The Antigua Charter Show 2024 concluded on 9 December with a spectacular symphony of 66 horns, each blasted by one of the yachts showcased over five days of the Caribbean’s largest charter show. With more familiar faces walking the docks than ever before, a selection of the world’s largest yachts and a jam-packed events schedule, the 63rd edition of the show set a new benchmark proving that the Antigua Charter Show is going from strength to strength.
Set across three marinas in English Harbour, including Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Nelson’s Dockyard Marina and Falmouth Harbour Marina, the 2024 show was attended by the likes of 105.3-metre Black Pearl with Superyacht Connections, 95.3-metre CC-Summer with Moran Yacht and Ship and 74.9-metre Kenshō with Y.CO.
Read More/The largest yachts attending the Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2024In the last 63 years, the show has gained a remarkable reputation for its densely packed and well-organised itinerary as well as one of the best opportunities for brokers to familiarise themselves with the charter fleet in the Caribbean. In 2024, the show attracted brokers from across the planet. All yachts that partake in the charter show are open for visits throughout the five days, many of which host lunches and day sails to allow the interested parties to get a feel for each yacht.
With a combined LOA of more than 3,000 metres, the calibre of yachts present at the show was nothing short of extraordinary, including the likes of 82-metre Alfa Nero with Northrop and Johnson, 55-metre Kamalaya with Cecil Wright and 61-metre Samadhi with Edmiston.
Officially kicking off the show on 5 December, the minister of Tourism for Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Charles Fernandez, took to the stage at The Copper and Lumber Store Hotel to welcome attendees to Antigua commenting on the economic efforts of the island along with its unique charm. Speaking on the opportunity for visiting superyachts, Fernandez also encouraged show attendees to visit Barbuda stating “[it’s] a beautiful island, and still relatively unspoilt". Also marking the occasion on stage was the Antigua Yacht Show’s chairman, Paul Deeth, who has overseen the successful execution of this year’s show along with secretariat manager, Faheema Akaloo Mohammed. The evening then continued into the night with local cuisine and entertainment.
“At the Antigua Charter Show in particular, gaining that exposure was amazing,” says Captain Beau West of 53-metre Adventure. “From our perspective, the vessel has undergone so much change and to be able to show it to charter brokers and allow them to feel the dynamic and meet the crew on board is so valuable.
“The difference for the Antigua show in comparison to other boat shows is that it’s a bit more relaxed and a bit more festive,” adds West. It was also great to have time with the vendors and we ended up purchasing a couple of items. It was highly beneficial for everybody and hopefully, we’ll pick up some charters from it.”
One of the show's main attractions is its event schedule, which ensures that all attendees will largely be gathered in one place, rather than scattered across different events. If you’ve missed someone in the day, you’ll likely catch them in the evening at one of the show’s official events.
Each morning, the show began with an ‘informative hour’ where show attendees could gather at the Copper and Lumber Hotel to listen to a series of discussions and talks. This year, topics included the importance of diverse connectivity onboard by MIMO Connect and how to counterbalance your environmental impact by Yacht Carbon Offset.
Once again, the show's latest edition saw the return of the coveted Antigua Charter Yacht Show’s Concours de Chef and Tablescaping Competitions, which is now in its 24th year. As declared at the competition briefing, participating yachts were given the two mystery ingredients (tamarind and osetra caviar) and tasked with creating a three-course dining experience that followed the charter theme of “The Art of Charter”. Putting chefs and crews to the test, the theme was designed to dive into the heart of what can make a charter dining experience truly unforgettable.
For the tablescaping competition, participating crews were given the concept of “charter theme nights” to contend with.
Chef competition winners
Yachts 180 feet and above:
1st place: Chef Leny Belin of 75.5-metre Wheels
2nd place: Chef Hamish Dean of 55.4-metre Holdin My Own
3rd place: Chef Thean Labuschagne of 61.8-metre Sealion
Yachts 126-179 feet:
1st place: Chef Mikhailo Chekan of 40.5-metre Nuri
2nd place: Chef Ryan Weymouth of 46.2-metre Pisces
3rd place: Chef Sam Dux of 40.5-metre Serenity
Yachts 125ft and below:
1st place: Chef Tom Rider of 27.1-metre Oculus
2nd place: Chef Casey Strickland of 23.5-metre Aeolus
3rd place: Chef Graham Dutton of 33-metre Fifi
Tablescaping competition
Yachts 126-179 feet:
1st place: Chief Stewardess Emily Birkett of 75.5-metre Wheels
2nd place: Chief Stewardess Doreen Sullivan of 95-metre CC Summer
3rd place: Chief Stewardess Nadine Coronado of 61.8-metre Sealion
Yachts 126-179 feet:
1st place: Chief Stewardess Kirsty Mead of 49-metre Oceanus
2nd place: Chief Stewardess Josipa Lozo of 46.2-metre Pisces
3rd place: Chief Stewardess Rachel Bradley of 53-metre Adventure
Yachts 125 feet and below:
1st place: Chief Stewardess Cathleen Botha of 27.1-metre Oculus
2nd place: Chief Stewardess Chene Nel of 23.5-metre Aeolus
3rd place: Chief Stewardess Kathryn Creighton of 33-metre Fifi
The 2024 Antigua Charter Show has set a high standard for future events. The combination of exceptional yachts, an array of attendees and strategic networking opportunities has positioned the show on an upward trajectory. As the event continues to evolve, it promises to remain a cornerstone of the charter market, offering experiences for all involved. As the event looks to the future, it is poised to continue its legacy of excellence.
The 64th edition of the Antigua Charter Show has already been announced and will take place from Thursday 4 December to Tuesday 9 December 2025.