Record Yachts and Brokers Mark 2025 BVI
A record contingent of crewed yachts, international brokers and local businesses gathered at Nanny Cay for the 2025 BVI Charter Yacht Show, which opened on Tuesday 11 November and wrapped up on Friday 14 November. Government and organisers said figures exceeded pre-Irma levels and signalled optimism for a strong charter season ahead. The Premier welcomed the turnout and highlighted the sector’s economic importance, while the show concluded with competitions and organisers looking ahead to the 2026 event.
A record contingent of crewed yachts and international brokers converged at Nanny Cay this week as the 2025 BVI Charter Yacht Show opened on Tuesday 11 November and concluded on Friday 14 November, organisers and government officials confirmed. Organised by the Charter Yacht Society of the BVI (CYS), the annual show drew more than 65 crewed yachts, in excess of 165 charter yacht brokers from around the world, and over 35 local businesses showcasing services, organisers said (Virgin Islands News Online; Charter Yacht Society).
The CYS, founded in August 1982 and the only Virgin Islands government-recognised body representing the crewed charter industry, has hosted the show every year since its inception, including a show just eight weeks after Hurricane Irma and a virtual show during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the sector’s resilience (CYS; Government of the Virgin Islands).
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon. Wheatley welcomed the turnout at the opening and celebrated the event as a strong indicator of a vibrant charter season ahead. “We have a record amount of crewed yachts here, 65 plus…we have a record amount of charter yacht brokers, over a hundred and 65 plus from all over the world…we have 35 plus local businesses right here tonight.
By the looks of this event, we have a lot to be optimistic about,” he said (Government of the Virgin Islands). The Premier added that the government will continue to support the charter industry because it provides jobs, government revenue and circulates cash through the economy (Government of the Virgin Islands).
Organisers and officials noted that the 2025 show posted figures that exceeded pre-Irma levels, a milestone they view as a positive barometer for upcoming visitor arrivals and charter bookings (Government of the Virgin Islands). Adding to the celebratory mood, the government release also noted that the sun shone for the entire duration of the show — a historical first — and that the event featured a range of competitions that concluded the gathering, including TableScaping, Culinary, Bartending, Best Designer Water, Best Crew in Show and Best Yacht in Category awards (Government of the Virgin Islands).
For BVI residents, the Charter Yacht Show does more than display luxury vessels: organisers stress the concrete opportunities it creates for local suppliers, marinas, hotels, restaurants and tour operators. With over 35 local businesses represented at Nanny Cay, the event provides a platform for securing contracts and building relationships that can extend throughout the charter season (Virgin Islands News Online).
Looking ahead, organisers announced the 2026 Charter Yacht Show will be held 10-13 November 2026 (Government of the Virgin Islands). Information for this report was drawn from coverage by Virgin Islands News Online and a Government of the Virgin Islands press release.
Primary source: VINO