The VICL Boat Show Is open, and what a great job the VICL president Erik Ackerson has done to create an unforgettable week for the charter industry!
Erik Ackerson, the Director of the Virgin Island Charter League has let the world know the red carpet is rolled out for all the attendees for their 34th Annual Charter Yacht Boat Show hosted by Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie staring last night! What an exciting day of meeting the charter yacht Brokerage 
community from all over the world for this annual reunion of professionals serving the charter vacation needs of those wanting an unforgettable experience in Paradise. There are over 36 of the finest charter yachts and crews that all arrived at Yacht Haven Grande as they are open each day for viewing by the Brokers as they take notes on their choices of favorite yachts and crews to promote to their sailing vacation customers.
“The quality of attendees and the support of the local marine community at the VICL Boat Show continues to be outstanding”, said Erik Ackerson, Director of VICL. “With the steady flow of qualified yacht charter Brokers, attendance is beyond what we hoped for with ample room to grow in the coming years with our expanding membership.” The Director of VICL further commented, “This event proved very productive for us and confirmed the excitement of the community and the industry regarding crewed charter yacht vacations in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
Last night the Captains and Crews were welcomed at their annual reception that was just for them. It is the start of non-stop thanks and appreciation for what these business owners of the Caribbean floating villas contribute to the quality of life for all that experience a charter yacht vacation. It is a time for reunion for them since this body of professionals rarely are in the same location each year other than the Chartered Boat Shows. It is a 
select community of Captains and Crews that support each other in the sharing of best practices, and catching on the news from their off-charter experiences that happen from July through October. The Charter Yacht Brokers had their own personal reception at Frenchmen’s Reef Resort’s Sunset Balcony last evening.
Today the registration of Brokers continues, as the stragglers check in before the 
Governor’s reception tonight. The charter yachts are all open for viewing today from 9AM to 5PM. The crews are decked in their finest, the yachts absolutely sparkle, and the food and beverage presentation on each yacht is over the top. They are definitely making a statement to each of the Brokers who tour their yacht, “You have just come aboard one of the finest charter yachts in the Caribbean. And we are so proud to welcome you to our floating villa.”
Tonight Erik Ackerson has arranged an elegant dressed “Black & White” cocktail reception at the VICL tent on the Yacht Haven Grande lawn. The guest of honor is Governor John DeJongh who will address the Brokers, Captains and Crewmembers with his vision of how the 
USVI will continue to support and promote the tourism with a focus on the charter vacation industry. In addition, Lt. Governor Francis, Congresswoman Christensen, Senator Hill, Commissioner of USVI Tourism Board Doty, Lt. Commander Grant – USCG, and Director Mel Vanterpool of Homeland Security.
Stay tuned, we will have a full report of tonight’s events. In my various discussions with Gov. deJongh over the past year, we talked often about the Six-Pak Law. I hope there are comments from him about his view of the next steps in having this ridiculous law repealed. Stay tuned…your Internet reporter has more to come.
