SHOW TIME
Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2021 will be held at the Nelson’s Dockyard UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to join the 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Celebration, as they honour the successes of their past; a long-lived tradition of beauty, culture, rich history, partnerships, relationships and festivity
It’s not just kindly climes, genial locals and a scenic backdrop that have made the Antigua Charter Yacht Show the largest and most prestigious in the world. The trailblazing event set the benchmark for the industry when it first took place six decades ago, and is today a highlight of the annual yachting calendar.
This December, the show will mark its 60th anniversary, once again attracting some of the finest vessels available for charter, along with hundreds of brokers, agents, captains and crew to the sun-soaked sailing capital of the Caribbean.
Robust protocols have kept Antigua’s Covid infection rate low and the countdown is now on for the diamond edition of this much loved event. The cancellation of last year’s show for the first time in its history due to the pandemic has set the stage for an even greater celebration this winter with dozens of vessels already signed up.
The show takes place amid the graceful surrounds of English and Falmouth harbours where a variety of first-class restaurants and vibrant entertainment spots can be found within walking distance. There are also historic fortresses to explore, numerous well-maintained hiking trails, museums and watersports to enjoy. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nelson’s Dockyard – the only working Georgian dockyard in the world – with its elegant colonial buildings and abundant original features is a stone’s throw away.
And while the time honoured district still conjures up images of its 18th century past, there’s nothing dated about its amenities. Superyachts can now set anchor in Nelson’s Dockyard itself, thanks to the creation of a larger, upgraded dock. The marinas boast a plethora of maritime services with a chandlery and high flow rate fuel, plus a supermarket, gym, boutique shops, laundromat, and medical centre.
From December 4th – 9th the show will mark its 60th anniversary, once again attracting some of the world’s finest vessels available for charter Accommodation ranges from private villas and Airbnbs to family- friendly resorts and plush hotels. Many are offering exceptional seasonal discounts with no minimum stays. Antigua also has the lowest dockage fees in the Caribbean.
Organisers say this year’s event will be one with a difference, honouring the successes of the past and the show’s long standing traditions of partnerships and festivities, while embracing the future of yachting; Brokerage companies registered to take part include Burgess, Northrop & Johnson, Y.CO, Edmiston and Oyster, each one testifying to the cutting edge technology and superlative onboard facilities of today’s luxury vessels.
The five day show, which runs from December 4 to 9, offers ample time to scrutinise each of the yachts in detail. Antigua is known for its safe and laidback ambience, but in order to maintain the highest professional standards and security, this is a private, invitation only event.
There’s one final aspect that sets Antigua Charter Yacht Show firmly apart from others: the camaraderie. Those sentiments are echoed by show director Ann Marie Martin, “This year, Antigua celebrates 60 years of serving the charter industry. We look forward to you, our yachting partners, making this diamond jubilee yacht show a most memorable one.”
For more details Tel: +1 (268) 460 1059 or visit www.antiguayachtshow.com