Antigua Charter Show Farewall And Takeaways

News

December 17, 2015 12:23 pm

As the Antigua Charter Yacht Show winds downs, the boats pick up their anchors and head off to prepare for their holiday excursions. There were late-night theme parties filled with costumes and live music. There were chef and stewardess competitions displaying culinary and creative prowess from each crew. There were brokers and vendors taking notes, and now it’s time for the yachts to take their marvelous luxury operations back out to sea.

As an attendee of the show, I had the pleasure of getting to know the yachts as well as the gorgeous island of Antigua. This tropical paradise is a premier destination for yachting in the Caribbean, and it’s easy to see why. I had the pleasure of staying at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina and Resort, which is nestled in the heart of English Harbour and serves as the central marina for the world’s largest charter yacht show each year. This resort was really a getaway of its own, with spacious rooms and patios, breathtaking views of the harbor, and easy access to the surrounding marina. The staff here were pleasant, helpful, and anxious to ensure a wonderful stay for all of their guests. Tucked away just over the hill is beautiful Pigeon Beach, great for an afternoon swim. Shortly up the hill is the famous Shirley Heights lookout, the perfect viewpoint for really capturing the beauty and prestige of this stunning island.

While the island of Antigua always impresses, the superyachts on display definitely stole the show! Ranging from 51 to 295 feet in length, yachts were lining the docks of three marinas, and I had the pleasure of touring many of them to see what makes each of them unique. The award-winning design on motoryacht ODESSA, for example, features a stunning tropical aquarium separating its main salon and dining salon, plus an elevator spanning all 4 decks and underfloor heating throughout all en suite baths. If you’re a wine lover, M/Y BROADWATER is right up your alley, with over 600 bottles on their ever-changing wine list complimented by a towering wall of wine fridges brilliantly on display within the main deck dining salon. Aboard M/Y PERLE BLUE guests can enjoy sunset dining for 10, prepared in front of their eyes on the sundeck teppanyaki bar. Then there is M/Y SEANNA, which keeps the kids and adults alike entertained under the stars with their open air sundeck cinema, complete with projector, big screen, and popcorn all around.

Sailing Yachts for Charter

Sailing yachts were also well represented at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, with many of them calling this island their home all winter long. S/Y HYPERION prides itself on being the first yacht of its kind to innovate with top of the line technology for both navigation and entertainment, and it continues to impress on these fronts today. The beautiful S/Y PANTHALASSA follows suit with a dining salon that converts into a fully soundproof cinema and conference room, as well as an onboard masseuse and personal trainer to keep you feeling healthy. S/Y STATE OF GRACE features a full body shiatsu machine and Turkish steam shower, plus extensive fishing equipment and five bicycles to get you around shore. Step onboard S/Y MARAE, to find unbelievably spacious cabins, a bi-level master stateroom, and incredible culinary delights from Chef Sue Ficken. Then there’s the stunning catamaran 19^th HOLE, which delights with modern Italian styling and cuisine to match, including fresh Italian meats, cheeses, and vino.

Big or small, motor or sail, there was something for everyone at the 54^th annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show, and it’s this personalization that makes chartering a yacht unmatched for luxury travel. Take the opportunity to experience a new charter vessel each season with unique chef, crew, and toys, or identify the one yacht that is a perfect fit for you and enjoy the unforgettable memories with your friends and family for many years to come.