VIBE 2026 Fundraiser Gala Supports Marine Talent, Charter Smarter Connects New Audiences

by Carol Bareuther 10 Apr 07:40 PDT May 14-16, 2026

The Caribbean's premier marine showcase returns to St. Thomas this May, where the third annual Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE) will bring together luxury yachts, global brands, and a growing focus on workforce development at IGY's award-winning Yacht Haven Grande Marina, St. Thomas, May 14-16, 2026.

Yachts available for both sale and luxury charter will line the docks, including power and sail, monohulls, and multihulls. Leading brands such as Axopar, Sunreef, Lagoon, Tiara, and more, will be represented.

In the Virgin Islands, the marine sector depends on a highly skilled workforce. From diesel mechanics and marine electricians to fiberglass and gelcoat technicians, it takes a village of professionals to keep the fleet afloat. That means having a trained marine workforce. A highlight of this year's event is the debut of 'Charting the Future', a signature fundraising gala that will take place Saturday, May 15, starting at 7 p.m., at Muse on the Charlotte Amalie waterfront. Proceeds from the Gala, featuring keynote speaker, America's Cup commentator, Tucker Thompson, will benefit the Marine Rebuild Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit created by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VOPCA) to support its intensive Marine Apprenticeship program, which provides Virgin Islands youth with hands-on training and pathways into marine careers.

"Our industry offers incredible opportunities, but there is a real and growing shortage of technical marine talent in the Virgin Islands," says Kennon Jones, Executive Director of VIPCA. "We need to ensure Virgin Islanders are prepared to take advantage of these opportunities, and that is where these apprenticeships offer not just a training program, but a direct investment in the future of our marine industry and a pathway for young Virgin Islanders to access stable, well-paying careers."

Charting the Future: Empowering the Next Generation of Marine Professionals

From racecourse to broadcast booth, Thompson, as keynote speaker, will share how a passion for sailing can evolve into a lifelong career at VIBE's Charting the Future Gala. Having covered the sport's top global events, including six America's Cups and the Volvo Ocean Race, Thompson underscores the value of following what you love. "Anyone who can get hired to do something they love is quite lucky," he says, pointing to the Marine Apprenticeship as a pathway into the industry.

Thompson emphasizes the growing importance of technical trades and programs like the Marine Apprenticeship in shaping the industry's future, noting, "The America's Cup is first and foremost a design and engineering competition. There are more opportunities in boatbuilding, systems, and mechanics than there are for sailors."

Muse, a stylish boutique and multi-space venue, is the Gala's setting. Muse is in Charlotte Amalie, one block east of the Windward Passage Hotel and walking distance from IGY's Yacht Haven Grande. The Gala will bring together industry leaders, community members, and supporters for an evening of purpose and celebration.

"Supporting VIBE aligns with our commitment to showcasing the strength and global reach of the Virgin Islands' marine industry while creating meaningful experiences that bring people together," says John Engerman, Muse co-founder with Sabrina King.

VIP tickets for the Charting the Future Gala include a plated dinner curated by Chef Julius Jackson, an open premium bar, music, and a silent auction fundraiser benefiting the Marine Rebuild Fund. For tickets, visit: vibe.vi/tickets/ General admission tickets are also available, with an open bar and light bites provided by local establishments, including Island Edge Culinary, a premier private chef and culinary services company based in St. Thomas. Island Edge Culinary offers a wide range of dining experiences from intimate dinners for two to interactive cooking classes to chef-crafted platters perfect for a day on the water.

To date, VIPCA's Marine Apprenticeship has graduated 89 students, 8 have received their 100-ton captains' licenses, 6 have received their OUPV (6-pack) captains' licenses, 12 are actively working toward their licenses by gaining the required sea time, and 2 have become marine mechanic certified. Marine Apprenticeship graduates have been hired by more than 20 companies throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands as a direct result of the apprenticeship and have also entered the U.S. Coast Guard and other military services.

Kitty Edwards, Director of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, is one of the founders of the Marine Rebuild Fund. "Every year at the Marine Apprenticeship graduation, I am reinvigorated with pride. I hope that more Virgin Islanders see the amazing work being done through this program and help it to continue."

Jamari Benjamin, a Marine Apprenticeship graduate, is employed at the St. Thomas Sailing Center at the St. Thomas Yacht Club, where he assists in sail training and fleet maintenance while working on his captain's license. "What I value and liked best about the program is that it gets young people out on the water and increases your knowledge, experience, and skills out there."

Applications are now open for the 2026 VIPCA Marine Apprenticeship. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 29 by June 1, 2026, be a USVI resident, and be a USVI high school graduate. Applications are due by May 15, 2026: www.vipca.org/youth-training. The four-week training is free for qualified applicants.

Learn About Luxury Crewed Charters & More at VIBE

Beyond the docks, the Harbor 360 Vendor Expo at VIBE will spotlight companies shaping the future of chartering and marine travel, including event sponsor, Charter Smarter. The St. Thomas-based yacht charter brokerage focuses on connecting new audiences to crewed yacht vacations through tailored itineraries, global fleet access, and a concierge-level approach. With on-the-ground insight through its partnership with Paradise Yacht Management and a focus on more flexible, user-friendly booking experiences, the company aims to broaden access to the charter lifestyle while supporting industry growth.

"VIBE represents exactly where the future of marine-based travel is heading, toward connection, innovation, and new ways of thinking about guest acquisition and experience. We are not just participating in the charter industry; we are actively growing it by introducing yacht vacations to entirely new audiences through modern marketing and more accessible booking models. Sponsoring VIBE allows us to collaborate with forward-thinking partners who are equally focused on shaping what is next and ultimately growing the yacht charter industry," says Phil Scarlata, director of sales and marketing for Charter Smarter.

Companies returning to the Vendors Expo include Rainman Desalination, Pyper Yachts with its marine supply store, and the University of the Virgin Islands, which will highlight its latest marine conservation and innovations. They will be joined by new participants, such as Safe Harbor Marina Puerto Del Rey, which offers the most comprehensive hurricane storage program in the Caribbean. A full list of additional vendors providing innovative products, services, and experiences will be announced in the coming weeks, offering attendees an inside look at the companies driving the Caribbean marine industry forward.

Buy Tickets Now

Tickets for VIBE 2026 are on sale now at vibe.vi/tickets/s. All tickets include yacht tours and access to the air-conditioned Harbor 360 Vendor Expo, complete with a complimentary beverage, live music, and cultural performances.

For information about the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), visit www.vipca.org.