2nd Annual Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE) puts destination on global marine business map
by Carol Bareuther 21 May 09:20 PDT
May 14-16, 2026
Virgin Islands culture on display dockside © mediaboostvi
Millions of dollars' worth of yachts by globally recognized manufacturers were on display, and ready for purchase or charter, at the 2nd Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE).
Over the four-day event, hosted by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), May 15-18, 2025, at IGY's Yacht Haven Grande, hundreds of residents and visitors walked the docks. They toured the fleet of Axopar (Sagramoso Yachting), Bali (Pyper Yachts), Azimut & Cigarette Racing (Wally Castro Marine), Fountaine Pajot (Atlantic Cruising Yachts & Waypoint Yacht Charters), Jeanneau (St. Thomas Leisure Boat Charters), Lagoon (Caribe Yacht Group), and Grady White, Nor-Tech and Tiara (Boat Management Corp.) sailing and power boats.
Daily seminars, sailing demonstrations, and a Vendor Expo were also set against the incredible destination and cultural backdrop of the U.S. Virgin Islands. With steel pan musicians, Caribbean dancers, local bands, cuisine, and local drinks, VIBE proved the ultimate "destination" yacht sales show for a second year. Mark your calendars now for VIBE May 14-16, 2026!
"VIBE 2025 was a tremendous success, and I'd like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this event so special," says Staci Smith, Executive Director of VIPCA. "We're thrilled to already have strong commitments from exhibitors, vendors, and sponsors for next year, and we're looking forward to building on this momentum to deliver an even bigger and better show in 2026."
Yachts Star!
Now entering its third year, the U.S. Virgin Islands' premier yacht sales show is family-friendly. VIBE was created as a destination boutique-style boat show where the public can meet with yachting representatives, enjoy refreshments and entertainment, and network with local, national, and international business in St. Thomas, which Caribbean Journal in 2021 called the 'Hottest Yachting Destination in the Caribbean'.
"We saw nearly 100 people on the first day of the show. Four to five groups traveling from Texas, Pennsylvania, and Florida specifically for VIBE. Others were hotel guests who saw the show happening and attended," says Dare Blankenhorn, owner of Charter Caribe, a luxury charter yacht sales and management company based in St. Thomas. "Half of all new catamarans purchased in North America are put into charter. VIBE offers a chance to buy a boat in one of the most outstanding yachting destinations in the world, whether it's to enjoy privately, put into charter, or use commercially for day charters."
Charter Caribe displayed the bookends of its crewed charter fleet, the Lagoon 77, Aeolus, and the Lagoon 46, On A Whim III. The company also showcased a Lagoon 42 cruising catamaran for sale.
Atlantic Cruising Yachts, a Fort Lauderdale, FL-headquartered dealer for Fountaine Pajot, and Waypoints Yacht Charters, a bareboat company with a base in St. Thomas, jointly featured the Fountaine Pajot Victoria 67, True Story, and Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 G3
"What better way to own a boat and use it than to put it in bareboat charter with us," says Susan Restauri, senior project manager for Waypoints Yacht Charters, who also presented a seminar on 'Placing your boat into Bareboat Charter.' "We bring yachts into the fleet as a business ownership model, with tax and other advantages for the owner, where we charter them, maintain them, and they remain in good shape when the owner eventually wants to take them out of charter or sell them."
Powerboat enthusiasts enjoyed touring the Axopar 45 Cross Top, which was the brands entrance into the Caribbean market; the 37 Axopar Sun Top, the most popular in the Virgin Islands for private use and as a water taxi; and the 29 Axopar Cross Cabin, a fast boat with enclosed cabin that is also showing for the first time in the Caribbean.
"We've opened a new location on St. Thomas at Tropical Marina, which houses our sales offices and service center," says Roberto Sagramoso, of Sagramoso Yachting, the exclusive dealer for Axopar, as well as Pardo Yachts and Grand Soleil Yachts in Puerto Rico, the U.S., and the British Virgin Islands.
VIBE best in VI to buy and charter a boat
There are many advantages to buying a boat in the USVI. Particularly important is that the territory is outside the U.S. Customs Zone and has its own Customs laws, which exempt importation of vessels, boats, and their running gear from Customs duties. Foreign-built, non-imported yachts to the U.S. can be sold or chartered to U.S. residents in the U.S. Virgin Islands without being imported to the U.S. first. Also, because of the USVI exemption from the Jones Act, chartering foreign-built and foreign-flagged yachts in U.S. waters is permitted here.
Understanding the financing needed to purchase a boat was a seminar topic presented by Zack Hamric, who, with his wife Greta, owns Azul Marine Lending in Sarasota, FL. The company annually finances $100,000 to $45 million in yacht loans for U.S., Puerto Rico, and Caribbean clients.
"We've developed an AI underwriting system where we can get a 95% approval rate in 24 hours thanks to long and successful relationships with lenders," says Hamric.
Nearly 50 local and global businesses participated in VIBE's Vendor Expo, including the UVI Research and Technology (RT) Park, which helps locally based businesses with tax incentives, funding, and growth opportunities. "The RT Park is an economic development agency that seeks to diversify the economy with knowledge and tech-focused companies," says Torhera Durand, sustainable development associate.
Rainman Desalination, a Sydney, Australian-headquartered company that manufactures watermakers and saltwater desalination systems for marine use, introduced its new fully automated watermaker. "Yachts in the higher end range of 60- to 80-feet want push-button convenience. We're currently in beta testing and expect to have it generally available in three months," says Ron Schroeder, managing director.
Other participating vendors included VI Lottery, Charter Smarter, Pyper Yachts, Wally Castro Marine, Boat Management Corp., St Thomas Leisure Boat Charters, Cardow Jewelers, Caribtrans, Chef Nathan Neibaur, LaVela, Lift Foils, Natural Balance, Newcoast Financial, Peter Island Resort & Spa, Reef Response, Riteway Food Markets, Sail Frenchtown, STEEMCC, St John SailSack Co., Techness Pro, Tropless Beach LLC, VIBE Jewelry, and local food and drink booths.
The St. Thomas Sailing Center offered sails on its fleet during the show and provided information on its membership and many learn-to-sail programs, including Bareboat Certification.
Strong sponsor support
VIBE 2025 sponsors include the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, VI Lottery, One Communications, Charter Smarter, Azul Marine Lending, IGY, and Latitudes and Attitudes.
For more information on VIBE 2025, visit vibe.vi. For information about the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), visit www.vipca.org