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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesCHARTER-YACHT SHOWS SET FOR MAY, NOVEMBER

CHARTER-YACHT SHOWS SET FOR MAY, NOVEMBER

The Virgin Islands Charteryacht League will host its semiannual charter-yacht shows on St. Thomas from May 14-16 and Nov. 11-13.
These shows are not open to the general public, but are designed for charter-yacht brokers to become aquainted with U.S.V.I.-based yachts and their crews, so they can effectively sell charter-yacht vacations.
Travel agents and others are invited to become recognized charter brokers by attending the shows and participating in *New Broker Seminars* held in conjunction with them. The seminars will take place May 13 and Nov. 10.
Each show will consist of three days of viewing yachts on the docks at St. Thomas' Crown Bay Marina. During the shows, brokers are encouraged to get to know the crews of each boat.
Several events are also planned during the shows. Culinary and blender competitions, during which crews demonstrate their talents, and parties at which brokers may become better acquainted with the crews are planned.
Charter-yacht vacations are an exciting and highly customized vacation option. The process of selecting the "best" boat is largely dependent upon the individual needs and interests of the client. The personalities, available services and capabilities of the crew are important factors in selecting the appropriate boat for prospective guests.
To effectively sell a charter vacation, a broker should be personally familiar with the boats, crews and the industry. Travel agents can only book boats through charter clearinghouses after attending a "New Broker Seminar" and becoming a recognized broker or by working with an established broker.
Travel agents who become brokers can earn a 15 percent commission on each charter-yacht vacation sold. Travel agents may also work through an experienced broker to meet a client's needs, and thus earn half of a 20 percent commission.
The "New Broker Seminar" was designed by the Charteryacht League to teach prospective brokers the workings of this unique industry. Topics covered in the seminar include the structure of the charter-yacht industry, the contracting process, the best way to effectively attend a charter-yacht show and helpful hints about getting into the business of charter brokering.
Upon completion of the seminar and attendance at the show, participants will be recognized as brokers and be eligible to book charters directly through the clearinghouses which hold the boats' calendars.
The May show is expected to host 40-50 yachts, and the November show is expected to welcome approximately 60 yachts. A greater number of brokers from the U.S. mainland are expected to attend the November show than the May show.
The cost for the "New Broker Seminar" in May is $150; the cost for the seminar during the November show is $250. There is no additional cost for attending the shows themselves.
For more information about the charter-yacht shows, the "New Broker Seminars," or how to book a charter vacation through an established broker, call the V.I. Charteryacht League at 800-524-2061 or 340-774-3944.

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