Caribbean Charter Yacht Show 2022 Announces Key Sponsors

Following a celebrated inaugural event in December 2021, the second edition of the Caribbean Charter Yacht Show (CCYS) returns to the USVI from 8-11 December at Yacht Haven Grande, St Thomas.

Hosted by IGY Marinas and IGY Trident in partnership with the International Yacht Brokers’ Association (IYBA), the organisers are continuing to expand and enhance the experience of the show, which will now take place from Thursday to Sunday to allow greater flexibility with travel arrangements for exhibiting yachts, sponsors and brokers.

The USVI Department of Tourism returns as headline sponsor this year, once more showcasing the many attractions of the region to a new clientele while playing a prominent role in supporting the event. “We are thrilled to once again be a sponsor of the Caribbean Charter Yacht show in St. Thomas, now in its second year,” says USVI Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte. “We are strong supporters of the yachting and charter community, an important part of our striving economy, and welcome the world’s most beautiful yachts to our islands daily.”

During four action-packed days, charter brokers will be able to visit and unwind in the Ward’s Marine Electric Welcome Lounge. Supporting the show for a second year, Florida-based Ward’s Marine Electric is a third-generation family-owned and operated business, keen to promote awareness of the importance of safe and reliable power systems for successful charter operations.

New tenders and toys on display

The addition of a dedicated tenders and toys section this year will showcase the latest models and equipment to entice a new and younger clientele for whom water sports are a major factor when choosing a yacht for charter. This exciting new display will be sponsored by leading brands Lift Foils, Aquabanas and SEABOB, as well as Solace Boats and Volvo Penta, who will be exhibiting an impressive 42’ tender.

Charter managers attending the Charter Manager Retreat will also have the opportunity to take some of the toys for a spin out on the water.

Food and beverage sponsors  

Food and beverage tents will be keeping brokers well-nourished and watered throughout CCYS with complimentary meals and drinks. F&B sponsors include Barefoot Buddha who will be serving breakfast under the main tent during the IYBA seminars, 13 Restaurant who will cater to the captains’ dinner, and Indigo 4 who will serve food during the USVI Department of Tourism Celebration. Elsewhere Twist 340 will serve lunches in the main tent, Cutlass & Cane will welcome brokers during their dedicated reception, and CC1 Virgin Islands will be serving drinks from leading brands including Cruzan Rum, Tito’s Vodka, Michelob, Mionetto, Fiji Water and Robert Mondavi Private Selection. Fine wines from Justin will be served at the Captains' Dinner. 

All aboard the Caribbean Yacht Hop! 

Taking place on Friday 9 December between 6.30-9pm, the brokers’ Yacht Hop will be sponsored by SEA.AI. Formerly known as OSCAR, their sophisticated  tracking system combines optical sensors and artificial intelligence to detect floating objects on a superyacht’s course, automatically assessing the risk of collision in real time and warning of potential danger.

With competition for charter bookings fiercer than ever, the Yacht Hop is a great opportunity for visiting superyachts to impress brokers and attract lucrative charter bookings.

CCYS Chef and Cocktail Competition

Giving superyacht chefs and crew a chance to shine in front of prestigious judges, who this year will comprise of brokers, the CCYS Chef and Cocktail Competition will be overseen by Julius Jackson - a professional chef, boxer, author and Olympian, who represented the USVI in 2008.

Taking place on board participating yachts on Friday 9 December during the Yacht Hop, chefs and stews will have a chance to showcase their talents to a theme of Caribbean Flair, whipping up impressive menus featuring tapas and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to wow the judges.

Gifts for all participating vessels will be provided by ZUP who will also be on the ground to introduce their custom branded watersports collection for superyachts.

Once again, the show organisers are keen to give recognition to the local talent and businesses serving the USVI by involving local chefs and provisioners who provide such valuable support to visiting yachts.

Last year’s top prize went to M/Y Laurel, second place to M/Y Impromptu and an honourable mention went to Just Enough.

The final hurrah – the Crew Party

Closing the show on the final evening of CCYS 2022, the much-anticipated Crew Party will be sponsored by Maho Crew, who will also be supplying all staff uniforms for the event. Providing the highest quality uniforms and accessories for crew working on board superyachts and jets, as well as in luxury resorts, Maho Crew partners with a number of top brands including Helly Hansen, Gill and Knoss.

Key show sponsors 

As excitement builds for the 2022 edition of the Caribbean Charter Yacht Show, more leading companies have signalled their support for the event by signing up as valued sponsors. These include:

• AERÉ Marine Group: suppliers of world-class docking solutions to yachts all over the globe, the Florida-based company was established over 20 years ago by Vicki and Gary Abernathy. Today AERÉ Marine Group manufactures and supplies over 40 different sized inflatable fenders, fender covers, marina products, inflatable work platforms and inflatable docks. It also supplies the US Navy and US Coastguard as well as Alaskan State Ferries.

• Ambient Yoga: a popular yoga and Pilates studio located in St Thomas, Ambient Yoga will be holding a complimentary yoga class one of the mornings before the start of the show.

• Newcoast Finance: based in Clearwater, Florida, Newcoast Finance specialises in marine and RV financing and insurance services.

• Yonder Travel Insurance: a travel insurance aggregation site created to help clients find and purchase the best policy for all different types of travel.

• Kohler: a producer of cutting-edge, leading marine engines and generators with comprehensive after-sales support.

• VIYA: the largest telecommunications provider in the USVI, providing a full suite of communications and entertainment services.

• Southland Gaming: a premier provider of gaming solutions in the Caribbean with a proven track record in the implementation and operation of turn-key video lottery systems with little or no cost to the government client.

If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor at CCYS 2022, please click here for more information.

To keep up to date with the latest news from the Caribbean Charter Yacht Show, check out the official website or follow the CCYS Instagram and Facebook pages.