2026 USVI Charter Yacht Show - Preview
by Carol Bareuther 20 Jun 07:42 PDT
November 14-17, 2026
IGY's Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas is the venue of the 2026 USVI Charter Yacht Show © Mango Media
From dockside networking and crew-broker introductions to memorable island-style social events, the 2026 USVI Charter Yacht Show offers industry professionals a valuable platform to build relationships and grow business.
Set for November 14-17, 2026, the exclusive boutique-style event hosted by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) returns to IGY Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas, the only marina to earn the title of International Superyacht Marina of the Year four times. The show, celebrating its 10th year with a new Broker Experience Program, takes place in a destination that continues to gain global maritime recognition, including being named Caribbean Yachting Destination of the Year in Caribbean Journal's 2025 Caribbean Travel Awards.
"We are looking forward to welcoming brokers, charter yacht crews, and marine industry partners to the 2026 USVI Charter Yacht Show and giving them the opportunity to experience firsthand all that the U.S. Virgin Islands has to offer their clients. This year, we are introducing a new Broker Experience Program designed to take brokers beyond the docks and onto the water, showcasing some of the unique attractions and experiences that make our destination so special. While chartering in the Virgin Islands has long been recognized as a world-class vacation experience, VIPCA remains committed to elevating the industry by promoting professionalism and encouraging the highest standards of service among crews and management companies. Our goal is to ensure that every broker leaves with a deeper understanding of the destination and complete confidence in recommending the exceptional charter experiences available throughout the Virgin Islands," says Kennon Jones, VIPCA executive director.
Yachts are invited to register now!
Crewed charter yachts can register now. IGY Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas, is offering a discounted berthing rate of $1.85 per foot per day from November 9 to 18 for any participating yachts that register and pay in full for the show by August 31, 2026. The rate is $2.15 per foot per day after August 31, 2026.
"The 2026 USVI Charter Yacht Show is an excellent opportunity for brokers to experience firsthand the Wandering Hillbilly's layout, amenities, and guest experience, while giving the crew a platform to display their hospitality, culinary talents, and personalized approach to chartering. These connections help brokers confidently match future guests with the yacht's unique Caribbean charter experience," says Raul Bermudez, vice president of MarineMax Vacations.
Captain Adam Morris and Chef Anjelica 'Jelly' Velazquez will serve as Wandering Hillbilly's crew for the 2026-2027 season.
Highlights of the Aquila 54 power cat include a flybridge with outdoor dining, a king-bed master suite plus three ensuite guest cabins, a swim platform, Starlink Wi-Fi, underwater lighting, a premium sound system, and paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and floating mats.
VIPCA-Member Brokers are free!
Brokers can also register here. For brokers, registration is free for VIPCA members and offers additional annual benefits, including a listing in the online directory and support of VIPCA's year-round work.
Book accommodations now. The Hampton by Hilton, which opened in August 2025 and is located just a short walk from IGY's Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas, is offering an exclusive room block at excellent rates. Two nearby hotels are offering discounts for the show. Hotel 1829 offers a 10% discount on 2+ consecutive nights, valid November 12-18, 2026. Use the 1829VIBE code when booking. The hotel's Lavalettes Restaurant offers 10% off by showing the show badge. The Pink Palm Hotel offers a 15% discount on stays of 2 nights or more when booking online. Use code VIPCA2026. Bluebeard's Castle, The Green Iguana, At Home In the Tropics, and Olga's Fancy also have accommodations for the show and are within walking distance to IGY's Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is a 10-minute drive east of the marina.
"There is no substitute for stepping aboard the yachts, meeting the crews, and experiencing the cuisine firsthand. The knowledge gained at VIPCA's USVI Charter Yacht Show allows brokers to confidently match the right yacht and crew with the right client, while IGY's Yacht Haven Grande provides the professional, convenient setting that helps guests transition seamlessly from travel mode to vacation mode," says Casey Grimes, founder and chief executive officer of the Yacht Collective.
World-Class Yachting Venue - IGY Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas
IGY's Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas is an ideal venue for the USVI Charter Yacht Show, pairing full-service superyacht facilities with easy access to the Virgin Islands cruising grounds. Located minutes from Cyril E. King Airport, the marina offers deep-water berths, in-slip fueling, customs and immigration services, provisioning, concierge support, waste and oil removal, and 24-hour security. On-site are six restaurants, provisioning at Moe's Fresh Market, retail shops, a fitness center, pool, and sports courts. New additions include florist Bloom Atelier and Tijon St. Thomas Perfumerie. Upgrades under way include a renovated second floor at Harbor 360 for enhanced event experiences and a revitalized recreation complex featuring new paddleball, pickleball, tennis, and volleyball courts, plus improvements to the pool area, with a target completion in November-December 2026.
"Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas is proud to sponsor and host the VIPCA USVI Charter Yacht Show because it showcases the very best of our destination, our marina, and the world-class charter experiences available throughout the Virgin Islands. The show provides an invaluable platform for captains, crews, brokers, and industry partners to connect while highlighting St. Thomas as a premier gateway to the Caribbean. We are honored to support an event that strengthens the charter industry, drives economic impact for our community, and reinforces the U.S. Virgin Islands as a leading yachting destination," says Charlie Irons, general manager and director of operations.
Strong Sponsor Support
Sponsors of the 2026 USVI Charter Yacht Show include the USVI Department of Tourism; Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas; IGY Marinas; Brown & Brown (formerly Risk Strategies); Maho Crew; St. John Meats; and Julius Jackson, LLC.
For more information about the USVI Charter Yacht Show, visit usviyachtshow.org. For details about VIPCA and its programs, visit www.VIPCA.org, Email: info@vipca.org, or call (340) 642-0656.