By Val Matthias. Updated 12:26 p.m., Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of the yachting sector with a strong presence at the 64th Annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show, held December 4–9, 2025. Joining Grenada and Saint Lucia under the OECS Commission’s Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project, SVG positioned itself as a leading destination in the Southern Caribbean’s emerging yachting hub.
Representing SVG, Ms Sbongile De Riggs, Marketing Consultant at the SVG Tourism Authority, emphasized the importance of elevating the nautical sector within the country’s tourism portfolio:
“It is also very important for us to be here because a number of times we place a lot of emphasis on other sectors of tourism. If it is one thing the pandemic taught us, it’s that the yachting industry thrived while other industries suffered significantly. There is definitely a need to put more emphasis and attention on the yachting industry.”
SVG’s participation at Antigua builds on its established record of engaging global yachting audiences. The country has maintained a long-standing presence at the Annapolis Boat Show in the United States, where officials have consistently highlighted SVG’s premium sailing credentials. In 2019 and again in 2025, SVG joined regional partners at Annapolis under the OECS/UBEC framework, underscoring its role in promoting the Eastern Caribbean as a connected and sustainable yachting region. SVG has also invested in local events such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sailing Week,further anchoring its reputation as a destination with deep nautical traditions.
At Antigua, SVG’s delegation engaged directly with charter captains, brokers, and industry partners key intermediaries who influence high-value charter decisions. These interactions are critical for strengthening SVG’s visibility in the global market and for attracting vessels seeking new itineraries beyond the crowded northern Caribbean.
While Grenada and Saint Lucia presented complementary offerings, SVG’s focus was on showcasing its harbours, marine services, and cultural distinctiveness as part of a seamless Southern Caribbean itinerary. The collaboration highlighted the proximity and diversity of the three islands, offering charter brokers a compelling alternative route for mega yachts and luxury vessels.
The yachting sector remains a vital pillar of SVG’s Blue Economy, supporting jobs, MSMEs, and marine services while contributing to foreign exchange earnings. Through UBEC, SVG and its partners are strengthening regulatory frameworks, building resilience, and empowering local businesses to thrive in the global yachting marketplace.
SVG’s presence at Antigua signals a clear intent, to anchor itself as a leader in Southern Caribbean marine tourism, leveraging regional collaboration to expand its reach and secure long-term investment in the sector.
Source: https://oecs.int/en/ubec-yachting
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