the stunning Caribbean backdrop.

“One of my favourite parts of any yacht show is the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, and the Antigua Charter Yacht Show was no exception. From deepening these relationships to touring standout vessels such as Kensho and CC-Summer, and engaging in thought-provoking panels on the future of yachting, the week was filled with highlights that showcased the very best of the industry,” shared Halle Scott, Global Charter Specialist at The SuperYacht People. “Gaining insights directly from industry experts not only provides a competitive edge but also equips us to consistently deliver exceptional, tailored experiences to clients around the globe. The show also highlighted emerging trends in charter, ways to incorporate marine conservation, and emphasised collaboration and discovery across the industry,” she added. “As a broker, it is particularly valuable to spend quality time with the crew on board their yachts to gain a better understanding of how they operate together, as this insight cannot be fully captured through crew profiles and photos online,” continued Halle Scott. Quinn Lessing, Technical Projects & Sales Manager at Zodiac Hurricane Technologies, concurred, stating: “as a first-time attendee of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, I was blown away by the hospitality of the entire English Harbour community, who came together to ensure every visitor was well taken care of. I found that the show's format allowed crew members to truly showcase their pride in the yachts and the service they provide, without feeling rushed or pressured.”

"This year’s Antigua Show was one of the best yet. We enjoyed fantastic weather, and over 60 high-quality yachts were on display for charter brokers to view. Everyone was eager to come out and kick off the Caribbean season. IYC showcased 11 yachts, cementing our position as a leader in the charter yacht industry. We were thrilled by the strong participation from our fleet, as owners and crews share excitement about the busy upcoming Caribbean season," shared Heather Hatcher, Senior Charter Manager at IYC. "There’s always a positive atmosphere, and I truly value connecting face-to-face with clients and colleagues. We look forward to another successful season," she stated.

A memorable kick-off

The Antigua Sundowners Evening, hosted by Superyacht Charities, kicked off the week in style while raising funds for GILM Inc. Held at Boom Restaurant & Bar, this sold-out event featured live music, raffles, and entertainment, setting a vibrant tone for the show. The Superyacht Charities Foundation brought its signature transatlantic energy, drawing show attendees and local yacht businesses for a relaxed, Caribbean-inspired evening. Guests enjoyed barbecued dishes and an eclectic mix of local and international beats. “The Superyacht Charity event stood out to me. I met passionate individuals making a tangible difference in Antigua, and everyone was eager to contribute. The stunning view of the yacht club also added to the experience,” said Quinn Lessing.With a colourful dress code and affordable ticket prices, the event allowed guests flexibility at the cash bar. Funds raised supported GILM, an organisation dedicated to protecting Antigua & Barbuda’s coastal and marine ecosystems. A premium raffle featured prizes donated by industry supporters and local businesses, including a magnum of Whispering Angel wine from Onshore Cellars, three spa vouchers at Admiral’s Inn from Dörries Yachts, and more.

The following evening, guests enjoyed a Caribbean Supper at the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel in Nelson’s Dockyard. Sponsored by MYS Worldwide Yacht Services USA, the event showcased a live steel band, an Antiguan cultural performance including limbo and fire dancing, as well as a live DJ.Onboard highlights and sail days

Each yacht showcased its unique character through guided tours, themed events, and exceptional hospitality. Notable highlights included a 1920s-themed evening aboard the 65.4-metre Benetti yacht Triumph, oysters and champagne aboard the 50.2-metre Mangusta yacht Maverick, and disco parties aboard the 75.5-metre Oceanco yacht Wheels, and 69.65-metre Scheepswerf A.Vuyk & Zonen yacht Sherakhan, where crews demonstrated their creativity, enthusiasm and hospitality.Another highlight was the 'Day Onboard SuRi,' hosted by Camper & Nicholsons. Guests enjoyed a refined dining experience in the company of Captain Tony, before trying out the 63.4-metre Halter Marine yacht SuRi’s impressive selection of water toys. The signature Piña Colada cocktail was hailed by guests as the perfect way to end the day.The last day of the show was reserved for sailing, giving attendees deeper insight into the charter experience. One such sail day was hosted by West Nautical, aboard the 35-metre Cantiere Delle Marche yacht Stellamar. “We spent a fantastic day sailing aboard Stellamar. The crew was not only incredibly professional but also warm, friendly, and fun,” shared Riejanneke Niesert, YachtEye product manager.“We sailed to a stunning bay with crystal-clear turquoise waters, where we had a playful competition rearranging the letters in ‘Stellamar’ to create new words – a fun game that kept everyone entertained. We also got an inside tour of the yacht, explored its spacious sundeck, and enjoyed delicious breakfast and their signature Kiwi Mojito cocktail. Once we reached the beautiful bay, we had the opportunity to use seabobs, flightboards, kayaks, and more. Later, we relaxed in the Jacuzzi and on the sundeck before savouring a lovely lunch prepared by the chef. It was an unforgettable experience, and the highlight was definitely the incredible crew,” she added.

Chef and tablescaping competition

The 24th Concours de Chef and Tablescaping Competitions celebrated the artistry of yacht crews. “This year’s competition was incredible – the turnout and the food were absolutely spectacular. We had a fantastic year, with some sensational boats participating. The theme, 'The Art of Charter: An Immersive Culinary and Sensory Voyage', focused on charter theme nights, which was really exciting. All the boats went all out, presenting us with stunning food and imaginative themes that truly impressed,” said event coordinator, Chef Elizabeth Lee. “The competition level was incredibly high, with chefs and interior crews collaborating to create unforgettable experiences. Every participant demonstrated exceptional talent and creativity, making it a true showcase of excellence,” she added.In the Concours de Chef competition, Chef Leny Belin from Wheels took the top prize in the yachts over 55 metres category. Chef Hamish Dean from the 55.4-metre Turquoise yacht Holdin My Own and Chef Thean Labuschagne from the 62-metre VSY yacht Sealion earned second and third place, respectively. In the category for yachts between 38 and 55 metres, Chef Mikhailo Chekan from the 40.51-metre Cantiere Delle Marche yacht Nuri claimed first place, followed by Chef Ryan Weymouth from the 46.2-metre Delta Marine yacht Pisces in second and Chef Sam Dux from the 40.54-metre IAG yacht Serenity in third. For yachts under 38 metres, Chef Tom Rider from the 37.11-metre Numarine yacht Oculus secured the top spot, with Chef Casey Strickland from the 23-metre Aeolus and Chef Graham Dutton from the 33-metre Custom Line yacht Fifi taking second and third.In the Tablescaping Competition, Chief Stewardess Emily Birkett from Wheels won in the over 55-metre category, with Chief Stewardess Doreen Sullivan from the 95-metre Lürssen yacht CC-Summer and Chief Stewardess Nadine Coronado from Sealion in second and third. In the 38 to 55-metre category, Chief Stewardess Kirsty Mead from the 48.85-metre Mondomarine yacht Oceanos took the top spot, followed by Chief Stewardess Josipa Lozo from Pisces and Chief Stewardess Rachel Bradley from 52.7-metre Feadship yacht Adventure. For yachts under 38 metres, Chief Stewardess Cathleen Botha from Oculus came first, with Chief Stewardess Chene Nel from Aeolus in second and Chief Stewardess Kathryn Creighton from Fifi in third.

Luxury Treasure Hunt winners announced

The victors of the Luxury Treasure Hunt, during which the crew had the opportunity to showcase their investigative talents and teamwork, were announced at the end of the week, with the crew of SuRi taking first place, followed by the crew of Sealion and Sea Owl. Sealion Captain Geoff Brown shared: “The Sealion crew, also known as the competitive and tenacious Seapups, had a fantastic time taking part in the 2024 Treasure Hunt Challenge. As we are currently preparing for a charter later this month that will involve their services, it was great to get a small glimpse of what they can offer our clients.”

He further added: “For years, yacht crews have been the ones to design and execute activities like this for charterers, and it’s something we will undoubtedly continue to do. However, the service that Luxury Treasure Hunt provides elevates the quality of these experiences. By working alongside the crew, they bring in specialist expertise and props from the entertainment industry, offering an added layer of professionalism and creativity.”

A festive farewell

After a stunning sunset at Shirley Heights Lookout, accompanied by steel drums and reggae music, over 800 show attendees made their way to the ACREW DJ Competition at the ACYM After Show Party. The 8 December event took place from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre, with a total of 1,290 people registered. The Crew DJ Competition, an annual highlight of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show organised by ACREW, featured seven crew DJs from different vessels registered with the show. The Pirates of the Caribbean-themed evening was filled with music, food, and entertainment, providing a celebratory end to the show.Crew members from seven yachts demonstrated their musical talents and celebrated together. The participants included Keanu Adamson from the 73.6-metre Freire yacht Naia, Guilherme Silva from the 85.65-metre Abeking & Rasmussen yacht HBC, Marc Young from the 60.96-metre Feadship yacht Samadhi, Jacob Harvey from Pisces, Thomas Costello from the 43.6-metre Benetti Sur La Mer, Ashleigh Wisniewski from the 82-metre Oceanco yacht Alfa Nero, and Francois van Deventer from the 55-metre Amels yacht, Kamalaya.

Each crew DJ had a 20-minute slot, and as the night progressed, the energy and excitement in their performances only grew. The audience was fully engaged from start to finish, making the competition a standout, memorable conclusion to this year’s show, with Alpha Nero’s Ashleigh Wisniewski taking home the prize. ACREW also brought in their official DJ partners, JW DJ Elite from London, to kick off and wrap up the competition, and the show.The Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2024 left attendees inspired and ready for the upcoming season, reaffirming its place as a cornerstone of the global charter calendar.This article was originally published in the Yacht Charter Market newsletter, a weekly newsletter on all things charter. Visit YachtCharterMarket.com to subscribe, and read past editions.