Eric Ackerson, the VICL Executive Director has produced one of the best and largest fleet of charter yachts for the Fall Boat Show in many years. What an impressive sight to see the line-up of boats along the promenade of Yacht Haven Grande’s marina. From mega power yachts such as m/y Runaway to intimate monohulls, such as s/y Honinari, the charter yacht brokers have any option available for their customers seeking the vacation of a lifetime experiencing the Caribbean from their own luxury yacht with a rock-star status crews. In addition to viewing the charter yachts, Erik has scheduled a variety of programs for the crews and charter brokers to attend. From Mr. Joe Hosie – Commercial Banking, presenting an overview of the Territories economic health, to Ms. Carolyn Stevens-Lanchlos from the Department of Tourism regarding the critical role of the charter industry is to tourism in the Virgin Islands, the participants will certainly leave the show with a clear understanding of the economic health of the Virgins Islands.
The VICL Fall Boat Show is also a time when new Charter Yacht Vacation Brokers are able to get certified so they can actually open their businesses. Flagship is the clearing house that is providing the New Broker Training this year, with Sue Maki as the facilitator of this critical two part mandatory seminar. Sue also was the instructor for the new Brokers taking their certification course at the BVI Charter Yacht Show. Another important event of the Boat Show is the annual VICL Board of Governors meeting. All VICL members are invited to attend so they are able to get updated on the issues and actions that will be enacted this next year.
At the end of the day on Tuesday, Erik arranged for what he called “The Champagne Dock Walk”. All along the docks of Yacht Haven Grande, there were various Champagne and food stations. The chefs from each of the yachts supplied some of their favorite recipes to accompany Champagne so the Brokers could get an even better sense as to what their charter vacation guests will experience on the most unforgettable vacation of their lives. The music was 
provided by the very popular Ros Abijah.
Wednesday evening, Gov. John deJongh, Jr. invited the Fall Boat Show attendees to the Governor’s Manson at Catherineberg. The estate was built in the early 1800s by a Danish merchant. It eventually became the Danish embassy during the period of time the Dane’s owned the islands. Around 1917 the U.S. bought the U.S. Virgin Islands from Denmark as a base of operations to protect the Panama Canal. During the reception at the Governor’s Mansion one of the bartenders didn’t show up, so I was called into action. I now have first hand experience as 
to how much the Crews and Brokers can consume at a party. What a great time we all had. In addition, Gov. deJongh, Jr. gave some brief remarks regarding his appreciation for the Crewed Charter Yacht industry that is such a critical part of the U.S. Virgin Islands economy. A great time was had by all.
Thursday wrapped up the Fall Boat Show with the “Taste Of Two Islands: Land and Sea”. It was a fund raiser for WTJX Channel 12 Public Television. It featured the finest culinary offerings from over thirty local restaurants and resorts on St. Thomas and St. John. In addition, it was the evening where the Best Chef awards were to be given to the finest Charter Yacht Chefs in the Caribbean. There were several categories of the competition, from appetizers, main courses, desserts and even cocktails. There were over 800 people who packed the docks for this grand finale to the best VICL Fall Boat Show in my memory. Congratulations to Erik, Sue, Josie, and the entire army of charter yacht crews and volunteers. Until next time…fair winds!
