December will see hundreds of charter brokers, marine vendors, sponsors and media/press descend on the English Harbour for the best six days of the international yachting calendar.
Due to the show’s increasing popularity, it’s important to remember to book your place early, especially when registering a yacht, which will need to be berthed in one of our marinas. We have three fantastic marinas, each with something special to offer.
Nelson’s Dockyard Marina - named after Admiral Horatio Nelson who lived in the Dockyard from 1784-1787 - is a Living UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only continuously working Georgian-era dockyard in the world. It houses the show's Hospitality Desk at the historic Copper & Lumber Store Hotel, making it the central meeting point for attendees.
Falmouth Harbour Marina - purpose-built to handle the largest vessels in the world, this marina can accommodate superyachts up to 163m in length with deep-water access. It features ultra-fast fuel bunkering systems and is located right at the heart of Falmouth Harbour, with access to some of Antigua’s best waterfront restaurants, bars and supply shops.
Antigua Superyacht Marina - nestled in the sheltered waters between Falmouth and English Harbour, it provides 60-metre berthing capacity right next to the show's main event spaces and evening networking functions.
Please also note that yachts 260ft+ can remain at anchor in the harbour and use their tenders to take guests back and forth should they wish.
Our show was the first event created specifically for brokers to inspect vessels, meet crews and book charters; we’re more than just a boat show, we’re an industry charter yacht show. We provide yachts with the ideal opportunity to showcase to brokers what they have to offer for the upcoming season and beyond.
Many of our attendees testify that it is the best show for actually speaking to and getting in front of the right people. It offers the ideal setting for networking, with a relaxed, Caribbean atmosphere.
A bit about the show
The show takes place from 4th - 9th December every year, across three of Antigua’s most iconic marinas - Nelson’s Dockyard Marina, Falmouth Harbour Marina and Antigua Yacht Club Marina. Around 70 of the finest charter yachts, including motor yachts, sailing yachts and catamarans open their decks for inspection, offering charter brokers, managers and press the opportunity to explore and experience what’s on offer for the season ahead.
Designed for professionals in the industry, we welcome charter brokers, yacht managers, captains, crew, marine service providers, and members of the press, with colour-coded badges ensuring focused networking at every opportunity.
What’s more, we also launched the world's first annual Concours de Chef Competition in 2000, something that is now standard practice at superyacht shows globally. This year will see the 26th edition of the competition take place, offering yacht chefs and stewards/stewardesses the chance to showcase their culinary and table design talents to a panel of expert judges.
Our show is known for its vibrant atmosphere and this is one of the many things that keeps people returning year after year. Key highlights include the daily yacht hops, the Informative Hour sessions and the nightly social events, each with a different theme.
This year’s evening socials comprise:
- Friday 4th: Antigua Sundowner Evening (charity event, payable separately)
- Saturday 5th: Welcome Networking Event - Caribbean Supper
- Sunday 6th: Antigua Superyacht Marina & Resort and Falmouth Harbour Marina Night
- Monday 7th: Nelson’s Dockyard Marina Night
- Tuesday 8th: After Show Party - theme TBC!
A bit of history
How it began…
The show was established by the Nicholson family. Commander Nicholson embarked on a round-the-world trip soon after serving in WW2 and his travels led him to the English Harbour in Antigua. He soon discovered that Antigua was tricky to get around on land and that sailing around the shores was far easier. This is where the idea for offering charters around Antigua and beyond was born.
1961-1970s
The Antigua Charter Yacht Show began as a small but visionary gathering in the English Harbour. Designed to shine a light on the Caribbean’s charter potential, it brought together local and US operators eager to showcase their sailing yachts to visiting brokers and clients.
1980s and 90s
The 80s and 90s saw the show go from strength to strength, growing in both scale and stature. By the early 80s there were in excess of 100 boats turning up to attend.
2000s
By the early 2000s, the Antigua Charter Yacht Show had firmly established itself as a highlight of the global yachting calendar. Each December it set the pace and standards for the charter season ahead, reinforcing its reputation as a must-attend event for professionals.
By this point the Nicholson sons had become less involved in the show and were looking to sell. In 2003 St Maarten made a bid to buy the show, but a group of prominent Antiguans in the yachting industry got together to keep the show in Antigua.
2004-present day
This group - headed by current ACYS Chairman Paul Deeth - considered the show a national asset and understood the importance of keeping it in Antigua. It was at this point that they took it over and renamed it the Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting - as that’s what it is at its core - a chance for all types of yachting industry professionals to meet and network.
Find out more about the show, register to attend, and keep your eye on our socials for more 65th anniversary snippets!
