60th edition of the Antigua Charter Show wrapped up for another year

By Nina Done 20 December 2021

Every year, the sound of blasting yacht horns emanating from Falmouth Harbour marks the grand finale of the Antigua Charter Show. We take a look back at some of the highlights from this year's special 60th Diamond Jubilee Edition.

Over the course of the five-day event, brokers and other industry professionals have been able to familiarise themselves with this year's fleet through yacht tours, micro charters and meetings with the captains and crew.

Hailed as a success, the 60th edition was a rather more intimate affair, with only ten charter yachts on display across the three show locations on the island of Antigua for the industry-only yachting event.

Brokers took advantage of the smaller numbers by spending more time with the Captain and crews on board this year’s fleet, and stronger connections were forged as a result.

View of yachts at the Antigua Charter Show 2021

Visitors on board a yacht at the Antigua Charter Show 2021

According to our intelligence data, the average weekly cost to charter the yachts in the show comes in at $272,384, which reflects an overall upward trend that’s in keeping with other yacht shows.

There’s only one edition of the Antigua Show which tops the 2021 figure, and that’s 2018's average price of $306,000.

Best in show

Although the fleet was much smaller, there was still plenty to see on the docks this year, with the 65.4m (215ft) superyacht TRIUMPH and the 54.9m (180ft) superyacht GALENE both drawing plenty of attention among show-goers as they marked their debut at this year’s show.

Other notable yachts attending included Feadship's 67m (220ft) yacht FIREBIRD (ex-Anna), Amel's 54.3m (178ft) yacht SPIRIT and Royal Huisman's 47.42m (156ft) sailing yacht HYPERION.

TRIUMPH was launched earlier this year to much acclaim, and visitors to the show were wowed by her stunning interiors and state-of-the-art facilities. In particular, her beach club was a big hit and she’s already proved a popular charter platform since her launch.

Sundeck Jacuzzi on board charter yacht TRIUMPH

Aft dining area and bar on board charter yacht TRIUMPH

Guests enjoying a movie on board charter yacht TRIUMPH

It has been confirmed that she will spend the rest of the Winter season chartering in the Caribbean and will return to the Med for the Spring/Summer Season.

Chef Competition

The hotly-anticipated Concours de Chef contest was back again this year, with a number of chefs battling it out to be crowned the victor.

In the end it was Chef Aaron Thomas of motor yacht TRIUMPH who took home the gold, with Chef Julian Brown of motor yacht LIONSHARE grabbing second place, and Chef Pierre of catamaran FRENCH WEST coming in a respectable third place.

Chief Stewardess Alex Lombard of yacht LIONSHARE also bagged the top spot for the Tablescaping competition, rounding out a night of exceptional quality and talent.

Tablescaping competition at the Antigua Charter Show 2021

Crew from the charter yacht TRIUMPH receive award at the Antigua Charter Show 2021

The show finished on a high note with a fabulous 60s themed after-show party, with everyone donning wigs and platforms to boogie the night away as fireworks lit up the night sky to celebrate the end of another successful show.