FEBRUARY
Another VIBE
2nd Annual Virgin Islands Boating Expo set for May 15-18.
More than $63 million worth of brand-name yachts were displayed, ready for purchase, at last year’s inaugural Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE). More boats and brands are expected May 15-18, when the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) hosts its 2nd Annual VIBE at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande. “VIBE will feature a spectacular lineup of new and pre-owned yachts, catamarans, sportfishing boats, luxury tenders, and cutting-edge marine technology,” says Staci Smith, VIPCA’s executive director. “Exhibitors and attendees alike can enjoy networking opportunities, expert seminars, and live entertainment in the vibrant atmosphere of St. Thomas.”
Set in St. Thomas’ Charlotte Amalie Harbor, minutes away from some of the best cruising grounds in the world, VIBE’s vibe is a unique blend of business and leisure in an intimate destination boat show. Of note is that the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is outside the U.S. customs zone and has its own customs laws, which exempt the importation of vessels, boats, and their running gear from customs duties. Foreign-built, non-imported yachts to the U.S. can be sold or chartered to U.S. residents in the USVI without being imported to the U.S. first. Also, because of the USVI exemption from the Jones Act, chartering foreign-built and foreign-flagged yachts in U.S. waters is permitted here. For visitor tickets and exhibitor registration, visit vibe.vi.
New Guest Reception Building at IGY Simpson Bay
Check out the cutting-edge guest reception building at IGY’s Simpson Bay Marina in St. Maarten, which opened last fall. Notable is a private guest check-in area; a rooftop bar, outdoor lounge, and pool with panoramic views of the bay; the newest and one of the best-equipped gym facilities on the island; and a conference room ready for business or social events. “The opening of the new guest reception building marks a significant investment in our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional service to our charter guests and owners,” says Brian Deher, IGY’s vice president of operations for the Caribbean and Latin America. “This world-class facility further enhances the yachting experience in St. Maarten.” igymarinas.com/marinas/simpson-bay-marina
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RORC Nelson’s Series Now a Stand-Alone Event
The RORC Nelson’s Cup Series, founded three years ago as a tune-up for the RORC Caribbean 600, is now its own event. All IRC-rated boats are welcome, and there will also be a CSA (Caribbean Sailing Association-handicap rating) class. A mix of maxis, international teams, and local Corinthian entries have already signed up, and organizers encourage more as the series is a great way to celebrate the spirit of Caribbean sailing, plus go tack for tack against world-class racers. The three-day series starts with multiple inshore races in and off English and Falmouth Harbours on February 18th and 19th. Then, following a lay day, the series concludes on February 21st with the 52-nautical mile Antigua 360º Race. Teams can compete in all or part of the series. rorc.org
-by Carol Bareuther
