The ninth annual Spring Charter Yacht show gave 65 charter brokers a personal inspection of over twenty luxury yachts.
Judy Knape, Executive director of the Virgin Islands Charter yacht League, said the number of yachts showing was down some from previous years, but the number of brokers had remained about the same. Over half of the yacht brokers were based outside of the Virgin Islands. Knape was pleased by a visit to the show from Acting Commissioner of Tourism Rafael "Rafie" Jackson. "He came by, checked out a couple of the boats in the show and took the time to talk with us about some of the problems this industry faces", said Knape.
The purpose of show is to acquaint the brokers, who direct their clients to the various available yachts, with the crews and boats. The main activity during the show is going on board the boats, meeting the captain and crew, and inspecting the boats. The more experienced brokers have been fielding many of the same questions from their clients and check out everything from the size of the bunks and bathrooms, to the type and number of 'water toys' carried on board. The standard boat will carry snorkel gear and a dinghy, the top end boats have kayaks, dive gear, windsurfers, and waterskis.
Knape pointed out with the smaller numbers of boats the visiting brokers had the chance to visit almost all of the boats in the show.
One factor that may have reduced the turnout is the excellent winter season being reported by several yacht operators both in and outside of the show. The time necessary to prepare a boat for the critical eyes of the brokers is frequently longer that the show itself.
Edgard Kieger of the yacht Dream, said "We had three breaks longer than a weekend this winter, I'm glad for the opportunity to bring Dream back to A+ shape." Kieger prefers the spring show to the bigger fall version, "In the fall, if the brokers are not already writing business for the boat, what good is the show at that time? They come now and can be selling over the summer for next winter."
Jerry Moses and his power yacht Aurora stood out among all the sailing craft. Moses felt he was filling a niche that had been overlooked. "We can pick guests up over in Puerto Rico and see the Spanish (Culebra and Vieques), U.S. and British Virgin Islands in the same amount of time some boats spend on one of the areas," said Moses proudly.
In addition to showing the boats, the organizers also gave trips around St. Thomas, including local hotels, with an eye towards having the charter guests stay in St. Thomas for a few days before or after the water based part of their vacation.
