Hi Reader,

I just got back from my very first trip to the USVI and BVI Crewed Charter Yacht Shows, and let me tell you—it was quite an experience!

But before we dive into the highlights, I wanted to touch on a news items:

First, a tragic reminder: late this past Friday, a dinghy captain lost his life in the channel between the BEYC and Saba Rock when his dinghy was T-boned by a speeding superyacht tender. While there's no excuse for the tender's reckless speed, it's a heartbreaking reminder to always light up your dinghy at night when making runs to and from your charter yacht. If you haven't already, please review my dinghy safety principles before your next trip.

In better news, we just helped a Yacht Warriors reader book directly with the owner of As You Wish, a Lagoon 46 in the BVI Horizon fleet. The owner was thrilled to fill some gaps in his calendar, and the reader walked away with a fantastic discount. Win-win! If you're a bareboat owner, you can learn about the program here.

And speaking of deals—today is the last chance to snag some of those Black Friday charter specials: we're talking 20% off from the Moorings/Sunsail and up to 30% off with Navigare and Dream Yacht. If you want help locking one in, you know where to find me!

Alright, now lets dive into what I discovered at the boat shows.

What are Charter Broker Boat Shows?

Charter Broker Boat Shows are some of the most important events in the yachting world for those of us who connect guests with unforgettable crewed yacht experiences. These shows offer brokers the unique opportunity to explore the latest yachts firsthand, meet the talented crews, and see the newest features and innovations up close.

This year, the events kicked off in St. Thomas with three days of yacht showings. Following a quick transition, we moved to Nanny Cay, Tortola, where a similar program continued. In total, there were over 100 yachts on display, each showcasing something special. It's all about making sure we have the firsthand knowledge to recommend the perfect yacht—and crew—for your next adventure.

Why Did I Attend the Shows?

Most of you know me as a bareboat guy - and that's how the Yacht Warriors got it's start, writing about our experiences taking bareboat trips for the last 12 years. But here's the thing: more and more of our readers are interested in crewed charters, and I wanted to make sure I could serve everyone.

With an in-depth understanding of the popular crewed charter destinations such as the BVI and Exuma Bahamas, we're perfectly positioned to help tailor the ideal itinerary. Plus, having skippered most yachts under 55 feet myself, I understand the details that truly matter when selecting and experiencing a yacht. Meeting the crews was the missing piece. Now that I've had the chance to meet these incredible teams, I feel confident that we can deliver the best possible experience crewed charter experience.

An Emerging Trend: Captain-Only Crewed Charters

Okay, now for those of you who enjoy the freedom of a bareboat charter but like having an experienced skipper onboard, take note of this emerging trend I discovered at the shows—Captain-Only Crewed Charters!

Instead of the traditional skipper and hostess arrangement, Captain-Only charters provide just the skipper. You still get to handle provisioning and cooking yourself, keeping that hands-on feel many of us love. However, there are a few key differences compared to bareboat charters with an added skipper:

• Familiar Skipper: You know who your skipper is ahead of time, giving you a chance to build a connection even before stepping aboard.
• Extra Help: The skipper not only navigates but also helps with things like meal cleanup and general tidying, making it feel like a truly shared experience.
• Better Toys and Amenities: Captain-Only charters come with additional water toys like paddle boards, kayaks, and even WiFi. The boats are also more nicely appointed—think upgraded linens, towels, and a touch more luxury overall.

If you're considering this route, it could be a perfect match—and it's more affordable than you might think. Take Blackfisk, for example: I had the pleasure of meeting Dustin at the show and touring his beautifully refitted 2015 Leopard 44. Despite being an older model, the recent refit has it looking and feeling fantastic. Dustin is an experienced and personable skipper, and the pricing starts at $11,500 for the week, which makes for a competitive and value-packed crewed experience.

What Do You With a Bigger Yacht?

I was excited to tour some of the larger models, since they aren't available in the bareboat fleets (nor would I feel comfortable skippering something that large!) When you opt for a larger yacht, you're getting much more than just extra space—you're stepping into a world of elevated luxury. Here's what comes with upgrading to a bigger yacht:

• Higher-End Amenities: Larger yachts come outfitted with premium amenities—think plush lounges and elegant furnishings. Everything is a little more refined.
• More Space: Of course, you get extra space—more expansive sun decks, roomy cabins, and generous communal areas—making the experience more comfortable for everyone on board.
• Larger Crew: A bigger yacht usually means a bigger crew. You might have an additional stewardess or deckhand, all working to make sure you have an effortless and unforgettable experience.
• More Water Toys: Bigger yachts often come with an assortment of exciting water toys—e-foils, dinghy sailing, and more—that you wouldn’t usually find on smaller boats.

One example is the Lagoon Seventy Seven. There were several in the show, such as Aeolus. The defining feature is the private sundeck in the master.

Another one I liked is the Fontaine Pajot Alegria 67, such as Jewel. Check out the size of that flybridge!

What Was the Most Common Crewed Charter Yacht?

Without a doubt, the Bali 5.4 dominated the show—there were more of these yachts than any other model. Personally, I love the Bali 5.4, having chartered it multiple times (check out my review here). Here’s why it’s such a great fit for crewed charter guests:

• Spacious Comfort: The typical crewed layout features a 5-cabin version, leaving 4 cabins available for guests, comfortably accommodating up to 8 people. One of these cabins is a larger master suite, which makes it perfect for families. Plus, each cabin comes with its own ensuite head, adding extra privacy and convenience.
• Fantastic Lounge Areas: The Bali 5.4 boasts one of the largest flybridges in its class, complete with a refrigerator—perfect for sunset gatherings or lounging while underway. There’s also the signature Bali door, which transforms the aft area into a breezy indoor/outdoor hangout spot that everyone loves. And let's not forget the forward door, providing even more accessibility and space to relax.
• Affordable Luxury: Priced at around $30,000 per week, the Bali 5.4 offers a fantastic value in the crewed charter world. It’s an accessible choice for those wanting a taste of luxury without completely breaking the bank.

Wrapping Up

Attending the USVI and BVI Crewed Charter Shows was not only educational but also incredibly rewarding. It was fun seeing just how far Yacht Warriors' content has reached. I met several crews and charter brokers who have been long-time subscribers of our newsletter, and even some newer crews in the BVI had already discovered our resources—like the best BVI anchorages and snorkel spots.

Whether you’re after the best value, more luxury, or a unique adventure, I hope these insights help guide your next charter experience. I'll leave you with some more pictures from the trip...that's it for today!

Have a great week! - Matt Weidert