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Thursday, March 28, 2024
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HomeCruiseNew Venue for the VICL Boat Show

New Venue for the VICL Boat Show

You know you want it...

Mocka Jumbies and Rum...

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If you want to make money with your yacht, maintain it well, and also cruise, charter it!  How to do it? An excellent way is to join the Virgin Island Charteryacht League and enter your yacht in their boat show November 7th, (check-in) 8th, 9th and 10th.

What do you need to do to charter your boat?

You must have:
1.     A USCG license or equivalent
2.     U. S. Documentation
3.    A VI Department of Planning & Natural Resources Ship’s Commercial Registration Document
4.     A STCW 95 Certificate
5.     A current liability insurance policy insuring your yacht for $300,000 +
6.     A brochure advertising your boat for charter

The best and easiest way to get help with all these requirements is to join the VICL, a 32-year old St. Thomas-based organization that acts as a voice for the charter yachts, ensures the promotion of yachting vacations, and protects the mutual interests of the marine industry.

How much Does it Cost to Charter a Yacht?

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The League’s principle objectives are:
1.     To promote and encourage charter yacht vacations in the Virgin Islands and increase public awareness;
2.     To provide members with services, such as discounts on merchandise and cooperative insurance, and increase buying power to help yachts increase their profitability;
3.     To ensure that the highest standards of professionalism are met by its member yachts, to promote the mutual interests of its membership, and to facilitate smooth and favorable business practices for crewed yachts;
4.     To represent and be the voice for its members in addressing licensing issues, Coast Guard, DPNR, and Customs & Immigrations regulations and to help the VI government and Department of Tourism to gain a better understanding of the charter yacht industry.
5.     To assist individuals with e-NOADs and other requirements.
What does it cost per year to join the VICL? For Term charter yachts:
2 passengers: $125
4 Passengers: $200
6 Passengers: $300
8 Passengers: $400
Day charter boats: $125
Associated marine businesses: $250

New Regulations Being Enforced In All US Ports

Shelly Tucker, who owns and operates the charter yacht Three Moons with her husband Randy, is head of the Boat Show committee this year. Having chartered for the last ten years, Shelly and Randy are one of the top teams in the charter business. Shelly is organizing the events of the 2007 VICL Boat Show and is eager to help you get started.

The main purpose of the boat show is to bring charter brokers to St. Thomas to meet the crews and inspect the yachts so that they may better present them to potential customers and book charters for them. For new brokers there is a Broker Seminar given on November 7th and 10th. The Marriot Frenchman’s Reef hotel has offered special room rates for brokers. There is also a “mentoring” session for new charter yacht crews so they may present themselves in the best way possible to the brokers and thus promote their boat and themselves. A booklet for new charter boats is available to further help newcomers.

This year the VICL Boat Show will be held at the brand new, prestigious Yacht Haven Grande Marina. Yacht Haven Grande is offering discounted dockage rates to Boat Show participants, effective November 7th through the 11th (which includes the day before and after the Boat Show.)  Rates for yachts up to 60 feet: $1.00/foot, and for yachts from 61 feet up: $1.25/foot.

Some of the sponsors for the show include the USVI Department of Tourism, FirstBank, West Indies Corporation, A.H. Riise, Frenchman’s Reef Marriott, Island Marine Outfitters, Island Water World, Offshore Marine, Peakes Yacht Services, Reefco, Roadtown Wholesale, Roses Too, and Bunkers of St. Croix.

A VICL Boat Show is not all straight business. It is also an opportunity for crews and brokers to get to know one another and have some fun too. Some ideas for evening activities that are being planned for all crews and brokers are: Nov. 7th: Captain’s Check-in and an “Open to the Public” marine-related vendor trade show; Nov. 8th: “Mariner’s Black & White Cocktail Party,” a dress-smart casual party in which all crews and brokers wear black and white. Awards will be presented to the most imaginative and best dressed crew. The Virgin Islands Governor and his wife and other important officials have been invited to attend this party.

There may be a “Yacht Hop” where crews and brokers can hop from table to table at the dock and sample each yacht’s best appetizers. No culinary contest is scheduled this year due to the immense work it generated for the chefs in past shows. Instead, the show offers education with culinary classes on creating sauces with flavored rums as well as food and wine pairing seminars.

For Nov. 9th, a Party at Paradise Point is planned. The St. Thomas Skyride has donated the lift and property for this evening’s event.  On Nov. 10th, look for a Buccaneer Ball Bash, costume party casual, for crews and brokers where everyone can let their hair down. The Blender Competition will allow mixologists to show off their talents. Prizes will be awarded for the best blender concoction and the best dressed Buccaneer!

All inquiries about the VICL boat show including applications to join the VICL and to sign up for this year’s show may be found at www.vicl.org, email viclboatshow@gmail.com, or call Shelly Tucker at 340-998-6805.

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