The Caribbean Curtain Raiser: A Preview of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show & M/Y Orion

For six days every December, the centre of gravity in the superyacht world shifts decisively from the Mediterranean to the Leeward Islands. Now in its 64th year, the Antigua Charter Yacht Show is not merely a trade event; it is the traditional bellwether for the Caribbean winter season.

While the European shows are often defined by their sheer scale, Antigua is defined by its heritage and its exclusive, trade-only atmosphere. Established in 1961 by the Nicholson family, the event has evolved from a modest gathering of schooners into a global powerhouse. This year, over sixty of the world’s finest superyachts will line the quays across Falmouth Harbour, the Antigua Yacht Club Marina, and the historic Nelson’s Dockyard. It is a significant industry convening, drawing thousands of brokers, captains, and marine professionals who gather to inspect the fleet that will shape the upcoming charter market.

A Harbour Steeped in History

Unlike the purpose-built convention centres of other shows, the Antigua event is anchored in living history. The showpiece location, Nelson’s Dockyard, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2016 and remains the only continuously operating Georgian dockyard in the world.

It was here, in the late 18th century, that Horatio Nelson commanded the HMS Boreas, utilising the deep, sheltered harbour to protect the fleet from hurricanes. For the brokers and crews walking these docks today, there is a tangible connection to the golden age of sail—a fitting backdrop for an industry built on maritime tradition.

The Culinary Benchmark

A charter yacht is only as good as its crew, and nowhere is this tested more vigorously than at the show’s Concours de Chef. Far from a simple cook-off, this high-pressure culinary examination has become a defining feature of the show. Chefs are tasked with creating a multi-course menu—often incorporating a “mystery basket” of Caribbean ingredients—that demonstrates not just technical skill, but adaptability. For brokers, this competition serves as a vital data point, allowing them to confidently recommend a yacht to clients who demand Michelin-standard dining at sea.

M/Y Orion: The Sound of Silence

Amidst this historic backdrop, M/Y Orion represents the cutting edge of modern yachting. On display this year with Ocean Independence, the 50m Heesen features a hybrid propulsion system that offers a luxury becoming increasingly rare and sought-after: silence.

The vessel can cruise in near-total silence at up to 10 knots. This allows the captain to depart port without disturbing the guests, who then wake in a completely new environment, ready to enjoy a morning dip in a secluded bay. With a contemporary yet cosy interior by Cristiano Gatto and striking exterior lines by Omega Architects, Orion balances technical prowess with immense comfort, making her a standout yacht on the charter market.
 

In Conversation: The Inside Scoop

To get a true sense of the upcoming show and what guests can expect onboard, we spoke with the team at the helm of Orion’s charter programme: Charter Manager Stephanie Archer of Ocean Independence, and Captain Matt Pownall-Jones. 

When asked what makes Orion stand out in the current charter market, Stephanie noted: