Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2018 gets underway

By Rebecca Bradbury 4 December 2018

Scores of superyachts and charter professionals are currently poised in Antigua for the 2018 Antigua Charter Yacht Show, which launches today with check-ins and briefings ahead of five days of yacht viewings and lively social events.

The show locations of Nelson’s Dockyard Marina, Falmouth Harbour Marina and the Antigua Yacht Club Marina will be a hive of activity today as crews undertake the final preparations to ensure their superyacht is ready to welcome aboard show attendees for viewings tomorrow.

Close to 90 superyachts will be on display, ranging from iconic names such as Lurssen’s 90m/295ft superyacht ‘Phoenix 2’ and the 81m/267ft superyacht ‘Alfa Nero’ to some of the best sailing yachts and luxury catamarans chartering in the region over the upcoming months.

expedition yacht 'Planet Nine' at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show

brokers step aboard superyachts at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show

crew member walks onto yacht with superyacht AMARYLLIS in the background in Antigua

Timed to coincide with the start of the Caribbean cruising season, the industry-only event enables brokers to tour the yachts in the winter charter fleet and meet with their captains and crew. This equips professionals with the insider knowledge needed to best match their clients with the most suitable yacht.

But before the exclusive yacht viewings get underway each day, there will be a series of industry seminars taking place in the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel in Nelson’s Dockyard. Topics covered include popular and off-the-beaten-track destinations and yachting policy and tax issues.

Each day will then be rounded up by chances to socialise and network. Tomorrow concludes with a cocktail party while a selection of yachts will open for drinks and canapes throughout the remainder of the event.

superyachts lined up for the Antigua Charter Yacht Show

Many superyachts, such as the 70m/230ft superyacht JOY, the 63m/205ft superyacht 'Baton Rouge' and the brand new 42m/138ft superyacht SKYLER, will invite select brokers on board for exclusive lunches and chefs will also be hard at work wowing a panel of judges in the show’s popular culinary contest.

This year the theme is ‘A New Year’s Eve Dinner Party’ and stewards and stewardesses will also be challenged to create an accompanying decorative table setting. Results will be unveiled in a prize-giving ceremony and champagne reception at the Admirals Inn in Nelsons Dockyard on 8 December.

On the final day of the show, some of the fleet will take brokers out on a micro-charter around Antigua and proceedings will be rounded up by another cocktail event and crew Christmas party.