A total of 66 yachts attended the show. These were a combination of motor yachts, sailing yachts and multihulls, ranging in size from 50ft right up to 344ft - which is the largest sailing yacht that has ever attended!
Attendance was great and every aspect of the show went smoothly, which led to some extremely positive feedback from brokers, marine vendors and sponsors alike. The ACYS team worked hard to ensure that everyone enjoyed themselves and the evening socials were extremely well received.
ACYM’s Secretariat Manager, Faheema Akaloo Mohammed heads up the team that organises the show.
What were the highlights of the show?
"We ended up with 66 yachts arriving at the show, many of which were very large. The attendee numbers were the highest we’ve seen since Covid, which resulted in a great atmosphere and a great experience for all. We’ve received so much positive feedback, it was overwhelming.
"So many people wanted to let us know how much they love Antigua and love the show. They reported that they found everyone so warm, friendly and hospitable, and that they felt welcome from the moment they arrived. The evening social events went very well too, the entertainment and food was top notch. Many people have posted positive comments on social media and it's been great to read how much everyone enjoyed it."
Were there any challenges to overcome?
"Not really, everything went to plan, although there were some requests from guests staying at St James Club for additional shuttles. Once we knew about this, we of course accommodated it, and we will put more provisions in place for next year.
"This was the first year that we introduced a water taxi service (sponsored by The Camber group), which ran between the Antigua Yacht Club Marina and Falmouth Marina. It was extremely well received and well used, so we’ll definitely look to provide this service again next year."
How did everything else go?
"Everybody has said how well organised and easy going the show is, that everything is just done - that’s the aim, so it’s fantastic that it was reflected in people’s experiences. Nelson's Dockyard Marina Night was amazing this year! The turnout was great and many of the yachts hosted parties that went on into the small hours. For the After Show Party, we partnered with ACREW and had international DJs which went down really well, making the entire evening a huge success.
"Attendees from all categories were happy - sponsors, brokers and marine vendors made lots of new contacts, the yacht crews were very busy throughout the show, and the press got loads of great content. It really was overwhelmingly successful, and we’re already looking forward to next year!"
Concours de Chef and Tablescaping Competition results
Thank you to everyone who took part in the 24th Annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show Concours de Chef and Tablescaping Competitions. The theme for this year’s competitions was The Art of Charter: An Immersive Culinary and Sensory Voyage, with a focus on Charter Theme Nights.
Chef competition
In the category of yachts 180ft and over:
1st place: Chef Leny Belin M/Y Wheels
2nd place: Chef Hamish Dean M/Y Holdin My Own
3rd place: Chef Thean Labuschagne M/Y Sealion
In the category of yachts 126-179ft:
1st place: Chef Mikhailo Chekan M/Y Nuri
2nd place: Chef Ryan Weymouth M/Y Pisces
3rd place: Chef Sam Dux M/Y Serenity
In the category of yachts 125ft and under:
1st place Chef Tom Rider M/Y Oculus
2nd place Chef Casey Strickland S/Y Aeolus 77
3rd place Chef Graham Dutton M/Y Fifi
Tablescaping competition
In the category of yachts 180ft and over:
1st place: Chief Stewardess Emily Birkett M/Y Wheels
2nd place: Chief Stewardess Doreen Sullivan M/Y CC Summer
3rd place: Chief Stewardess Nadine Coronado M/Y Sealion
In the category of yachts 126-179ft:
1st place: Chief Stewardess Kirsty Mead M/Y Oceanus
2nd place: Chief Stewardess Josipa Lozo M/Y Pisces
3rd place: Chief Stewardess Rachel Bradley M/Y Adventure
In the category of yachts 125ft and under:
1st place: Chief Stewardess Cathleen Botha M/Y Oculus
2nd place: Chief Stewardess Chene Nel M/Y Aeolus 77
3rd place: Chief Stewardess Kathryn Creighton M/Y Fifi
Concours de Chef Coordinator, Chef Elizabeth Lee said: "Coordinating the Antigua Charter Yacht Show’s Concours de Chef and Tablescaping Competitions is a phenomenal honor. The competition level was very high with many gifted chefs and interior crew members collaborating to impress our discerning judges. All chefs and crew demonstrated wonderful abilities regardless of final placement. I applaud all the 2024 participants and hope to see these and even more skilled yacht crews take part again next year."
Date for your diary!
Next year’s show will take place Thursday 4th December - Tuesday 9th December 2025 so be sure to put it in your diaries now! We’ll soon be starting the preparations and we can’t wait to welcome you back to Antigua in 2025! In the meantime, please get in touch with any questions, or any feedback on this year's show!
