Presenting the Business of Luxury Leisure
The 2026 Newport Charter Yacht Show, held June 22-25 at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, showcased not only an impressive fleet of luxury charter yachts but also the exceptional captains and crews who drive the U.S. charter industry.
Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard hosts many prestigious yachting events, including the Newport Charter Yacht Show. Photo by Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard
Following Monday's move-in day, charter brokers, agents, captains, and crew launched into three action-packed days of yacht inspections, onboard luncheons, educational seminars, networking opportunities, and spirited crew competitions, including a fiercely contested Chef Competition that left judges facing one of their toughest decisions ever. Adding to the excitement, every participating motor yacht, ranging in size from 92 to 180 feet, as well as a 68’ sailing vessel was a first-time exhibitor, giving industry professionals even more reason to explore the fleet and meet the talented crews responsible for delivering world-class charter experiences.
"I've been coming to this Show since 2019," said Melissa Speight, a charter broker representing New England and the Caribbean for All Blue Yachting. "It's important to see the boats in person instead of just photos online and be able to tell clients what you've learned about them and why New England, and Newport itself, is such a remarkable destination."
Clockwise from top left: Miss Christine; winning “Coastal Antique” tablescape aboard Avalina, Avalina during the Yacht Hop, view from the deck of Beth Ann, Lady Beth between showings; winning cocktail aboard Lady Beth. Photos by Miste Photography
Among the yachts drawing significant broker traffic was the 180’ M/Y Lady Beth, the largest vessel in the Show.
"We had a good flow of brokers through, with probably 30 to 40 total viewings on Wednesday alone," said Chief Officer David Smithson.
A standout feature of Lady Beth is its approximately 1,100 gross tons, nearly double that of many comparable yachts, allowing for expansive living spaces across three decks connected by an elevator. Highlights include a full-beam master suite and a dedicated movie room with 10-foot ceilings.
A testament to its crew’s talent and enthusiasm, Lady Beth won the Signature Cocktail Competition with its "Po Rom Po Po Pom Punch" and captured top honors in the inaugural challenge of creating a 1-3 minute video that centered around a technical challenge solved by crew teamwork. Lady Beth’s was about a guest stuck in the elevator, but it turned out to be only a dream.
Also making a strong first impression was the 157’ M/Y Miss Christine, which arrived in Newport after spending the past year and a half in Costa Rica. Central agent Terra Caffga of RJC Yacht Sales and Charter said the Show provided an "ideal opportunity to reintroduce the yacht to the Northeast charter market." Rich mahogany woodwork, luxurious marble finishes, five king staterooms, an expansive main salon, and a sky lounge helped make that impression.
The 129’ M/Y Bella Vita had another story to tell. Captain Dan Douglas and his wife, Chef Gillian Wright, were hired after developing a relationship with the yacht's new owner during a previous charter experience. Douglas, whose hospitality background predates his yachting career, naturally combines luxury hotel standards with the intimacy of private yacht chartering.
"We are unique in that everything cooked aboard is made from scratch…and we mean everything, even if it is a burger bun," said Douglas. "There are no boxes, and we don't use a provisioning company."
Chef Wright's talents were on full display as she earned second place in the Chef Competition.
For the 130’ M/V Avalina, the Show marked both a Newport debut and a promising introduction to New England waters. Captain Adam Cunerd, a veteran of the industry since 2000, said reconnecting with brokers and introducing them to the yacht's crew and plans under new ownership made the trip worthwhile.
Clockwise from upper left: "Best Charter Yacht Chef" Anastasiya Verenich from M/Y No Surrender preps then presents to judges, judge Kitty McGowan pours butter from a ghee candle, Chef Anastasiya joins other chefs at the Awards Party; chefs choose from provided ingredients provided by sponsor National Marine Suppliers. Photos by Miste Photography
The yacht's classic styling, enhanced by cherry wood interiors, inspired Chief Stewardess Jenna Geach's winning "Coastal Antique" tablescape, which incorporated shells and keepsakes collected during the yacht's travels. The display earned the Professional Judges Award in the Tablescaping Competition, while the 121’ M/V Away claimed Fan Favorite honors with its "Tropical Sunset" theme featuring fresh-cut citrus and warm summer colors designed to engage both sight and smell.
Through onboard visits and competitions, brokers gained insight not only into vessel itineraries, specifications, and amenities, but also into the personalities and capabilities of the crews.
"I won't put clients on a boat unless I know the crew has what it takes to pull hard things together," said Alicia Ewing, a charter broker with Worth Avenue Yachts. "The crew makes every day feel different, fresh, and new. If you're chartering, you want to find people you want to be with."
Clockwise from top left: Fender Inflating Competition; timed Floral Arranging; No Surrender’s winning Springsteen-themed Yacht Hop entry; No Surrender’s Springsteen groupies. Photos by Miste Photography
One of the most energetic crews at the Show represented the sleek 110’ M/V No Surrender, whose name was inspired by its owner's love of Bruce Springsteen. Guests can charter the yacht throughout New England, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and St. Barths, with options ranging from day charters to weeklong vacations.
No Surrender’s interior crew presented a "Born to Dine" tablescape theme and won the Mocktail division of the Signature Cocktail Competition with its “Thunder Road” drink. It then carried the Springsteen theme into Wednesday night's Yacht Hop to capture the Herman Pundt "Best Party Yacht" Award.
"We're all really fun," said Second Stewardess Kennedy Stocks, "and we love attention to detail. If guests are Duke fans, for instance, we'll go all out on a Duke-themed night; we make it all about them."
That attention to detail also helped secure the coveted title of "Best Charter Yacht Chef" for No Surrender's Anastasiya Verenich. Presented with a locally harvested mystery basket of ingredients just 24 hours before the competition, Chef Anastasiya embraced the "Elevated Family Style" theme by creating "A Journey Through Morocco."
"I knew I might take first or second," said Verenich, who earned the competition's $1,000 top prize, "because I distinguished myself from others who I thought might go Italian, French, or New England with their dishes."
Judges were captivated by Chef Anastasiya’s bold yet balanced Moroccan flavors in her creation of fried goat cheese with dates, pomegranate, and mint; scallop crudo with pomegranate, pistachio, and citrus; and lamb tagine with apricots, prunes, saffron-herbed couscous, and roasted local mushrooms. Finishing touches, including a lit ghee butter candle served with sourdough bread and traditional Moroccan mint tea, sealed her victory.
Even so, the competition remained exceptionally close, reflecting the increasingly elevated culinary standards expected aboard luxury charter yachts.
"Usually, you know the winner right away, but not this year," said Head Judge Kevin Des Chenes, Culinary Director and Executive Chef for the Newport Mansions. "Each chef really stepped up, and every one of them was in close contention to win. It's not lost on me how difficult it is to do this, especially in a charter boat galley."
On Tuesday evening the crews got to meet and share some laughs under the Event Tent at the Captain and Deck Challenge, which featured fender inflation and floral design. Winners were Away (best time male fender inflating); No Surrender (best female time), and Bella Vita (crowd favorite floral arranging).
As the Show wound down and yachts departed for a busy summer of chartering throughout New England, brokers left with a deeper understanding of both the vessels and the people who bring them to life, exactly the outcome the Newport Charter Yacht Show has been fostering for decades.
Information: www.NewportCharterShow.com or contact Veronica Brown, Show Director, Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, +1 401-846-6000, vbrown@shmarinas.com.
Click here for full event schedule.
Click here for full list of boats registered.
Click here for photos from 2026.
About Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard:
Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard is one of the most popular and recommended shipyards in the United States. The full-service marina and shipyard has over 3,500 linear feet of dock space that can accommodate yachts longer than 300 feet. Its amenities include a dockside café, Ship’s Store, fitness center and marina vehicles. Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard is host to many prestigious yachting events including Goslings Rum Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard Crew Party for the biennial Newport Bermuda Race, Safe Harbor Race Weekend, Newport Yacht Rendezvous benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, and Newport Brokerage Boat Show. For more information, visit: www.shmarinas.com/locations/safe-harbor-newport-shipyard.
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Newport Charter Yacht Show Partners
The Newport Mansions was the show’s Official Tour Partner. AkzoNobel and Yotspot sponsored the Monday evening Captain & Crew Happy Hour and Show Briefing along with Bridge Liquors who was the bar sponsor. Big Weather Gear (official U.S. dealer of Henri-Lloyd) was the Captains’ Bag Sponsor, and Moore & Giles was the show’s Official Leather Goods Supplier. Dockwalk magazine, Total Decking Services and Ward’s Marine Electric were the Crew Competition partners, along with National Marine Suppliers who sponsored the Best Charter Yacht Chef Competition. Hallam’s Marine Service returned as the Daily Breakfast sponsor, and the U.S. Superyacht Association sponsored the Tuesday evening USSA Crew Night featuring the Crew Competitions supported by AERÉ Marine and Goslings Rum. SkyLink Tek returned as the show’s audiovisual/sound partner, and ALEXSEAL Yacht Coatings, Citizens Bank, Denison Yachting and Ward’s Marine Electric sponsored the Crew Party & Crew Competition Awards. Dockwalk magazine was the show’s official media partner, and the Newport Marriott was the show’s preferred hotel.
AYCA Luncheon and Seminar
Each year, the American Yacht Charter Association provides signature educational and networking opportunities for the Newport Charter Yacht Show’s attending industry professionals. A morning seminar, following a provided breakfast on Thursday, June 25, will cover many charter-related subjects. Stay tuned to the Newport Charter Yacht Show website for the full schedule and speaker lineup.
Crew Contests
The Newport Charter Yacht Show puts significant emphasis on showing off the talents of captains and crew. To that end, various competitions are part of the week’s schedule. This year they were the CYBA Designer Water Contest; Best Charter Yacht Chef sponsored by National Marine Suppliers; the Captain & Deck Challenge, part of USSA Crew Night and sponsored by the U.S. Superyacht Association and Total Decking Services; the Tablescaping and Cocktail Competitions sponsored by Goslings Rum; the Charter Show Yacht Hop in pursuit of the Herman Pundt “Best Party Yacht” award sponsored by Denison Yachting; and the first-ever Video Contest sponsored by Ward’s Marine Electric. At the end of it all was the Crew Party & Crew Competition Awards sponsored by Citizens Bank, ALEXSEAL Yacht Coatings, Denison Yachting and Ward’s Marine Electric.
Marine and Specialty Display Vendors
Returning vendors included AERÉ Marine, Newport Yacht Interiors and Cutco; new vendors included Marine Group Global Services, Cloud Nine Aviation, Moore & Giles Leather Goods and Newcoast Financial Services.
Newport Yacht Rendezvous
On the Friday after the show, the 13th Annual Newport Yacht Rendezvous was held at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard on several of the yachts holding over from the Newport Charter Yacht Show. The event benefited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County and featured an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, yacht hopping, dinner and dancing “in support of Great Futures.”