New to ACYS? A Beginner’s Guide for First-Time Attendees

If this is your first time attending the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, you’re in for a treat! Our show is one of the biggest and most prestigious charter yacht shows in the world, offering yacht crews, brokers and others in the yachting industry the perfect opportunity to come together and network.


 15th June 2026

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2026 will be the 65th Antigua Charter Yacht Show, demonstrating how steeped in history our show is. Our long-standing commitment to the yachting world has enabled thousands of yacht captains, crew, brokers, vendors and press to liaise over the years, building working relationships that stand the test of time.

Each year we welcome around 70 yachts into our three marinas and host a five-day event schedule that has something for everyone. The agenda includes yacht viewings, Informative Hour seminars, the prestigious Concours de Chef & Yacht Table Design and Service Competitions and evening social events that bring attendees together in a relaxed setting.

How the show works

The Antigua Charter Yacht Show is the prestigious annual gathering for yachting industry professionals, held in the historic setting of Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua. For first-timers, think of it as the ultimate ‘season opener’ for the Caribbean charter market; an essential B2B event designed to connect charter brokers, yacht captains, marine vendors and industry press.

Running from Friday 4th to Wednesday 9th December 2026, the show offers far more than just yacht viewings. While the primary focus is showcasing the diverse fleet that will be in attendance - ranging from opulent motor yachts to sleek sailing catamarans - the event is heavily centered on networking. You’ll have the opportunity to step aboard vessels to inspect their layouts, amenities, and design, helping brokers better match yachts to their clients’ future charter needs.

Beyond the formal yacht inspections, the schedule is packed with social engagements, including the famous Concours de Chef & Yacht Table Design and Service Competitions, as well as evening parties. These events are crucial for building relationships within the industry in a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere.

What should I do first?

  1. Register and pay for your place
    Register and pay for your place by 31st August to get 10% off the registration fee. If you’re booking a yacht to attend, you’ll need to book your dockage separately.

  2. Book your flights & accommodation
    Once you’ve secured your place, start searching for flights and accommodation. Book these early to secure the best rates and availability. You can also check out our list of recommended accommodation options, though please be assured that there are plenty more to choose from if these are booked.

  3. Plan your trip
    Take some time to plan the finer details of the trip, such as whether you need to ship materials ahead of time, book a hire car and whether you’d like to visit other locations in Antigua while you’re here.

  4. Study the event schedule
    In the weeks leading up to the show, study the event schedule to plan your days. You will be very busy once you arrive so take a look ahead of time to plan what you wish to do each day.

  5. Take a look at which yachts are attending
    As the show approaches, take a look at our yacht listing to see which yachts are attending, enabling you to prioritise which you’d like to tour most.

Event schedule

Our event schedule will be your go-to guide for the show! Download the PDF so you have it to hand on your phone; you can then view what’s going on at any given time. The schedule gives you a daily overview of what’s going on and includes the following:

  • Breakfast events

  • Hospitality desk opening times

  • Captains Briefing

  • Concours de Chef Briefing

  • Yacht viewing opening times

  • Informative Hour Sessions

  • Concours de Chef judging times

  • Concours de Chef Prize Giving Ceremony

  • Evening events


Yacht viewings

A bit closer to the show, take a look at the list of yachts that will be attending and make a shortlist of the yachts you’d like to view. Yachts are open for viewing between 9.30am and 5.30pm. Brokers and press will get priority and will be offered a tour around the yacht as well as the opportunity to interview crew. Non-Exhibiting Vendors go boat to boat introducing their product or service and are invited on each yacht at the captain discretion.

Some yachts also host evening yacht hops, to which all brokers and press are invited to attend. These offer a great opportunity to chat to crew and experience the features of the yacht first-hand, all whilst networking.

Important info to note

  • All show attendees must register at the Hospitality Desk upon arrival. This is located in the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel, Nelson’s Dockyard. The Hospitality Desk is open from 2.30pm to 6.30pm on 4th December, and 7.30am to 5.30pm on all other show days.

  • When you register, you'll receive your Show Identity Pass and a bag containing a range of welcome items.

  • Your identity pass must be worn at all times and to all functions.

  • The show shuttle operates between 9am and 6pm and can take you to Nelson’s Dockyard Marina, Falmouth Harbour Marina and the Antigua Superyacht Marina & Resort.

  • There are golf cart shuttles at Nelson’s Dockyard Marina and Falmouth Harbour Marina to help you get to the yachts.

  • Two water shuttles will be operating between Antigua Superyacht Marina & Resort and Falmouth Harbour Marina during the yacht viewing hours (9am - 6pm).

  • Evening shuttles are available between 6pm and midnight to take you back to your hotels from Nelson’s Dockyard or Antigua Superyacht Marina & Resort. These shuttles will be waiting in front of the marinas and there is also a number you can call in your show program on the shuttle page. Please note that if you need transport to your hotel after midnight, a fee will be charged.

  • If you’re booking a yacht in to attend, please note that dockage must be booked separately. Contact the marina of your choice to book…

  • If you need to ship products or marketing materials to us for the show, please note that all goods must have cleared customers by 28th November. Find out more

  • If you need to hire a car for show week, be sure to book it in good time to avoid disappointment.

Get in touch…

If you have any questions about the show, please get in touch. Or if you’re ready to book, register here - remember to book and pay for your place by 31st August to get 10% off your registration fee!

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