Newport Yacht Charter Show 2018

With its illustrious maritime history, picturesque coastlines and quaint islands and towns, New England is a summer hot spot for luxury charter vacations, and this week from June 18-21, the Newport Charter Yacht Show presented by Helly Hansen Newport is set to showcase an impressive lineup of yachts available in the region this season.

Staged at the mega-yacht friendly Newport Shipyard in Newport, Rhode Island, the annual event is the only one of its kind in the US, allowing brokers and industry professionals to visit exhibiting yachts and get to know the captains and crew. Of the 24 charter yachts currently registered for the show, 18 are new to the event and 13 are measuring in at 100 feet or above. 

“We are seeing a very healthy season here, with more large charter boats in New England than ever before and more people booking them,” said Yacht Charter Specialist Pila Pexton with Merle Wood and Associates, which has its offices at Newport Shipyard.

As Pexton explained, Newport is just one coastal town on the region’s long list of premier summer cruising destinations – from the rocky shores of Maine to the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, down to Long Island – that offers easy access to marinas and harbor facilities that are welcoming to charter yachts.

The 120 foot motor yacht Lady Victoria; photo courtesy Merle Wood and Associates

Pexton will be representing the 120-foot motor yacht Lady Victoria, which has attended the show several times in the past. A charter favorite, the luxury vessel is equipped with a lavish interior and accommodates eight guests in its four guest cabins. Its expansive deck space, complete with a jacuzzi tub and full bar, is designed for unfettered entertaining.

The largest yacht attending the show to date is the 198’ MY Blue Moon, one of three yachts represented by Northrop & Johnson this year. The award-winning megayacht features an on-deck master suite that includes an office and gym, while the lower deck has five additional staterooms with private heads. Its grandiose interior blends comfort with luxury and comes equipped with a glass elevator to transport guests from one floor to the next and to three different dining areas.

The 109 foot sailing yacht Marae; photo: Jeff Brown / Nicholson Yachts

In addition to a vast selection of motor yachts, a number of sailboats will show, including the 109’ SY Marae. “Marae was built perfectly for cruising in the Caribbean and New England, and is just a beautiful yacht with a lovely master stateroom and interior in addition to an excellent crew.” said Karen Kelly Shea, president of Nicholson Yachts.

Marae sleeps six guests and features a sheltered cockpit and deck area as well as a plethora of watersports toys. She is one of five yachts that Nicholson has in the show this year.

“This show offers such invaluable exposure to the worldwide sales force and charter industry, and I always push my yachts to do it if they are in the area. In addition, the show is so beneficial with educational seminars about topics such as VAT taxes and secure payment processes. It’s a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and share information. This is a tightknit industry and working together is so important.” Kelly Shea added.

Attendees also participate in a lively Yacht Hop that showcases each yacht in entertainment mode and review the skills of captains and crews in a series of contests scheduled throughout the week. These include the marquee Chef Competition (this year, for creating a gourmet dessert), three Captains’ Competitions (drones, fenders, small floral design), and Crew Competitions (Tablescaping, Signature Cocktails and Designer Water).

Crew competitions include the Chef Competition and Signature Cocktails; photo by Jennifer Tinkoff 

“The crew is 99% of the charter experience, and by having competitions like this you really get to see their dynamic and how they function,” said Herman Pundt, a broker for Denison Yacht Sales, which has two yachts registered that are new to the show this year. They include the 133’ motor vessel Serque, which is complete with a professional crew of eight onboard.“

The quality of service a crew has to provide is of the utmost importance, and we strive to make sure our guests have an amazing and relaxing experience,” said Serque’s Head Steward Anchen Coetzee, who has a degree in hotel management and has been working in the hospitality industry for 12 years. “As a guest onboard, you are not only getting to know the crew but you’re receiving a completely unique experience, customized to fit your needs. There is no comparison.”

Newport Charter Yacht Show 2018: Schedule of Events

Marine & Specialty Vendors: Open to the Public

Exhibiting vendors along the 'checkerboard patio' outside Belle’s Café at Newport Shipyard will be open daily from Tuesday June 19 to Thursday June 21, from 10am-5pm. 

Exhibitors include:

Presenting sponsor Helly Hansen with its mobile pop-up shop; Spades Cosmetics, Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, AERE Marine Group, Newport Yacht Interiors, The Carnegie Tower, CaptureRI, WheelHouse Technologies, Boatique USA, Harbor East Marina, Wharf Marina, Swarovski Optik, a.Clara Boston, Global Satellite USA LLC, Bent & Bree, CUTCO Cutlery, Cloud City Drones, Bluewater, Flint & Flame and Marigot Bay Resort & Marina. The U.S. Superyacht Association will have its own sponsors showing under a special tent.

Photo Jennifer Tinkoff

About Helly Hansen Newport

Helly Hansen Newport, the presenting sponsor of this year's Show, is the oldest Helly Hansen licensed store in North America, owned and operated by Jay Lasky since 1992. Known for its Big Weather Gear, Helly Hansen Newport strives to provide the best quality outdoor clothing for active lifestyles and everyday needs. 

Newport Shipyard, owner and producer of the 2018 Newport Charter Yacht Show is also host to many other prestigious yachting events including Gosling’s Rum Newport Shipyard Crew Party for the Newport to Bermuda Race (June 13); the annual Candy Store Cup Superyacht Regatta (July 26-28); and the Newport Yacht Rendezvous benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County (August 10).

Newport Shipyard is a full-service marina and shipyard with over 3,500 linear feet of dock space that can accommodate yachts up to 300 feet LOA. Newport Shipyard owns and operates four marine travelifts, one of which (500 MT), is the largest yacht lift in New England. One of the most popular shipyards in the USA, Newport Shipyard offers a range of amenities for captains and crew including a dockside café, ship store, fitness center, courtesy vehicles, crew housing and more.