Some 40 to 50 crewed charter boats, both sail and power, and about 50 charter brokers are expected to participate in the 9th annual Spring All-Caribbean Charteryacht Show set for May 12-14 at Crown Bay Marina.
Organized jointly by the V.I. Charteryacht League, its clearinghouse affiliate Flagship, and Regency Charter Services, the spring show provides charter brokers and boating media representatives a preview of the summer season offerings.
A feature of this spring's event will be two half-day new broker seminars, on May 11 and 14, that will offer training for travel agents and others interested in learning about the charter brokerage business. The fee for each seminar is $150.
Although the spring show is smaller than the fall event, VICL executive director Judy Knape said, some veteran brokers prefer the more intimate gathering "because it's easier for them to get to know the charter captains and crews."
Last November's show, a preview of the winter chartering season, attracted more than 130 charter brokers and more than 65 boats. At an affiliated marine trade exposition at American Yacht Harbor, retailers showcased everything from Internet adverting services to ocean kayaks. (Broker registrations, sponsorships and marine trade exhibitors are being accepted for next fall's show and expo, set for Nov. 4-6.)
Representing about 90 members actively engaged in the crewed charter business in the Virgin Islands, the not-for-profit VICL is widely regarded as the industry's voice in the community. VICL owns Flagship, which manages nearly 70 yachts.
Crown Bay Marina operations director Carole Dudley expressed pleasure that the marina, which has hosted the last three fall boat shows, has been selected for the second time as the venue for the spring event. She pledged that the marina and its tenant businesses will do "whatever it takes to create a positive first impression on charter brokers who can easily influence so many tourists to charter out of St. Thomas."
For boat show entry forms, sponsorship information or other information, call Knape or Kathy Scarlett at 774-3944.
