Over half (54 percent) of U.S. adults named food as one of the most important attributes when choosing their vacation destination, according to Statistica.com. Indeed, dining is one of the finest pleasures of a boutique crewed charter yacht vacation in the Caribbean. Thus, the Virgin Island’s Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), organizers of the 2019 USVI Charter Yacht, set for November 11 to 14, 2019 at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande, are pleased to announce that Moe’s Fresh Market, a locally owned and operated chain of upscale gourmet food markets located near St. Thomas’s major ports, is the show’s official provisioner and caterer.
“With our Moe’s Fresh Market locations in Red Hook, on the Waterfront in Charlotte Amalie and by year’s end at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande, we look forward to providing the Virgin Islands charter yacht community and their guests with a wide selection of fine foods and beverages, as well as catering to charter chef’s special ingredient requests,” says Willie Hamed, vice president of Demah, Inc., dba Moe’s Fresh Markets.
Fresh foods departments are a signature feature of Moe’s Fresh Markets. Yacht crews can find pre-cut and cut-to-order name-brand selections of meats, poultry and seafood, including fresh fish and live lobsters. Produce arrives twice weekly on flights from the U.S. mainland, plus Moe’s staff has formed relationships with local farmers and those in neighboring islands such as St. Croix, Puerto Rico and Dominica, to supply just-picked fruits, vegetables and herbs. Moe’s Fresh Markets are the only approved Boars Head representative on St. Thomas, a signature feature of the store’s deli, in addition to a range of imported and domestic cheeses, house-prepared traditional and trendy salads, Moe’s StoneHouse Sub-brand sandwiches, and amply stocked salad and hot bars. The bakery offers daily fresh-baked crusty breads and artisan loaves. Catering with these items is available with 24-hour notice. Numerous organic, gluten-free and international ingredients are available throughout the stores.
On the beverage front, Moe’s Fresh Markets’ StoneHouse Cellars offer the largest fine wine selection on the island, with offerings, including spirits, sourced from around the world. There’s also local and specialty rums, beers, liquors, non-alcoholic beverages and waters. Of note, Moe’s Yacht Haven Grande location will boast a special wine room on its second level. Here, regularly hosted wine and food tastings can acquaint yacht crews with what’s new. Crews can Email their provisioning lists to provisions@moesvi.com
“We are very fortunate to have Moe’s Fresh Market in the Virgin Islands since an exceptional charter experience depends on a capable supplier for provisioning,” says Oriel Blake, VIPCA’s executive director. “Having Moe’s onboard catering all events throughout the yacht show as a sponsor attests to the company’s commitment to the charter yacht industry. Food and dining are a big part of both the charter yacht industry and the show. Moe’s representatives will be onsite throughout the show and look forward to meeting crews.”
Get Your Spot on the Dock! Register Now for the USVI Charter Yacht Show!
Some 70 crewed yachts are already registered for the USVI Charter Yacht Show. The largest to date is Columbia, a 141.37-foot steel hull replica of the original 1923- Gloucester-built fishing schooner of the same name, constructed by the Eastern Shipbuilding Group, in Panama City, Florida, and launched in 2014.
“It’s the first full winter season that the yacht is available for charter in the Caribbean,” says Captain Seth Salzman. “We love the sailing grounds and would love to spend more time chartering in the Virgin Islands.”
What sets Columbia apart from other sailing yachts, says Salzmann, is the luxury vessel’s speed, grace and traditional beauty. Along with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, jacuzzi and satcom communications, Columbia is the perfect blend of history and elegance. Seeing the crew manage the sails as the ship effortlessly cuts through the crystalline waters of the Virgin Islands while receiving super yacht service is an un-paralleled experience.
Eros, a 115.16-foot, wood and steel hulled schooner launched in 1938 by Brooks Motor Craft, in Lowestoft, UK, and refit in 2016, is another classic beauty that will be on show.
“We are giving the USVI show a shot because the Antigua Show is now mostly large motor yachts and therefore we decided to join a sailing show,” says Cameron Riddell, manager. “We especially love chartering in the Virgin Islands. Therefore, we hope to introduce Eros to some new brokers, and spend much of our time in the idyllic waters of the US and British Virgin Islands.”
Recent upgrades to Eros include adding a second water maker in order to produce 1,300 gallons daily and the addition of a beautiful U-shaped couch in the saloon for relaxing, cocktails and movie watching. This upgrade actually adds two more bunks to the vessel, enable Eros to charter with up to 12 guests.
Crewed Yachts can register online at: www.vipca.org/vessel-registration/
Over 110 charter brokers registered last year, with even more expected for the 2019 USVI Charter Yacht Show. These brokers are based in the Caribbean, U.S. and Europe.
Charter Brokers are also encouraged to register online at: www.vipca.org/charter-broker-registration/ Visit www.visitusvi.com for accommodation. Accommodation discounts are available at the Emerald Beach Resort and The Green Iguana Hotel. Book transport at www.vitaxiassociation.com.
Latest Show Updates
“There are a number of exciting activities this year, including a culinary demonstration for yacht chefs by Chef ‘Benji’ David Benjamin at the Blue Eleven restaurant located on the Yacht Haven Grande property. This takes place during the final afternoon after the show, on November 14. Chefs can register for this at: vipca.org/chefs-network-demo-cook/. Best Stoli and Captain Morgan’s Cocktails will also be judged at the Blue Eleven restaurant on November 13,” says Blake.
The 2019 USVI Charter Yacht Show’s dynamic action-packed schedule features four days of yacht viewing: an outstanding opportunity for yachts and crews to highlight signature services, features and amenities to brokers. Plus, there will be a crew cocktail party, awards dinner, sunset cruise, marine expo, and the always anticipated ‘State of the Industry’ address, which highlights many of the off-the-beaten-track anchorages in these world-famous cruising grounds.
Sponsors of the USVI Charter Yacht show include the USVI Department of Tourism; Yacht Haven Grande; IGY Marinas; Offshore Marine; Gowrie Group; Denison Yacht Sales; Moe’s Fresh Market; Captain Morgan, distributed by Bellows International; Stoli, distributed by West Indies Company; Northern Lights Generators, distributed by Parts and Power; the Charter Yacht Broker Association; Cardow Jewelers; Harbor Shoppers; La Royale Cosmetics; and the Pamilco Group.
