Set to run from June 23 to 26, this year’s 32nd edition of Newport Charter Yacht Show will showcase luxury yacht chartering as an alternative way to enjoy picturesque, perfect-weather getaways in the lovely US yacht charter destination – New England. Set in historic Newport, Rhode Island and managed by Newport Exhibition Group, the four-day event is the only one of its kind in the U.S. and invites industry professionals as well as discriminating consumers (attending with brokers) to tour an amazing collection of the finest charter yachts.
Newport Charter Yacht Show 2013 - Image credit to Billy Black
“People in the Northeast live for their summers, and it isn’t surprising when boat owners and charter guests who experience a New England summer for the first time want to return season after season,” said Pila Pexton (Newport, R.I.), a Charter Yacht Specialist for Merle Wood & Associates, adding that this year’s Newport Charter Yacht Show is scheduled a week later than usual to accommodate the start of the famous Newport Bermuda Race. “Newport is the sailing capital of the U.S., and with this summer overflowing with events and regattas, even more yacht enthusiasts – both motor and sail – are flocking to the waterfront.”
Participating yachts – ranging in size from 80 feet up to the superyacht length of 150 to 225+ feet – will be available for tours dockside at the Newport Yachting Center and adjacent locations on the waterfront. Show attendees also will enjoy a variety of shore side exhibits and activities, including festive social gatherings and a themed “yacht hop” where the captain and crew on participating vessels dress in costume and serve guests signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Culinary Competition - Photo by Kirsten Ferguson
“The experience of chartering a yacht for vacation is a hard one to describe with words,“ said Pexton. “There is something amazing that happens when you are on the water with friends and family and away from all other distractions. As charter yacht professionals, we have the task of selling that intangible experience along with the tangibles, so having a trade-only event like the Newport Charter Yacht Show, where we can do our research, is invaluable.”
Culinary Competition and Tablescaping Challenge
Chefs and interior crew aboard participating yachts will add zest to the show on Monday, June 23rd and Tuesday, June 24th when they contend head-to-head in the Culinary Competition and Tablescaping Challenge. New details regarding this year’s culinary theme will be posted on the website when available.
Tablescaping Winners - Photo by Billy Black
Industry Focused Seminars
On Tuesday, June 24th, Michelle Otero Valdés, maritime attorney at Chalos & Co., will present changes to captain and crew certifications in 2014 with her seminar, “The Climate on Crewing has Changed; The Maritime Labor Convention 2006 Enters Into Force.” On Wednesday, June 25th, the American Yacht Charter Association (AYCA) will host its annual educational and informative seminar from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The AYCA PR Committee is actively working on the topics, speakers, and sponsors. Interested parties should contact PR Chairperson, Jennifer M. Saia, jennifer@bnbyachtcharters.com, 401-846-7355.
Familiarization (FAM) Tour
Prior to the show, on Sunday, June 22nd, brokers and agents will be given the opportunity to learn more about Newport as a cruising destination with the newly added FAM Tour, organized by show producers in conjunction with the Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. A tour bus will take show attendees by several beautiful and historic landmarks while a professional guide shares information on major things to do and see in Newport County and surrounding areas.
