Over 100 yachts have lined the docks for the 50th Antigua Charter Yacht Show that run from December 5th to 10th.
300 Charter brokers have flown into Antigua representing over 150 brokerages houses from across the globe including countries: UK, USA, Russia, Greece, New Zealand, Germany and Luxembourg.
The feeling amongst those attending is however that this year, finding charters to fill them all is going to be an uphill struggle.
Earlier this year Eric de Saintdo, President and CEO of Camper & Nicholsons said the Caribbean charter season was moribund and unlikely to recover until such times as South Americans or the Chinese discover the charms island cruising has to offer.
Another broker with the same firm was less harsh but said that only the very best of charter yachts will be busy this year.
It is for this reason that many of the yachts managed by Fraser Yachts are, according to CEO Hein Velema choosing to remain in the Mediterranean for one season of operation rather than heading to the Caribbean for the winter.
He said, “The recent, long Indian summer has made this an attractive proposition. Even if a yacht was to be available for charter in the winter months, it is unlikely to recoup the re-location and operational costs from two transatlantic crossings. As a result of this more refits are being commissioned in Europe and less in the US despite the high value of the Euro.
It is not just brokers who will attend the show, which is not open to the public. Representatives from one hundred and thirty-four companies will be touring the docks selling their wares as non-exhibiting vendors and over 40 members of the press will be in attendance.
Largest motor yacht in attendance is Air while Leanderis making her first show appearance as even she has now to tout for work. Rosehearty and Hemisphere are among the larger sailing yachts available for viewing
Yacht viewing times will run daily beginning on Monday, December 5 from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, with a lunch break from 12:30 to 1:30 on each day.
The show’s grand finale will take place on Saturday, December 10, when a number of yachts will take invited brokers for a day sail.