Please select your home edition
Edition
Allen Dynamic 40 Leaderboard

Grab your slice of the nautical pie in the USVI! 2nd Virgin Islands Boating Exhibition (VIBE)

by Carol Bareuther 26 Apr 08:43 PDT May 15-18, 2025
Charter yacht vacations in the Virgin Islands © Charter Smarter

The countdown is on to the hottest yacht show in the Caribbean. The second annual Virgin Islands Boating Exhibition (VIBE) will take place May 15-18 at IGY's Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas, four-time winner of International Superyacht Marina of the Year.

This exclusive boutique destination show, hosted by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) and open to the public, offers attendees a hands-on, up-close-and-personal way to tour and test-drive yachts for sale and charter. Top global brands represented include Fountaine Pajot, Lagoon, Bali, Axopar, Grady White, Pursuit, and Tiara. The four-day VIBE schedule is packed with activities to appeal to everyone's on-the-water interests. Vendors will be located on the dock and inside the Harbor 360 Building, featuring local favorites like Charter Smarter alongside national and international exhibitors showcasing the latest marine products and services. Don't forget to grab the exclusive 2025 VIBE sun shirt, available for purchase at the Box Office. Attendees can also enjoy informative seminars, cultural entertainment, sailboat rides, delicious food for purchase, and live music—all contributing to an unforgettable celebration of the Virgin Islands' vibrant boating community.

"Whether you're a boating enthusiast, a potential charter guest, or simply looking for a fun community event, VIBE offers something for everyone. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the world of boating in paradise!" invites Staci Smith, VIPCA Executive Director.

Learn more - Charter smarter

"VIBE attendees will have the opportunity to have all their questions answered regarding yacht management and charters, meet our team, and engage in discussions about yacht sales, management, parts and maintenance, yacht clearing, or booking a discounted yacht vacation at the event," says Phil Scarlata, Director of Sales and Marketing for Charter Smarter.

Charter Smarter, launched last year by Paradise Yacht Management, the St. Thomas, USVI-based largest exclusively crewed yacht management company in the Caribbean, offers all-inclusive yacht vacations for up to 10 guests that explore the U.S. and the British Virgin Islands. The goal is to match the guest with the perfect yacht and crew. Charter Smarter's 50-plus yachts for charter include a custom itinerary, private cabins, a captain, a chef, onboard meals and drinks, and much more, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. This new venture complements bookings from the company's long-standing network of trusted charter brokers.

Scheduled highlights and tickets

Yachts will be open for viewing at the marina docks from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be live sailing demos by the St. Thomas Sailing Center from Noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday. VIBE's Seminar Series runs from 11 a.m. to Noon in the Harbor 360 Building from Friday through Sunday. Don't miss dockside Cultural Entertainment from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Free copies of Latitudes & Attitudes magazine, the #1 selling Cruising Lifestyle publication globally for over 28 years, will be available at VIBE. The publication supports those who enjoy and those who aspire to participate in the cruising lifestyle.

"VIBE, located in the heart of the Caribbean cruising destinations, plays an integral part in showcasing the region to current and potential cruisers," says David Levesque, editor-in-chief. "Whether you're cruising the Caribbean or looking beyond for new and adventurous destinations, Latitudes & Attitudes will be your guidebook to the lifestyle!"

Get tickets online now

  • One-day General Admission for ages 16+ is $30, including two free drinks and entry into the door prize drawing.
  • Multi-Day General Admission, valid for any and all show days, is $50.
  • Children 12 and under are free.
  • Group rates, family rates, and local discounts are available.

Stay and play

Getting to St. Thomas is easy! There are direct flights on six major airlines from the U.S. gateway cities. These include American Airlines (Charlotte, Dallas, Miami, New York), Delta (Atlanta, New York), Frontier (San Juan), JetBlue (Boston, San Juan), Spirit (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando), and United (Houston, Newark, Washington-Dulles). Air Sunshine, Cape Air, Fly the Whale, Sea Flight, and SKYhigh Dominicana operate within the Caribbean, serving St. Thomas. No passport is required for U.S. Citizens to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands. Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas is a 15-minute drive across the beautifully historic Charlotte Amalie Waterfront from St. Thomas' Cyril E. King Airport.

Strong show partnerships have translated into reduced room rates at some of St. Thomas' top resorts, including the Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef; The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas; Margaritaville Vacation Club St. Thomas; Bluebeards; the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort; the Pink Palm Hotel, and Hotel 1829. Discounted VIBE attendee rates are available at vibe.vi/accommodations.

VIBE 2025 sponsors include the U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Tourism, IGY's Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas, Charter Smarter, VIPCA, VIYA, VI Lottery, Azul Marine Lending, and Latitudes & Attitudes.

For more information on VIBE 2025, visit www.vibe.vi. For information about the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), visit www.vipca.org

Related Articles

Highfield Boats USA announce 4 New Dealer Partners
U.S. Dealer Network for Highfield RIBS Now Stretches from Maine to Hawaii Highfield Boats USA, the leading supplier of rigid inflatable boats (RIBS) in America, announces it has added four new dealer partners to its U.S. sales network for Highfield RIBs. Posted on 30 Apr
Tariff rates under further consideration
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America According to an April 23 Wall Street Journal report, President Trump is considering reducing the tariff rate on Chinese imports to 50-65%. Posted on 30 Apr
Blue Sea Systems® announces ABYC C-7 compliance
Continuing to set the benchmark for safety and innovation Blue Sea Systems® announced that all battery disconnect switches and relays with switches are transitioning from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1107 standards to the new American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) C-7 standards. Posted on 30 Apr
Sunpower Yachts International acquires Alva Yachts
Becoming the world's largest solar electric yacht company In a groundbreaking move that redefines the future of luxury yachting, Sunpower Yachts International proudly announces the acquisition of Alva Yachts GmbH. Posted on 30 Apr
ABYC launches new Marine Trades School Directory
Helping students explore marine training programs and build the next generation of technicians New school directory helps students explore marine training programs and build the next generation of technicians. Posted on 29 Apr
MasterCraft Boat Company enhances dealer network
New partnership with Performance Marine Watersports MasterCraft Boat Company, a subsidiary of MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCFT) and the best-selling towboat brand, today announces a new dealership partnership with Performance Marine Watersports. Posted on 29 Apr
West Marine Pro launches enhanced mobile app
To power on-the-Go Marine professionals West Marine Pro, the wholesale division of West Marine, has launched a full-featured mobile app, available on IOS and Android. Posted on 29 Apr
Vittorio Bichucher new GM of NAVAN Boats
Leading the continued growth of NAVAN's premium exploration boats across the USA Brunswick Boat Group today announced the appointment of Vittorio Castellini Bichucher as General Manager of NAVAN Boats in addition to his current role as Senior Director of Strategy for Brunswick's Boat Group. Posted on 29 Apr
Dr. Shawn DuBravac to speak at ABC 2025
The Renowned Economist will talk at the American Boating Congress The NMMA is pleased to announce that leading economist and futurist Dr. Shawn DuBravac will serve as a featured speaker at the 2025 American Boating Congress (ABC). Posted on 29 Apr
Clean & Resilient Marina Professionals certified
The participants completed a virtual course over four days in early April The Association of Marina Industries has certified 18 new marina personnel as Clean & Resilient Marina Professionals. This class came from all corners of the country and from marinas both large and small. Posted on 28 Apr
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERMaritimo 2023 S600 FOOTERNorth Sails Loft 57 Podcast