USVI Charter Yacht Show 2020 [Event Recap]

Charter broker, Laura Sharp attended the 4th Annual VIPCA USVI Charter Yacht Show in St. Thomas, USVI. Read her full event recap below.

The year 2020 has definitely been a weird one, with lots of uncertainties and unknowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Caribbean is the most popular yachting destination among Americans and many of the Caribbean islands have had to close their doors to American tourists, as well as create and enforce strict guidelines on entering their borders.

Thankfully, The Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) Charter Yacht Show was allowed to host their 4th annual show at the beautiful Yacht Haven Grande Marina in St. Thomas, USVI from November 12 to 15. This event has quickly become one of the largest shows in the Caribbean, and Denison Yachting was proud to be one of the sponsors of the USVI Charter Yacht Show.

Even with the global pandemic, there were close to 50 yachts in attendance, ranging from 44 feet to 92 feet — the majority of the yachts were sailing catamarans. Supplementary events still took place, such as a crew cocktail competition, crew culinary competition, and awards ceremony.

This, along with the (canceled) BVI Yacht Charter Show, is my favorite charter event as I specialize in the Caribbean cruising area, specifically in crewed catamaran charters. My 5 favorite yachts from this year’s show were the 2020 Leopard 50 named SOUTHERN CHARM, the 2020 Catana Bali 5.4 named AD ASTRA, the 2020 Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 named O.V., the 2018 Lagoon 560 named RESPITE AT SEA, and the 2020 Privilege Series 6 named ALLURE.

These types of shows are really beneficial because but I get to experience the yacht as my client would — and having a first-hand experience makes me a better charter broker. My main priority is matching my client’s needs with the right boat and crew. 

In regards to where the best charter destination will be for the 2021 season, my suggestion is the USVI. It’s a beautiful Caribbean escape consisting of 4 main islands with about 50 smaller cays and a territory making up 133 square miles. It’s an excellent cruising area because the islands are close together and the water temperature is consistently in the low 80s. Plus, there’s fantastic snorkeling, diving, hiking trails, historical ruins, private beaches, and shopping in the USVI.

In terms of travel, the USVI government has been diligent in keeping locals safe while welcoming tourists to the islands. COVID-19 procedures in the US territories are not overly strict. In order to enter the USVI, individuals must produce a negative molecular, PCR, or rapid test 5 days prior to arrival and comply with a temperature check once arrived at the airport. Anyone over the age of 5 must complete the travel screening portal.

The USVI is an easy flight from the continental United States, with many non-stop flights from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. Traveling to the Caribbean is not an all-day event, especially now that Denison partnered with Tropic Ocean Airways to offer charter guests a safe option to arrive at their yacht or destination.

While this year’s USVI charter show looked a little different, it was still a great opportunity to see and learn about the best yachts for charter in the Caribbean. Yacht charter is one of the safest options for luxury travel because it’s an easily controlled environment. Contact your charter broker to book your next socially distanced vacation.