Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association Yacht Charter event at Yacht Haven Grande earlier this month in St. Thomas. By. V.I. DEPT. OF TOURISM
The V.I. Department of Tourism has announced what it deemed the remarkable success of the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) event, held at Yacht Haven Grande from November 11th to 14th.
The event commenced in true Virgin Islands fashion, with a vibrant Carnival Parade that encapsulated the region's rich culture and spirit, according to the release The procession was led by Cultural Dancers, Moko Jumbies, and majorettes, dancing along with a steel pan band that walked through the marina, setting the tone for the entire event.
D.O.T. said the show served as a vital platform for showcasing a diverse array of boats and crews, providing brokers with an invaluable opportunity to match them with their clients. Notably, the trends for 2024 are leaning towards larger vessels, an extensive array of water sports, and an intriguing development - an increase in yacht crews that include dogs as part of their crew, a feature that has resonated exceptionally well with guests.
With a full capacity of over 70 yachts, ranging in size from 42 feet to over 105 feet, encompassing both power and sail, multihulls, and monohulls, the event at Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas, presented attendees with a breathtaking display of charter options.
D.O.T. Commissioner Joseph Boschulte expressed his enthusiasm about the event's success. "VIPCA's Yacht Charter Event at Yacht Haven Grande exemplified the incredible charter opportunities available in the U.S. Virgin Islands," he said. "The remarkable turnout of national and international brokers underscores the growing interest in our destination. We eagerly anticipate welcoming more visitors to our stunning islands during the Winter 2023 season and beyond."
According to the release, the U.S. Virgin Islands' charter yacht industry has shown remarkable resilience despite hurricanes and a global pandemic. It has become a robust economic force, generating $88 million annually, and has established the U.S. territory as a top global destination for boutique-style, customized crewed yacht charter vacations in the Caribbean.
The VIPCA event culminated with an award ceremony, featuring remarks by Assistant Commissioner of Tourism Alani Henneman, who recognized excellence in the charter industry and celebrated the conclusion of the gathering.
The 2024 USVI Charter Yacht Show will take place in St. Thomas, from November 8-11. For more information and boat and broker registration details, please visit www.usviyachtshow.org.
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