SVG Showcases Nautical Strength at Annapolis Boat Show

In Photo: OECS and UBEC partnership positions St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a premium yachting destination.

By Val Matthias. Updated 11:33 a.m., Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Annapolis, Maryland – St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) joined forces with Grenada and Saint Lucia under the OECS Commission’s Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project to spotlight the Eastern Caribbean’s yachting appeal at the prestigious Annapolis Sailboat Show, held earlier this month.

The collaborative presence at one of the world’s largest in water boating events marked a strategic push to position SVG and its regional partners as sustainable, high value destinations for global sailing enthusiasts and marine investors. The initiative, led by the OECS Commission and funded through the World Bank supported UBEC Project, underscores the region’s commitment to unlocking the economic potential of the Blue Economy through marine tourism, innovation, and infrastructure development.

Richard MacLeish, Director of Sales at the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourist Office in New York, emphasized SVG’s longstanding engagement with the Annapolis event.

“We have been coming to Annapolis for many years, and it is an important trade show to connect with potential sailors who are looking for someplace new,” MacLeish said. “We also meet with trade professionals, tour operators as well. So, our presence is mandatory as far as promoting St. Vincent and The Grenadines as a premium sailing destination.”

SVG’s participation reflects its strategic intent to deepen its footprint in the global yachting market, leveraging its natural harbours, marine services, and cultural appeal. The country’s inclusion in the joint OECS pavilion allowed for targeted outreach to affluent clientele and industry stakeholders, many of whom are actively seeking new Caribbean routes and anchorages.

The Annapolis Boat Show, which draws over 100,000 attendees from more than 25 countries annually, provided a high impact platform for SVG to showcase its nautical offerings alongside regional peers. This marks the second coordinated appearance by the three islands at the show, following a successful debut in 2019. The country’s participation also aligns with broader OECS goals to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in ocean based industries and foster sustainable tourism growth.

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