IYC at the 2025 Antigua Charter Yacht Show: Setting the Standard for the Caribbean Season Ahead
Now in its sixth decade, the Antigua Charter Yacht Show remains one of the most influential events on the global charter calendar. Each December, the world’s finest charter yachts and leading industry professionals converge in Antigua, marking the official start of the Caribbean winter season. For IYC’s Charter Management and brokerage teams, the show is a pivotal moment to assess yachts ahead of peak charter months, connect directly with Captains and crew, and immerse themselves in the details that define an exceptional charter experience.
From in-depth yacht inspections, reviewing layouts, features, and onboard amenities, to discussions around seasonal itineraries, crew dynamics, and culinary concepts, the Antigua show offers invaluable insight that simply cannot be replicated remotely. Alongside the impressive yacht lineup, the week is punctuated by the return of the iconic Chefs Competition, creative crew challenges, targeted networking events, and lively evening socials that bring the industry together.
A Strong Fleet Presence in Antigua
This year, IYC delivered a standout presence, showcasing five exceptional yachts from its global charter fleet: BATELLO, ELIS ET MAR, SEA CLASS, NORMA JEAN, and ALLORA. Each yacht presented its own distinct personality, design aesthetic, and onboard experience, collectively reflecting the diversity and quality IYC represents worldwide.
Throughout the week, brokers and industry partners were welcomed aboard to experience these yachts firsthand, gaining a true understanding of how each vessel operates, how the crew engages with guests, and what makes each charter experience unique. From flow and functionality to ambiance and service style, these details are critical in ensuring accurate, confident recommendations to clients.
Why Charter Shows Matter
While Antigua is a B2B event at its core, its impact is ultimately felt by clients. Charter shows play a vital role in equipping brokers with firsthand knowledge that directly enhances the charter planning process. Experiencing the yachts in person allows brokers to speak authentically about everything from cabin comfort and deck flow to crew chemistry, culinary standards, and onboard atmosphere.
Meeting Captains, chefs, and crew face-to-face also adds a human dimension that is essential in charter matching. Understanding a chef’s culinary philosophy, witnessing presentation standards, or sampling menus enables brokers to confidently align yachts with client preferences, whether that’s a wellness-focused escape, a family-friendly charter, or a high-energy celebration. These insights ensure clients receive recommendations rooted in experience, not assumption.
Celebrating Excellence: Competitions and Awards
Crew competitions remain a highlight of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, showcasing the talent, creativity, and professionalism that elevate the charter industry. IYC was proud to see its fleet recognized in the prestigious Tablescape Competition, with two standout results:
- ALLORA secured 1st place in the 125’ & under category, thanks to an extraordinary presentation by Chief Stewardess Alyona Konysheva, whose attention to detail and artistic vision impressed judges and attendees alike.
- ELIS ET MAR earned 3rd place in the 180’+ category, with an inspired tablescape created by Chief Stewardess Laura Berril, reflecting refined elegance and impeccable styling.
These accolades underscore the commitment of IYC crews to delivering excellence not only in service, but in every visual and experiential detail onboard.
Onboard Experiences That Bring Yachts to Life
Beyond inspections and meetings, IYC curated a dynamic schedule of onboard events designed to showcase the character and versatility of each yacht. Throughout the week, brokers were invited to private lunches and dinners, offering an authentic taste of the elevated guest experience IYC yachts deliver on charter.
Highlights included energetic pickleball tournaments and a relaxed outdoor movie night aboard BATELLO, reinforcing the yacht’s flexible, guest-centric layout. Other moments ranged from wellness mornings with spa treatments to disco-themed celebrations with live music, creating a vibrant and memorable atmosphere onboard. A playful Baywatch-inspired re-enactment added a lighthearted touch, quickly becoming one of the week’s most talked-about moments.
These experiences allowed brokers to envision how guests might truly live onboard, how spaces transform from day to night, how service flows during social occasions, and how crews create moments that guests remember long after the charter ends.
A Week of Connection and Momentum
The show’s vibrant welcome event set the tone early, immersing attendees in Antiguian culture with fire dancers, local cuisine, and handcrafted cocktails. Across the week, Captains, crew, charter managers, and industry professionals connected during yacht hops, receptions, award ceremonies, and closing events, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines the charter industry.
IYC departs Antigua with strengthened relationships, two award-winning recognitions, and renewed momentum heading into the Caribbean season and beyond.