Antigua is open for Business

24 October 2017

Antigua is open for Business

Source Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting.

It’s all systems go in Antigua where the yachting community is preparing for one of the busiest seasons on record. The long-time sailing hub of the Caribbean – unscathed by either of the category five hurricanes that tore through the region in September – has already welcomed in its first superyacht, setting the stage for an influx of visiting vessels as the season gathers pace.

Antigua is now using its prime geographical location to assist hurricane-hit neighbours, including its badly damaged sister isle of Barbuda. The luxurious 150ft yacht Grey Matters made her sleek entrance laden with relief supplies for nearby islands.

The season kicks off early here this year with the seventh annual Salty Dawg Fall Rally – usually hosted in storm-hit British Virgin Islands – being staged for the first time in the Historic Nelson’s Dockyard in mid-November.

Meanwhile, more than 70 of the globe’s most luxurious boats have already signed up for December’s 56th annual Charter Yacht Show taking place in Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Falmouth Harbour Marina and Antigua Yacht Club Marina. Registrations are ongoing for this esteemed event, the oldest and biggest industry meeting for charter yachts and brokers, the one which paved the way for all of its international counterparts. Proceeds from the 2017 show will go towards direct rebuilding assistance for Barbudans who lost their homes, via its charitable arm, and will be boosted by a fundraiser being held during the week of activities.

Plans are also progressing for the rest of the multiple, highly anticipated events held in Antigua each year, including the Superyacht Challenge, the 10th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 and the 51st Sailing Week.

From carpentry, varnishing and sail-making, to engineering, provisioning and chandleries, all of the first-class facilities that made Antigua’s name are fully functioning and open for business. This year will also see the exciting addition of a new duty-free area in English Harbour. With a wealth of acclaimed hotels and villas, restaurants and bars to add to the mix, Antigua is rigged up and ready to go.


Ocean Alliance is a Sydney-based full-service superyacht brokerage house. The company represents a large portion of the superyacht charter fleet operating in Australia and the South Pacific, and source international charter yachts and destinations for clients looking abroad. Their services also include yacht brokerage, charter marketing, commercial structures and yacht management. Whether you are an experienced yacht owner or charterer or making your first steps in yachting, the team can support your needs.

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