Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley celebrated the successful opening of the annual BVI Charter Yacht Show (CYS) on Tuesday 11 November, highlighting its record-breaking attendance and participation as a strong indicator of a vibrant and robust charter season ahead for the territory. The show, which wrapped up last Friday14 November, saw unprecedented figures that exceeded pre-Irma levels.

“We have a record amount of crewed yachts here, 65 plus…we have a record amount of charter yacht brokers, over a hundred and 65 plus from all over the world…we have 35 plus local businesses right here tonight. By the looks of this event, we have a lot to be optimistic about,” Premier Wheatley declared. 

Key Highlights of the 2025 Charter Yacht Show

• Record International Attendance: The show welcomed a staggering 173 charter brokers and clearinghouse representatives, a number exceeding even pre Hurricane Irma figures. Attendees travelled from as far away as Greece, Spain, and Poland, indicating strong global interest in the BVI.
• Maximum Yacht Capacity: Sixty-five (65) yachts were initially registered for the show, showcasing the maximum capacity of participating vessels. A final count of 60 yachts were featured, marking the largest number to date.
• Expanded Geographical Reach: For the first time in the show’s history, yachts were showcased on two islands, Tortola and Virgin Gorda, with a satellite show at the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour. This expansion was facilitated by dedicated shuttle services running throughout the day.
• Unprecedented Local Business Engagement: The accompanying Marketplace or Vendor Night recorded a new high with 40 local businesses represented, ranging from provisioners of food and wine to water taxi operators and a local candy maker. This strong engagement highlights the significant economic impact of the show. The evening was highlighted by a solo saxophone performance by Dalan Vanterpool.
• Industry Strength: The strong showing and high broker attendance point toward a robust charter season ahead, with several member boats having already kicked off their season.

Premier Wheatley commended the organisers and participants, noting the positive energy throughout the event. He added: “As a government, we will continue to support the charter industry because it’s so important, it provides so many jobs, so much government revenue, it circulates cash in the economy, it provides cash for our businesses here and we couldn’t do without it, so thank you,” he said. 

Adding to the celebratory mood, the sun shone for the entire duration of the show—a historical first.

The Charter Yacht Show was established in August 1982 and the society has hosted a show every year since its inception, including a show just eight weeks after Hurricane Irma and a virtual show during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating remarkable commitment and endurance.

The event concluded with various highly anticipated competitions, including TableScaping, Culinary, Bartending, Best Designer Water, Best Crew in Show, and Best Yacht in Category (e.g., Best Motor Yacht, Best Motor Yacht, Best over 60’).

Mark your calendars: The 2026 Charter Yacht Show is scheduled for 10-13 November 2026.

###

About:

The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to promoting good governance and the sustainable development of the Territory with a view to ensuring a well-informed, prosperous, cohesive and stable society. The Premier’s Office serves as the focal point for coordinating cross-sectoral policies and programmes and promoting the sustainable development of the Virgin Islands to ensure a well-informed, prosperous, cohesive and stable society.