St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The professionalism of the U.S. Virgin Islands crewed charter yacht industry, which directly contributes over $88 million annually to the territory’s economy, will be fully displayed at the USVI Charter Yacht Show. Organizer, the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), is pleased to announce that multi-year sponsor, Maho Crew, is the official clothing company of the 2024 Show, scheduled for November 8th-11th, at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande. The latest crew wear products, a fleet of impeccable boutique-style yachts, including those new to the Show, and a return of the popular Yacht Hop make the 2024 USVI Charter Yacht Show an event not to miss.
“Attending shows, like the USVI Yacht Charter Show, is a crucial part of a charter broker’s function. There is no greater testimony than to say: ‘I have been on the yacht, I have met the crew, and I can guarantee you will have a great experience!” says Audrey Harper, yacht charter specialist for Harper Yachting, in Naples, FL. Also, “the crew’s overall presentation, with good-quality uniforms with proper fit and vibrant colors, speaks volumes about their professionalism and attitude towards their job.”
VIPCA broker members can register (usviyachtshow.org/register/) for FREE. Exclusive Show accommodations with 20% discounts are available at the following by calling and using promo “VIPCA Yacht Show: Bluebeards (bluebeards.com), (1-340-774-1600) -Bolongo Bay Beach Resort (bolongobay.com), (1-800-524-4746) – The Pink Palm Hotel (pinkpalmhotel.com).
Charter yachts that register (usviyachtshow.org/register/) and pay in full by August 31st, 2024, receive a discounted berthing rate of $1.85 per foot per day at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas from November 3rd to 16th.
Name-brand Helly Hansen, sustainable UPF maker FreeFly Apparel, and crew-favorite Anetik are some of Maho Crew’s new brand partnerships. These brands join an already excellent apparel lineup, including Maho Crew Private, Gill Marine, and Marinepool.
“We are excited to provide yacht crews with the latest styles and favorite brands for the upcoming season. As we all know, a sharp uniform is key in the presentation of yacht crew,” says Ted Norris, owner of Niantic, CT-headquartered Maho Crew, which offers in-house capabilities such as custom shirt printing, embroidery, sublimation, and laser engraving to provide a complete uniform solution.
Maho Crew will supply the Show’s shirts from its private line of T’s, and outfit the Show’s staff in polos from the Maho Crew collection embroidered with the Show logo. The company will also host the Show’s Crew Happy Hour on Thursday, November 7th, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Crew interested in Maho Crew’s uniform services can visit www.mahocrew.com or email info@mahocrew.com
A total capacity of yachts, power, and sail, multihulls and monohulls, 40- to 130-plus feet, are anticipated to show at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas. One showing for the first time is Abide, a 138-foot LOA Jongert sailing ketch designed by Tony Castro with a retractable keel to access anchorages more easily. The yacht has recently completed a two-year refit.
“We believe there’s a niche market in the Caribbean for the monohull demographic. The Mediterranean has options for monohulls and multihulls at different price points; we believe this is not necessarily true in the Caribbean. We hope to offer the Caribbean experience to the discerning monohull sailor, where the sailing aspect is highlighted more, and we also subtly offer laid-back activities,” says Capt. Roland Schaeffer, who, with Abide’s four crew, are attired in vessel-branded cotton Ts for morning duties, light color polo’s for daytime, and dark color for evening service. “The uniform is an extension of the personality of Abide and the message we are trying to exhibit – humble but proud.”
Features aboard Abide include a hydraulic swim platform aft with a swim ladder, an 18’ guest tender with 115Hp engine and freshwater shower, scuba diving with a certified instructor onboard, and shade onboard in four segments from bow to stern.
Returning this year is the highly anticipated yacht hop, with ‘World Music’ as its theme on Saturday, November 9th, from 5-8 p.m. Show vessels are encouraged to host a theme party on board, complete with food, drinks, decor, costumes, and music from around the globe.
“The yacht hop serves as a unique platform for networking opportunities,” says Staci Smith, VIPCA’s Executive Director. “Crew and brokers connect to enrich their professional relationships and celebrate their diversity through these cultural experiences and a good old-fashioned party!”
Brokers can vote for their favorite vessel based on interpretation of theme, effort, and music for the coveted ‘Best in Show – Yacht Hop’ Award. The winner will be presented at the Awards Ceremony. VIPCA members are invited to attend but must register at www.usviyachtshow.org by November 8th.
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, the Gowrie Group representing Trawick and Cigna; Grey Goose, 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; Maho Crew; Offshore Marine; Parts & Power Ltd., distributor of Northern Lights; Island Life Watersports; the Charter Yacht Broker Association (CYBA), Smart Life Farms, and KLR.
For more information and registration, visit usviyachtshow.org or contact VIPCA at info@vipca.org or (340) 642-0656.
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
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