The 2025 Antigua Charter Yacht Show: What to Expect This Year
The 2025 Antigua Charter Yacht Show (ACYS) one of the world’s premier yacht chartering gatherings is set to return from 4–9 December 2025. For this year’s edition, the event promises a spectacular line up, high end networking and all the glitz that makes this show the kick off of the Caribbean charter season.
Where & Who
- The show is centred around the historic and picturesque Nelson’s Dockyard UNESCO World Heritage Site in Antigua with additional show activity across Falmouth Harbour Marina and Antigua Yacht Club Marina
- It’s designed primarily for industry participants: yacht captains, charter brokers, marine vendors, press and serious yachting enthusiasts
- For 2025, the attendance is expected to include over 60 yachts, a mix of brand new launches, recently refitted vessels and classic charter yachts
What’s New & What’s Special in 2025
A Star-Studded Fleet
- The headline yacht this year is the iconic 88 metre sailing superyacht MALTESE FALCON the largest yacht confirmed so far whose arrival is already generating major buzz among charter brokers and clients alike
- Alongside her, expect to see a diverse representation of yachts ranging from sleek sailing yachts to ultra luxurious motor yachts, many of them polished and ready after off season refits
- Some yachts are debuting at the show following major upgrades making this a first chance for many to preview what will be among the hottest charters available this Caribbean season
Events & Activities On- and Off-Deck
During the week you can expect more than just yacht browsing:
- Daily viewing hours (approx. 09:30–17:30): Industry guests can tour yachts, meet the crew, and inspect the facilities
- Chef & Tablescaping Competition: The annual “Concours de Chef” is back a chance for yacht chefs to show off their culinary creativity, while stewards display their tablescaping finesse
- Informative sessions & networking events: Expect broker/crew meet ups, sponsor/vendor showcases, and a full social calendar including themed evenings at different marinas
- Optional Sailing Day: Toward the end of the week, brokers often get the chance to take part in a “micro-charter” sailing aboard a yacht to truly experience what life aboard might be like
Who Should Attend & Why
If you’re involved in or passionate about the luxury charter world, the Antigua Charter Yacht Show offers something substantial:
- Brokers & agents get a first hand view of the best yachts for upcoming Caribbean bookings and the chance to meet captains, crews, and vendors
- Charter clients or prospective travellers (via brokers) enjoy early previews of seasonal offerings before high demand
- Yacht crews (captains, crew, chefs, steward/stewardesses) have an opportunity to network, showcase their skills (especially if participating in competitions), and build relationships within the charter community
- Marine vendors, suppliers & luxury lifestyle businesses may use the show to gain exposure, pitch services or products, and connect with yachts preparing for the season
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Why 2025’s Show Matters More Than Ever
The 2025 show comes at a moment of renewed energy and transformation in the charter yacht industry:
- Many vessels attending have undergone extensive refits or are fresh launches meaning this edition doubles as a showcase for innovation, design and elevated luxury standards aboard charter yachts
- Given the notoriety and profile of yachts like MALTESE FALCON, the show helps shape the tone for the entire 2025/2026 Caribbean charter season: what’s considered “flagship luxury,” what amenities, layout styles and trends clients might expect
- For the broader yachting industry brokers, vendors, crew, suppliers this is often the busiest networking week of the year. Deals are struck, contracts negotiated, and bookings for the season ahead are often locked in
Practical Info: Registration, Who Goes, and What to Know
- The show runs 4–9 December 2025 across three marinas: Nelson’s Dockyard, Falmouth Harbour Marina and Antigua Yacht Club Marina
- Registration opened in June 2025 early registrants (before end of August) benefit from a 10% discount
- Entry is structured by capacity: brokers, press, vendors, crew each category has different privileges (e.g. yacht tours are generally reserved for brokers and press; vendors must coordinate with crew to meet onboard)
- If you plan to attend, consider booking nearby accommodation early the show attracts a large crowd from the global yacht charter industry, and facilities around the marinas tend to fill up.
Quick Tips If You’re Considering Attending
- Make a shortlist of yachts you most want to inspect popular ones will draw many brokers early in the week
- Plan your time wisely with multiple marinas, networking events, and boat visits, the schedule fills up fast
- Bring your business cards/info this show is as much about relationships and deals as it is about yachts
- If you’re a vendor, reach out in advance to schedule meetings with captains or heads of departments access isn’t automatic
- Dress smart but comfortably expect a mix of formal yacht charter meetings and informal networking/social evenings
If you are attending then we hope you enjoy the show, but not to worry if you can’t make it as Yacht Informer will be providing an update and an overview of the show, be sure to check back in with us again soon to find out more.
For more information: https://www.antiguayachtshow.com
