Record-Breaking 2025 Charter Yacht Show
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley hailed the 2025 BVI Charter Yacht Show as a record-breaking success after the event ran from 11–14 November. The show reported unprecedented participation—boosting optimism for a strong charter season and providing a significant economic lift for local businesses and workers.
Wheatley celebrated the opening and successful close of the 2025 BVI Charter Yacht Show, which ran from Tuesday 11 November through Friday 14 November, calling the turnout a clear sign of a robust charter season ahead for the Territory. According to the Premier’s remarks at the event, organisers recorded more than 65 crewed yachts, in excess of 165 charter yacht brokers from around the world, and upwards of 35 local businesses participating—figures he said surpass pre-Hurricane Irma levels. "By the looks of this event, we have a lot to be optimistic about," Premier Wheatley said, praising organisers and attendees for the energetic atmosphere.
The Government reiterated its commitment to supporting the charter industry, which the Premier described as vital to the BVI economy. "It provides so many jobs, so much government revenue, it circulates cash in the economy, it provides cash for our businesses here and we couldn’t do without it," he said.
For residents, a healthy charter season typically means increased employment opportunities across hospitality, marine services, provisioning, transport and retail sectors. Organisers enjoyed a rare bonus this year: clear weather for the entire duration of the show, a first in the event’s history.
Established in August 1982, the Charter Yacht Society has staged a show every year since, including a display held just eight weeks after Hurricane Irma and a virtual edition during the COVID-19 pandemic—underscoring the sector’s resilience and the show’s importance to the Territory’s tourism calendar.
The four-day programme culminated in judged competitions popular with attendees and industry insiders: TableScaping, Culinary, Bartending, Best Designer Water, Best Crew in Show, and Best Yacht in Category—recognitions that highlight service, culinary talent and design across both motor and sailing yachts.
Looking ahead, organisers have set the 2026 Charter Yacht Show for 10–13 November. For BVI residents and businesses, the continued success of the CYS signals steady demand for charter-related services and renewed international attention on the Territory as a premier yachting destination.
The Government of the Virgin Islands said it will continue to coordinate cross-sectoral support to sustain and grow this vital component of the Territory’s tourism economy.
Primary source: BVI Government