The 64th Annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show was held during the consecutive 5 days of 4th to 9th December 2025. The event brought together some of the world’s most iconic luxury vessels and leading players in the global yachting industry. The event venues were Nelson’s Dockyard (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Falmouth Harbour, and the Antigua Yacht Club.
This year, the OECS Commission, through the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project, partnered with the tourism authorities of Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to promote the three islands as premier yachting hubs in the Southern Caribbean.
Engagements with charter captains and brokers, key influencers who guide clients in chartering high-value vessels, were central to strengthening the region’s visibility in the global marketplace.
The delegation actively engaged with stakeholders, which consisted of megayacht captains, charter brokers, and industry partners. At yacht shows, there tend to be many brokers who serve as highly specialised intermediaries. They tend to guide clients when buying, selling, or chartering high-value vessels. The presence of these brokers tends to make these interactions critical for strengthening market visibility and regional business opportunities.
The delegation emphasised the value of a seamless Southern Caribbean itinerary by jointly showcasing the distinct yet connected offerings of the three islands. This region is ideal for vessels seeking new, less crowded waters.
Maritime Officer at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Denise Mauricette, highlighted the strategic advantage of presenting the islands as a unified experience.
Mauricette went to share that, given that it’s not just a standalone destination but also, of course, with Saint Vincent and Grenada, the authority was able to present itself as not just a single destination but a complete southern Caribbean itinerary. When one makes a journey down to the south and ends up in Saint Lucia, then one gets to experience a different culture in Saint Vincent and Grenada. Mega yachts tend to typically visit places like Saint Barth’s and Saint Maarten. Unfortunately, those destinations are becoming increasingly crowded, so there’s a demand for new ones.
