The United States Sailboat Show kicked off on October 4 in Annapolis, MD where hundreds of people flocked the event each day with anticipation of the day’s event. There is no doubt that the British Virgin Islands (BVI) was the highlight at this internationally acclaimed sailboat show, which is recognized as the world’s largest and most prestigious.  Many past and potential guests of the BVI, stopped by The BVI Tourist Board’s booth expressing excitement about their upcoming trips to the BVI.  VISAR, who shared a booth with BVI Tourist Board, provided pertinent safety information to attendees.

During the spectacular weekend of activities, the BVI Tourist Board hosted its “Friends and Family Brunch”. The theme of the brunch was “Island Hopping” and each dining table symbolized an island in the BVI. Industry partners and members of the diaspora joined together for a morning of togetherness and comradery, while enjoying a delicious meal prepared by Chef Kenneth Molyneaux. Guests were entertained by live steel pan music and Jost Van Dyke’s, Foxy.

The focus was on the BVI as several yacht charter companies exhibited their new fleet additions, or promoted adventurous charters.  An excited David Beavis, Managing Director of Voyage Charters described his experience at the show as a very positive one with healthy interests in charters and purchases. Voyage Charters is releasing their first electrically powered vessel with solar panels early next year. Their BVI charter base is now fully operational from its Soper’s Hole location. 

The Board was pleased to have the support of a large contingent representing its marine partners including the Moorings who had entertainment by Foxy promoting the celebration of their 50^th anniversary next year and Voyage Charters who were showcasing a new electric propulsion and hydro generated under sail catamaran which is being introduced into their fleet.  Several of the other 10 charter partners had their new vessels on display and some raffled sailing vacations to visitors of the show.

Sharon Flax-Brutus, Director of Tourism said, “It was very important for us as the Board to attend this very important show to join with our marine industry partners and interact with the yacht brokers and other suppliers and attendees of the show.  Our presence serves as our commitment to continued improvement and the high value we place on our sailing product.”

Participating BVI companies were:

Bitter End Yacht Club
BVI Yacht Charters
Conch Charters
Dream Yacht Charters
Dream Yacht Sales
Festiva Sailing Vacations
Horizon Yacht Charters
Moorings
MedCaribbean Charter Ltd.
Navigare Yachting
Sunsail
TMM Yacht Charters
Tradewinds Yacht Ownership
Voyage Charters