We interviewed 121 crewed catamaran, monohull and motor yachts during the 2016 charter yacht shows in the Virgin Islands. The USVI show celebrated it's 42nd annual show. The BVI show celebrated it's 35th yearly event. Here's what we learned: No matter whether you can afford to spend a little or a lot on your vacation, there is always a good yacht & crew out there, waiting to to take care of making your vacation the best EVER.
Catamarans still rule as the "go to" trend in what's popular. That's a tough pill for us to swallow as former owners of a 72' Award-winning monohull. As one broker said, "You'll never see a masterpiece painting of a catamaran because they aren't as sexy in the minds of traditional sailors or artists". How true! Nevertheless, we rented a catamaran last month and truly enjoyed the expansive living space with 10 people onboard. Yes, we've begrudgingly converted to the other side. But we still love the grace and beauty of a monohull. There were only 4 monohulls at the shows this year.
Overall, there are an enormous amount of new catamarans being built and they are getting larger every year. The same goes for motor yachts. But in comparing the two types of charter vessels, you'll find that your hard-earned vacation dollars go much further with a catamaran than a motor yacht. Why? Catamarans in the Virgin Islands typically include all the expenses for fuel, food and normal bar. Many of the larger motor yachts do not. We've found that having "add-ons" may be a detriment, making potential charterers who cannot afford the cost to rent an expensive crewed luxury motor yacht easily choose a catamaran. Just like motor yachts, newer catamarans have every single bell & whistle you can possible imagine, from huge flybridges with comfortable lounge seating, to wi-fi, expensive waterslides & popular water sports toys, to fast tenders for going ashore, they have it ALL!
With the help of many hands and qualified mentors, we began researching how to change the "6 Passenger Law" in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2007. Eventually the cause was picked up and carried by those in government who could lead the successful change that now allows yachts to be more flexible in picking up 8-10 guests in the USVI waters. It's a huge bonus for those yachts based in the USVI who also sail in the British Virgin Islands.
The British Virgins Islands are eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new direct from Miami airline route. BVI Airways has completed the purchase and taken delivery of its first jet aircraft for non-stop service between Miami International Airport and Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. The AVRO Regional Jet (RJ) 100 will have a seating capacity of 86, including 12 in Premier Class. The 4-engine plane has a cruising altitude of 31,000 feet, and a speed of approximately 500 mph. At that speed, the flight times between Miami and Tortola should be approximately 2.5 hours long. There are still a few hurdles; but it looks like this new service should be in operation soon.
It's been said that preparing food for people is one of the world's greatest "preforming arts". It's also been said that you are always hungrier anytime you are enjoying being on the water. How true! The cuisine onboard crewed charter yachts still exceeds all expectations, regardless of the amount spent or what kind of yacht is chosen. The Culinary Competitions at the VICL show held at Yacht Haven Grande Marina in St. Thomas, USVI and at the CYS show at Nanny Cay Marina in Tortola, BVI were events that proved to extremely difficult to judge due to all the amazing talented Chefs!
We were personally treated to breakfast onboard Dolphin Splash, 3-4 course lunches on Akasha, Good Vibrations and Amazing Blues as well as an exquisite dinner onboard London Sky during the shows. You won't find better cuisine prepared by more passionate Chefs anywhere in the world! These yachts rock!
Despite it being a year of political upheaval, we've found that the election year hasn't changed the influx of inquiries or bookings. It's been a positive year and a great surprise! Perhaps the last year's extremely cold winter has something to do with all our advance bookings! We're looking forward to lots of new charter yacht bookings for the 2016-2017 sailing season.
Stay Tuned! Yacht Charters Guru will be blogging new articles about these Award-winners at the show!
About Us: Captain Randy & Shelly Tucker
We're former Owners & Captain of the Award-winning 72' yacht Three Moons for 18 years. With over 300 charters in our logbook, we currently represent privately crewed Caribbean sailing luxury yacht charters as professional CYBA yacht charter brokers. Recently, we interviewed over 120 catamarans, motor yachts, sailboats and professional crews. We're happy to promote these yachts offering modern conveniences & unlimited pleasure while sailing the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands.
What should you expect from a luxury crewed yacht charter in the Caribbean? It's "all about you, all the time" onboard a privately crewed charter boat! It's surprisingly affordable too! Far away from overcrowded cruise ships, all-inclusive charter yachts allow you to explore some of the Caribbean’s most exclusive areas and delight in the natural, unspoiled beauty of secluded islands, hidden coves and secret dive sites. Sail to a nearby island every day & snorkel around your own private beaches; enjoy your favorite cocktail while watching the sunset on your own private yacht; indulge yourself with 5-star gourmet cuisine that is prepared with Caribbean flair and served in the most beautiful surroundings you could ever imagine.
We love matching the right crew & yacht with you!
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