Your guide to the must see yachts at the Antigua Charter Show 2024

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Welcome to Yacht Charter Market, the weekly newsletter dedicated to the world of yacht charter.

In today’s newsletter:

• Top story: Your guide to the Antigua Charter Show 2024

• Charter updates: Must see superyachts at the Antigua Charter Show

• Destination spotlight: Antigua ☀️

• Post of the week: @antiguacharteryachtshow shares a reel of Antigua

TOP STORY

Your guide to the Antigua Charter Show

From 4–9 December 2024, the Antigua Charter Yacht Show will once again set the stage for the Caribbean yachting season. The event will showcase around 58 superyachts, including luxurious motor yachts, elegant sailing yachts, and cutting-edge multihulls.

Hosted at the historic Copper and Lumber Store Inn within Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the show’s venues blend history with modern convenience. Nelson’s Dockyard, the event’s focal point, offers a glimpse into 18th-century naval history, while nearby marinas in Falmouth Harbour and at the Antigua Yacht Club provide facilities for yachts of various sizes, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and bars.

The show spans three iconic marinas – Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua Yacht Club Marina, and Falmouth Harbour Marina – offering attendees a chance to explore up to 60 world-class yachts. In addition to yacht tours, the event offers seminars, networking evenings, and the annual chef and tablescaping competition, where creativity and skill take centre stage.

Event Highlights

Antigua Sundowners Evening: The show’s opening day concludes with the Sundowners Evening at Boom Restaurant, hosted by Superyacht Charities to support GILM INC, a nonprofit aiding children in poverty in Antigua.

Concours de Chef and Tablescaping Competition: Participating yacht chefs will impress with this year’s theme, The Art of Charter: An Immersive Culinary and Sensory Voyage. Categories are divided by yacht size, and interior crew will showcase themed table settings judged alongside the chefs’ creations.

Luxury Treasure Hunts: The Luxury Treasure Hunts experience returns to the Antigua Charter Yacht Show from 4–9 December. Charter brokers and crew will solve puzzles and complete tasks across Nelson’s Dockyard, Falmouth Harbour Marina, and Antigua Yacht Club Marina. The grand finale on 9 December will award prizes, including a $5,000 commission and a Whispering Angel magnum.

ACYM After Show Party: End the Antigua Charter Yacht Show in style at the ACYM After Show Party on 8 December 2024. Hosted at Dow’s Hill Interpretation Center from 7:00 to 11:00 pm, this ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ themed celebration features a lively DJ competition, music, and entertainment. Food and drink will be available for purchase, making it a festive finale for the yachting community.

• Read the full events schedule, also available for download here.

Handy tips

• Connectivity: Buy a local SIM card or internet package, as Wi-Fi can be unreliable.

• Cash: Bring cash, as not all bars and restaurants accept card payments.

• Transport: The show is split across two main locations, with shuttle vans running between marinas for convenience.

• Sunscreen: Don’t forget sunscreen to protect against the Caribbean sun.

• Atmosphere: Embrace the relaxed vibe. Brokers and crew are approachable, offering plenty of time to build connections.

The Antigua Charter Yacht Show offers a unique blend of professionalism and relaxed Caribbean charm, setting the tone for a successful winter yachting season. Visit the show’s website to discover more.

MUST-SEE CHARTER SUPERYACHTS IN ANTIGUA

Black Pearl | 106.7-metres | Oceanco | 2018

Black Pearl showcases a collaborative design by Ken Freivokh Design, Nuvolari Lenard, and Villate Design. A striking multi-level central atrium includes a glass lift that rises alongside the central mast. The yacht is equipped with DynaRig carbon masts and sails spanning 2,900 square metres, which can be raised at the push of a button in seven minutes. Her hybrid propulsion system was developed by BMT Nigel Gee and Oceanco, combining wind power and two 1080kW MTU engines, along with two x 400kW electric motors.

The yacht can host 10 guests onboard with an option for 14, in 5 staterooms, including a master suite, two VIP suites, two double staterooms and a convertible beach club-cinema.

• She will be on display with Superyacht Connections.

• More details here.

CC-Summer | 95-metres | Lürssen | 2019

CC-Summer features exterior design by Harrison Eidsgaard and interior styling by Studio Laura Sessa. With a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure, she accommodates up to 18 guests and 28 crew members. The design features a sophisticated blend of blues, whites, and reds with modern textures, creating a cosy ambiance.

The yacht is equipped with a 12-metre swimming pool on the aft main deck, a spacious spa, diving facilities, and a helipad on the foredeck, which can be transformed into a multi-functional sports court as shown in the picture. Powered by twin MTU engines, the yacht has a cruising speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 18 knots.

• She will be on display with Moran Yacht & Ship

• More details here.

HBC | 85.65-metres | Abeking & Rasmussen | 2008

Previously named B2, HBC showcases an exterior design by Reymond Langton Design and interiors by Reymond Langton Design and Winch Design, with naval architecture by Abeking & Rasmussen. Measuring 2,150 GT, she accommodates up to 22 guests across 11 staterooms and 27 crew members, including the captain.

Her interior features a neutral colour palette with bright accents on deck. A standout element is the glass-bottomed pool on the main deck, which bathes the beach club lounge below in natural light. This lounge is further enhanced by fold-down balconies on both sides, creating a spacious, open atmosphere.

• She will be on display with Hill Robinson

• More details here.

Bold | 85.3-metres | Silver Yachts | 2019

Bold is designed by Espen Øino International with a distinct exterior and an innovative glass-enclosed loft on the upper deck, covering over 300 square-metres of interior space. The modern interior, designed as a New York-style loft by Vain Interiors, completes the yacht’s exceptional design.

Featuring a beam of 11m and an aluminium hull and superstructure, Bold offers accommodations for 12 guests in eight staterooms on the main deck, as well as 20 crew. Powered by two MTU engines, she reaches a top speed of 23 knots. Additionally, thanks to her PYC build specifications, Bold can carry up to 96 passengers while cruising. 

• She will be on display with Hill Robinson

• More details here.

Alfa Nero | 82-metres | Oceanco | 2007

Alfa Nero, delivered by Oceanco in 2007, set new standards in yacht design. Created for an experienced owner, the yacht features exterior styling by Nuvolari Lenard and interiors by Alberto Pinto. At the time of her launch, her aft deck swimming pool was a groundbreaking feature. When drained, the teak floor emblazoned with a large “H” rises flush with the main deck to form a helipad. The electric spindle mechanism ensures the platform remains stable under the weight of a helicopter, avoiding the use of levers or hydraulic cylinders.

Alfa Nero accommodates 12 guests in a master suite, two VIP suites, two double guest staterooms and a twin stateroom. The upper deck is dedicated to the master residence, with the interior combining Art Deco and contemporary styles, each room defined by a distinct colour theme.

• She will be on display with Northrop & Johnson

• More details here.

Wheels | 75.5-metres | Oceanco | 2008

Wheels offers elegant design by Sam Sorgiovanni. She accommodates 12 guests and has space for 20 crew members. One standout feature is the master suite, offering a split-level layout with a striking mezzanine-style study. Its highlight is the 180-degree sea view, which can be fully appreciated from the private upper deck.

Wheels underwent an extensive refit at Palumbo shipyards in 2023, focused on enhancing the charter experience, particularly by renovating all alfresco spaces to better accommodate guests on deck. Powered by two MTU engines, Wheels cruises at 15 knots with a top speed of 18 knots.

• She will be on display with Fraser 

• More details here.

Kenshō | 75.18-metres | Admiral | 2022

Kenshō features exterior design by Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture and interior by Jouin Manku. With a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, Kenshō offers luxurious accommodations for 12 guests and 22 crew members. A defining feature of this luxurious yacht is its innovative pool design. The expansive swim deck features a stunning six-metre glass-fronted pool, with steps leading down to a beach club and swim platform, providing effortless access to the sea. Her three Caterpillar engines give her a cruising speed of 13.6 knots.

• She will be on display with Y.CO

• More details here.

Starburst IV | 74-metres | CRN | 2017

Starburst IV features design by Zuccon International Project and interior by Winch Design. The yacht accommodates 12 guests and 28 crew members. Key features include a private deck forward of the master suite, a VIP cabin with opening doors for fresh air, and a spa with a hair salon and fold-out balcony. A fully-equipped gym, beach club with espresso bar and an elevator connecting the lower level to the owner’s deck enhance comfort. Additional highlights include a main deck pool with spa jets, a Jacuzzi on the sun deck, and indoor and outdoor cinemas. Powered by two Caterpillar engines, Starburst IV cruises at 15 knots with a top speed of 16.5 knots.

• She will be on display with Burgess

• More details here.

Yacht Charter Market: Presented by YachtEye

YachtEye unveils bespoke virtual engine room experience

Recently, YachtEye introduced a bespoke 3D virtual engine room experience on a large yacht, offering an entirely new level of interactivity and insight. This custom solution allows users to explore an immersive 3D model of the engine room, connected to real-time data displayed on an interactive touch screen. Through this interface, guests can navigate the engine room, learn about each piece of equipment, and gain a deeper understanding of the yacht’s energy flows.

As the leading guest information platform for yachts, YachtEye enhances the onboard experience for owners and guests while streamlining crew operations. While the core product delivers significant value, some owners seek unique ways to visually highlight their yacht’s distinctive features.

YachtEye’s CTO, Fabian Tollenaar, shared his enthusiasm:“This was an incredible project, combining unique user experience design with high-quality 3D visuals and live engine room data. The game-like interface was enthusiastically received, which inspired us to develop a new bespoke demo version featured at METSTRADE.”

Beyond engine room data, YachtEye offers extensive possibilities for personalised visualisations. Additional client projects are already underway, including custom dashboards to display energy consumption and storage, sailing configurations, and wind-related data.

Seamlessly connect your yacht, crew and guests on one platform to share the fun! Visit yachteye.com or contact [email protected] to learn more, or set up a meeting during the Antigua Charter Show 2024.

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT

Antigua

Antigua, nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, has long been celebrated as a premier superyacht destination. Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a calendar brimming with renowned regattas, the island effortlessly blends natural beauty with maritime heritage. Charter guests are drawn to its 365 beaches – one for every day of the year – and the unparalleled sailing opportunities offered by steady trade winds and sheltered harbours.

The island’s coastline offers a wealth of experiences, with stops at iconic yachting hubs like English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, combines historic charm with modern luxury, housing world-class marinas. For tranquil escapes, venture to Green Island, an unspoiled gem ideal for snorkelling and secluded beach days.

Antigua’s charter season peaks from December to April, with dry, sunny days and temperatures averaging 25°C (77°F). The off-season, from May to November, brings warmer weather and occasional tropical showers. Beneath the waves, divers and snorkellers can encounter barracudas, sea turtles, and the kaleidoscopic marine life of Cades Reef.

On land, start the day with a hike up the mountain for stunning sunrise views. Enjoy breakfast at Bar B’s, conveniently located for a pre-show bite, or The Pillars Restaurant at the Admiral’s Inn, which also offers a delicious menu for lunch and dinner. For an easy lunch, visit Roti Sue, or dine in the enchanting garden setting of Colibri for dinner. For a vibrant evening, Abracadabra is a top spot for drinks.

Local culture shines through in handicrafts like handwoven baskets, found in St. John’s public market, and in culinary workshops, where guests can learn to make pepperpot stew or saltfish and fungi (a soft, polenta-like dumpling made from salted cornmeal, shortening, and water).

POST OF THE WEEK

antiguascharteryachtshow

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