Three 'don't miss' reasons to attend Virgin Islands Boating Expo - the ultimate luxury yacht show
by Carol Bareuther 19 Apr 04:16 NZST
May 10-12, 2024
Fountaine Pajot 67 charter Vessel Jewel and Axopar 37 © Pyper Yachts
The Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE), set for May 10-12, 2024, at IGY's Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas, offers a paradise setting for both buying a boat and chartering.
Top yacht brands like McConaghy and Pyper Yachts, Leopard Catamarans and the Moorings, and Atlantic Cruising Yachts and Waypoints Yacht Charter are a few examples of where boat sales and yacht management are exhibited side by side, offering a holistic one-stop-shop for prospective charter business entrepreneurs. The benefit of buying a boat at VIBE includes o sales tax since the U.S. Virgin Islands is outside the U.S. customs area. What's more, there is no cost to transport a new yacht from its place of purchase to the perfect cruising and charter grounds - that is already here in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
"The beauty of a 'destination boat show' is not only tax advantages for purchasing a yacht in a U.S. territory but that you can sail directly from the showground in a sun-drenched Caribbean paradise with short line-of-site hops from one virgin cove to the next. Plus, there's the added benefit that U.S. coastwise laws do not apply in the U.S. Virgin Islands so charter vessels can carry up to 12 passengers," says Oriel Blake, director of VIBE and the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA).
Best of both worlds sales show
Pyper Yachts, an exclusive sales partner of McConaghy Boats in the Caribbean will showcase their charter management, yacht management, yacht maintenance, and yacht sales divisions at VIBE 2024. Scaled models of the MC75 and MC82p will be at the company's booth. Pyper Yachts will display a Fountaine Pajot 67 and Axopar 38, both available for charter.
"By visiting our booth and yacht tour at VIBE, attendees will witness the pinnacle of luxury yachting and gain access to a world of exclusivity and sophistication that only Pyper Yachts and McConaghy Boats can offer," says Heinrych Pyper, chief executive officer of Pyper Yachts.
Leopard Catamarans on display will be branded Moorings 403PC and Moorings 464PC, with three and four cabins, respectively. For private owners, both models offer spacious living space, fuel efficiency, performance and handling, and comfort. For charter, Leopard provides durability and reliability, a proven track record, and a variety of sizes.
"With our largest base being right over in Tortola, we are excited to showcase the Leopard Catamarans models and The Moorings Charter and Yacht Ownership opportunities. The Moorings has been in the Caribbean since 1969 and started the charter industry as well as the unique Yacht Ownership Programs now seen throughout the industry. We will have representatives at VIBE to discuss chartering with the Moorings, owning a Leopard through the Moorings Yacht Ownership Program, or buying a yacht for private use through Leopard," says Steve Long, head of marketing for yacht sales at Leopard Catamarans, The Moorings, and Sunsail.
Atlantic Cruising Yachts will feature two stunning Fountaine Pajot catamarans, the Aura 51 and the Alegria 67. The Fort Lauderdale, FL-headquartered company will team up with Waypoints Yacht Charters, its luxury yacht charter sister company, which has a base in Frenchtown, St. Thomas.
Live bands daily
Walk the docks, board, and tour the yachts to the rhythm of the islands. Daily yacht viewings, exhibits from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Food & Wine Experience from Noon to 3 p.m. combine with all-day live music and cultural performances, starting with the Exhibitor's Opening Ceremony & Reception on May 9, from 5-7 p.m.
Performing artists include Lady Ena and Full Circle Band, Reggae Dynasty, Lourdes and the Switch, Top Notch, Quelbe Resurrection, and the When band. See the full schedule of events at vibe.vi/schedule
Book now!
Visit here to buy tickets to attend VIBE 2024.
- General Admission: One-day General Admission VIBE tickets cost $49 per person, with children under age 12 free. This includes access to the marina for yacht viewings and tours, the Marine Vendor Expo in Harbor360, and two free drinks. Promo codes for Virgin Islands Residents are published here and Promo codes are being shared by Exhibitors.
Or purchase a 2-for-1 General Admission 3-day Ticket for $73.50 and bring a friend.
Or buy the VIP Admission 4-day ticket is $399 and includes the opening ceremony, priority yacht viewing, tickets to the Food & Wine Experience, plus champagne on arrival and VIP Lounge Access.
- Food and wine experience: This three-day experience is included in VIP tickets. Or purchase as an add-on to a General Admission VIBE ticket for $55 per day.
- Exhibitors opening ceremony and reception: Pay only $99 per person. Includes cocktails, canapes, live music, and cultural performances.
- Hotels: Discounted VIBE attendee rates are available here.
Exhibiting boat brands for new boat sales include Fountaine Pajot by Atlantic Cruising Yachts, Lagoon Catamarans by Caribe Yacht Group, Bali Catamarans by Catamaran Guru, Leopard Catamarans, Azimut and Boston Whaler By Wally Castro Marine, World Cat of South Florida by Power Cat Marine, Goldcoast Yachts, and Aquilla by Marine Max.
Exhibiting charter companies include Pyper Yachts, The Moorings Yacht Charters, Charter Caribe, Waypoints, Yacht Collective, Dream Caribbean Blue, Charter Yacht Solutions, Paradise Yacht Management, Cruz Bay Watersports, Flyaway Charters, Magic Moments, and Sonic Charters,
Sponsors of VIBE include USVI Dept of Tourism, Yacht Haven Grande, Pyper Yachts, Viya, Leatherback Brewing distributed by West Indies Company, Mutiny Island Vodka distributed by Bellows International, Island Designs Landscape & Storm Water Solutions LLC, World Cat of South Florida, USVI Economic Development Authority, Newcoast Financial, Offshore Marine, and Ocean Surfari.
For more information on VIBE 2024, visit vibe.vi. VIBE is organized by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association, Inc. (VIPCA). For information about VIPCA visit www.vipca.org