Season Kicks off for Bespoke Fleet of Crewed Yachts at USVI Charter Yacht Show – U.S. Virgin Islands is an Award-Winning Caribbean Maritime Destination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 13, 2024

Season Kicks off for Bespoke Fleet of Crewed Yachts at USVI Charter Yacht Show – U.S. Virgin Islands is an Award-Winning Caribbean Maritime Destination 

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Over 60 professionally crewed yachts were on display to brokers from the Caribbean, U.S., and Europe at the 2024 USVI Charter Yacht Show, held at Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas from November 8-11, 2024. This annual event kicks off the U.S. Virgin Islands robust crewed yacht marine tourism season, one of many land and sea reasons why the Caribbean Journal named the territory the Innovative Destination of the Year in 2024. The Show’s jam-packed schedule put the destination on full display with its Carnival-style Opening Ceremony Parade, seminar series that included talks on coastal ecology, and mixology and culinary competitions where contestants incorporated locally made or grown ingredients.

“As we wrap up this year’s USVI Charter Yacht Show, it’s incredibly rewarding to see such strong enthusiasm from yachts, brokers, and industry leaders. This event truly highlights the U.S. Virgin Islands as a premier destination for charter experiences and sets an inspiring tone for the 2024-2025 season. Our marine industry is not only a cornerstone of our tourism sector but also a vital part of our community and economy. We’re thrilled to welcome visitors from around the world to experience the unmatched beauty and vibrant culture of our islands,” says Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

Mark Your Calendar Now

The 9^th USVI Charter Yacht Show, hosted by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), will take place November 7-10, 2025. Registration information for boats and brokers will be announced at www.usviyachtshow.org

“This Show’s importance for me is the opportunity to meet new crews and see new boats, reconnect with established crews and boats, and network as an industry, including with the charter management companies, and to stay up on industry trends,” says Christopher Patrick, veteran charter yacht broker with the Sebastian, Florida-based CKIM Group, who has attended for many years. “Looking ahead, the boats are getting bigger. However, at the same time, there are a lot of mid-range boats, with an average of $25,000 a week, and a good market for them.”

Photo: Over 60 yachts were on display at the 2024 USVI Charter Yacht Show. Credit: Mango Media. 

A Bespoke Fleet 

The Show’s 65-plus crewed yacht charter fleet featured something for every guest, including power, sail, multihulls, and monohulls. Each yacht and its bespoke crew combine to provide a customized rather than cookie-cutter vacation experience.

“We designed our boat to feel incredibly cozy and inviting so people want to sit and stay awhile. We love connecting with anyone who steps aboard,” says Laura Smollen, Chef with Captain Christian Perez, aboard the 50’ Leopard, One Love, who won Best Yacht in Show – 50’ & Under and Best Crew in Show. “We have several charters on the books and are excited for more to come.”

Captain Umberto Genovese and Chef Daryl Surtees, aboard the 55’ Bali, High 5, won Best Yacht in Show – 51’-59’. Soft decking that feels like a yoga mat, a color scheme and richness in textures in décor that flows through the yacht, giving it a retreat or spa-like feel, and Jura coffee machine in the galley are a few of the physical features that make the vessel stand out,” says Genovese, who is looking forward to a busy season. “On top of that, we feel our dynamic is unique as a crew. Our personalities might be total opposites, but we complement each other well. Both have a lot of experience and are great at what we do.”

Attention to detail and going the extra mile are strong reasons why Liquid Sky, a 67’ Fountaine Pajot, with Captain Simon Pocock, Chef Amber Hoerl, and Deckhand Anton Van Geffen, won Best Yacht in Show – 60’ & Over. “⁠In the season ahead, we look forward to fulfilling many luxury charters and making lasting memories for all our guests,” says Pocock.

Yacht and crew prizes included elegant and functional Pilot Watches, sponsored by Cardow Jewelers, a flagship jeweler in the USVI since 1954 and headquartered at the head of Main Street in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. The all-stainless-steel timepieces boast the robustness and waterproofness that shows Cardow’s firm commitment to yachting.

“The yachting industry occupies a special place in the world of Cardow Jewelers cruising travelers from all corners of the planet to our pristine island of St. Thomas. Cardow stands out as an iconic company and a ‘must-shop’ destination for charter yacht visitors due to its commitment to showcasing the luxury of the Virgin Islands. As a passionate supporter and sponsor of the USVI Charter Yacht Industry, Cardow offers guests a unique shopping experience where every piece tells a story and captures the timeless essence of the Caribbean,” says Carolina de Lyrot, marketing director.

Also donated as prizes were Department of Tourism Bags, Veuve Clicquot champagne, distributed by Bellows International, Maho Crew engraved tumblers, cutting board, Marine Pool tote bags, and gift certificates, Grey Goose bags, KLR cutting boards, FinHolders by Finholder and More, LLC, Cabana Day at Lovango, Soca Water by Julius Jackson, LLC, Massage at Spa to Go, Global Clean reusable bags, Tropless Organic Cocktail Mix, Ashburton certificates, Yacht Haven Grande Restaurant gift certificates and products by Virgin Elements.

Photo: Chef Laura Smollen and Captain Christian Perez with Best Crew and Best Yacht 50’ & Under awards. Credit Mango Media.

Strong Season Ahead

In the last eight years, the U.S. Virgin Islands’ charter yacht industry has proved resilient in the face of challenges such as hurricanes and a global pandemic, grown as an economic force to $88 million annually, and put the U.S. territory on the international map as the Caribbean’s premier maritime destination, especially for bespoke, exquisitely customized crewed yacht charter vacations.

“From the first day of the show, there was a feeling of excitement in the air. It’s a great way to kick off the charter season, and I’m delighted and honored to be a part of such a great exhibit of some of the finest yachts and crews in a beautiful backdrop, St. Thomas,” says Siboney Trevino, VIPCA President and Yacht Chef on SV Yacht Indulgence. “The 2024 USVI Charter Yacht Show brings together the local community, government agencies, businesses, insurance companies, charter management companies, charter brokers, and vendors, who with VIPCA, all collaborate to make this event a success. The pride and passion of our yachting community were well represented at this year’s USVI Charter Yacht Show, and the crews are ready for another great season.”

Photo: Best Crew Runner Up, Captain Lukata Samuel, holds his Cardow Jeweler’s Pilot Watch. Credit: Mango Media.

Strong Sponsor Support

Sponsors of the 2024 USVI Charter Yacht Show include the USVI Department of Tourism; Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas; IGY Marinas; Mango Media LLC; Catamaran Central; Risk Strategies representing Trawick and Cigna; Grey Goose and Soca Shores distributed by West Indies Company; Veuve Clicquot and Captain Morgan, distributed by Bellows International; Brava by VIYA; Cardow Jewelers; Yachtly; Rockvision; Moe’s Fresh Market; The Market St. Thomas; Maho Crew; Offshore Marine; Parts & Power Ltd., distributor of Northern Lights; Harbor Shoppers; Nautical Trips & Consulting; Julius Jackson, LLC; and the Charter Yacht Broker Association (CYBA).

For more information about the USVI Charter Yacht Show, visit usviyachtshow.org. For information about VIPCA and its programs, visit www.VIPCA.org, Email: info@vipca.org, or call (340) 642-0656

2024 USVI Charter Yacht Show Competition Winners

Best Yacht in Show – 50’ & Under

Winner: One Love; Crew Christian Perez and Laura Smollen 

Runner Up: PurelyBlue; Crew Brad Needham and Zoe Gahan

Best Yacht in Show – 51’-59’

Winner: High 5; Crew Umberto Genovese and Daryl Surtees

Runner Up: Wonderway; Crew Peter Traver and Alli Sanchez

Best Yacht in Show – 60’ & Over

Winner: Liquid Sky; Crew Simon Pocock, Amber Hoerl, and Anton Van Geffen

Runner-Up: Aeolus; Crew Michael Wilson, Casey Strickland, Cristo Theron and Chene Nel

Best Crew in Show

Overall Winner: Christian Perez and Laura Smollen; One Love

Overall Runner-Up: Lukata Samuel and Benita Marshall; Some Kind of Wonderful

Mixology Competition – Grey Goose Vodka – 2024

Winner: Kyle Parrish; Windward

Runner Up: Chene Nel; Aeolus

Mixology Competition – Captain Morgan Rum – 2024

Winner: Madison Hite; No Inheritance

Runner Up: Jacob Archibold; Abide

Culinary Competition – 2024

Winner: Glen Massey; Mahasattva

2nd Place: Ariq Flax-Clarke; Barefoot Bliss

3rd Place:  Amber Heydenreich; Liquid Sky

Yacht Hop – 2024

Winner: Aeolus

About VIPCA

VIPCA is a non-profit marine association dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the charter yacht sector of the U.S. Virgin Islands marine industry. Its initiatives include offering membership benefits, promoting marine tourism, liaising with USVI, BVI, and PR to assist in cooperative efforts; seeking relevant official rulings from Customs and Border Protection (CBP); developing USVI marine infrastructure, including installation of vessel moorings now available at BoatyBall.com; and providing marine vocational training for USVI youth. VIPCA hosts two annual yacht shows, the USVI Charter Yacht Show at www.usviyachtshow.org and the Virgin Islands Boating Expo at www.vibe.vi. www.VIPCA.org

Press Contact:

Carol Bareuther

Press, USVI Charter Yacht Show

Tel: 340-998-3650

Email: bareuther@earthlink.net

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