2022 USVI Charter Yacht Show set for November at Yacht Haven Grande Marina

Charter yacht brokers visit crews onboard at VIPCA's USVI Charter Yacht Show © Phil Blake

New opportunities to network, learn, shine and certify all in a world-class venue are what yacht brokers and crewed yachts can anticipate at the 2022 USVI Charter Yacht Show.

Set for November 12-15 and hosted by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) at IGY Marinas' Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas, this fall's show is a 'must-do.'

Register now! Yachts that register by July 1, 2022, receive a 20% Early Bird discount. Charter brokers can register here. Each VIPCA broker membership provides one FREE broker show registration. Brokers can receive a 20% discount on accommodations at Bluebeard's Castle by booking by phone and giving the discount code 'VIPCA Yacht Show'.

"Build. Learn. Shine. Certify. These are the keywords that spotlight what is new at the 2022 USVI Charter Yacht Show," says Oriel Blake, VIPCA's Executive Director. "Charter brokers repeatedly emphasize the importance of not only meeting new crew but BUILDING relationships with crew of existing 2023 bookings, so we added several new networking opportunities. We also are hosting breakfast seminars with professionals and government officials for LEARNING the latest news in the industry and a seminar especially for new crew too. The best yacht and best crew in show awards, the cocktail and culinary competitions which this year feature an escalated panel of judges, give opportunities for crews to really SHINE. And finally, training by Seven Seas Preparatory for Captains and Crews offers valuable tricks of the trade and a new 'Charter Yacht Professional Excellence' CERTIFICATION."

New too is a shake-up to the concept of the mid-show evening 'yacht-hop'. This year features a competition between clearinghouses for teamed crew-hosted broker entertainment onboard select yachts, with each clearinghouse picking its own theme.

"Attendance at the VIPCA show is important for brokers that book this segment of the market as it's a crucial way to stay up to date. It's equally important for yachts to show. Meeting with crews in person, seeing the layout and upkeep, and any changes to a yachts program helps brokers to better book the vessel," says German Liubitch, Founder and Sales Director at RitzyCharters, headquartered in Miami, FL.

Mariah Princess III, a Lagoon 77 sailing catamaran, is one of the first yacht entries for the 2022 VIPCA Charter Yacht Show.

"We are excited to bring the first Lagoon 77 Sailing Catamaran with a jacuzzi and a master suite balcony to work full time out of the Virgin Islands after a season in the Mediterranean. And, to show off her beauty to as many people as we can! I grew up with my parents owning charter yachts here and understand the importance of getting ourselves out there to be seen as much as possible. I signed up as soon as registration went live to take advantage of as much pre-promotion as we can. Yacht Haven Grande is a stunning location and I have heard nothing but great things on how well attended and presented the fall VIPCA show is," says Captain Kevin Gentles.

Yachts on show at VIPCA's USVI Charter Yacht Show. - photo © Phil Blake

The 2022 USVI Charter Yacht Show will again be based at IGY's Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas. Last October, the marina was named Superyacht Marina of the Year for the fourth time since 2016 by the prestigious UK-headquartered The Yacht Harbour Association. There are first-class dock facilities. Yachts showing in the 2022 USVI Charter Yacht Show pay only $1.65/foot/day from one week before to one week after the show and additionally on arrival 5% fuel discount. Onshore, there is a multitude of restaurants, shops, services, and amenities that provide an incredible gateway for guests to embark on charter and for crews to have everything needed to base their season here. Restaurants include Indigo 4 (elevated Caribbean cuisine), Enkai (sushi), Thali Indian Grill (Indian), Blue 11 (international), Twist340 (Caribbean), and Lilika Juice Bar (breakfast and lunch). Moe's Fresh Market and National Marine Suppliers are onsite provisioners and parts suppliers, respectively. A pool, volleyball court, and tennis court offer crews relaxation and recreation facilities.

"We are pleased to support VIPCA's USVI Charter Yacht Show, the destination, and all events that help to create a robust economy for the territory. The U.S. Virgin Islands is one of the greatest yachting destinations in the world," says Bert Fowles, IGY's Vice President of Marketing and Sales.

Sponsors of the USVI Charter Yacht show include the USVI Department of Tourism; Yacht Haven Grande; IGY Marinas; the Gowrie Group representing Trawick and Cigna; Offshore Marine; Parts & Power Ltd., distributor of Northern Lights; Catamaran Central; Moe's Fresh Market; Grey Goose, distributed by West Indies Company; Veuve Clicquot and Captain Morgan, distributed by Bellows International; Cardow Jewelers; Harbor Shoppers; VIYA Business Solutions; Pamlico Group and the Charter Yacht Broker Association.

For more information about VIPCA and its programs, visit: VIPCA.org, Email: , or call 340-642-0656