This week's Charteryacht Show has attracted a record number of show yachts to St. Thomas' Crown Bay Marina. Currently 68 boats are registered to show at the 25th Annual Charteryacht Show, hosted by the Virgin Islands Charteryacht League, Flagship, and Regency Charter Services.
Recent shows at Crown Bay have averaged 50-60 yachts, according to Judy Knape, executive director of the Virgin Islands Charteryacht League (VICL).
The show is designed for charter brokers to inspect the crewed charter yacht fleet and get to know their crews, so they can best represent their product to their customers. Sponsors anticipate as many as 150 brokers from the U.S., the islands and Europe will attend.
The show is not open to the general public.
"We expect to have another fabulous show at Crown Bay, the site of our last four semi-annual shows," said Knape.
"Crown Bay Marina with its excellent facilities and dedicated staff is again working closely with us to put on a fun and informative show.
"We're thrilled that the number of boats is up over recent years, although it doesn't approach the numbers we had in the 80's when our industry was very healthy and upwards of 150 yachts would show," Knape said.
"Our boats are looking forward to the opportunity to show themselves off to the brokers. It's their chance to meet new brokers and to keep old friends in the broker network apprized of any improvements to their boats. The show is critical to new boats entering the charter market, who must impress the brokers if they hope to have a busy season," she added.
Several fun and educational events are planned in conjunction with the show, including a New Broker Seminar, a Culinary Competition, a Captains' Blender Competition, and a Marine Trade Show.
Knape said, "VICL is most grateful for all the wonderful support it receives from Virgin Islands businesses which provide support for the various activities. Without them, this show could not happen."
For further infomation call Judy Knape or Kathy Scarlett at the Virgin Islands Charteryacht League at 774-3944, or fax 776-4468.
