The Newport Charter Yacht Show is the only trade event of its kind in the Northeast, meaning it’s a valuable tool for connecting luxury charter yachts, their agents, owners, captains and crews with those in the business of brokering unparalleled on-water vacations for discriminating clients. It all starts in Newport, R.I. with a move-in on Monday, June 23 of 18 yachts to Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard (the Show’s producer and owner) and ends three days later after a packed schedule of dockside showings and social gatherings as well as networking events, educational forums, and crew competitions.

The 2025 Newport Charter Yacht Show takes place June 23-26 at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard. (Photo by Miste Photography/Michele Almeida)

“The experience at Newport Charter Yacht Show is more intimate and more relaxed than some of the world’s larger charter shows, which can have over 100 yachts spread out over several different marinas,” said Sarah Egger, charter manager for Fraser Yachts. “Brokers have quality time to get to know the boats and crew, instead of jumping on and off and not remembering what they saw that day.”

Fraser will feature two motor yachts at the show, including the largest: the 170’ Lady B.

“Lady B had planned to go to the Mediterranean, but at the last minute she decided to stay here,” said Egger, explaining that this is notable news for brokers looking to match clients with chartering opportunities this summer during the high season in New England. “She has an amazing crew, and the boat itself has so many exceptional features.” Those include five state rooms; an elevator; a gym and outdoor shower; ability to show movies under the stars; a beach club at the waterline, complete with couches, mini bar, and air conditioning; and a 53-foot HCB tender with five 450 horsepower engines.

Fraser’s other participant is the 110’ motor yacht In the Zone, which is new to the show.

Clockwise from top left: The 170’ M/Y *Lady B*, the largest in this year’s Newport Charter Yacht Show; *Lady B*’s spacious aft deck; the 169’ M/Y *Acta*; and the 68’ S/Y *Cirrus*. (Photos provided by charter managers)

Said Newport Charter Yacht Show Director Veronica Brown: “The Show is primarily about learning what is new in the charter industry – which yachts are new to the scene, which have had updates or refits, and which ones might have changed their captains, chefs or crews.”

According to Holly Huffstetler, Edmiston’s charter broker/fleet manager, having the 169’ ACTA in the Show helps her better promote the yacht ahead of the season. “New England is such a beautiful destination, and ACTA is the ideal yacht for cruising this area,” said Huffstetler. Among the yacht’s features are generous interior spaces, a “magical” master cabin, a shallow draft (for her size) and stabilizers for when she’s anchored. “She is beyond immaculate, and the crew are just lovely,” said Huffstetler. “Captain Les is a true charter captain, having come from some very successful charter programs. He is knowledgeable, experienced, and knows how to pull all the stops for charter guests.”

Clockwise from top left: 2024 tablescaping entry; winning crew; charter toys on display; chef competition, socializing under the big tent. (Photo by Miste Photography/Michele Almeida)

Show Director Brown noted that the Show is not for motor yachts only; there are three sailing yachts showing, all represented by Nicholson Yachts. (Nicholson also has three motor yachts registered for the show.)

“Among our offerings, is the brand-new 68’ Stephens Waring design, Cirrus, which was launched in October, and the 59’ Little Harbor Tyche, which is new to chartering,” said Nicholson Charter Manager and Broker Karen Kelly Shea.

Kelly Shea explained that options for sailing charters are growing again after many owners went back to using their boats privately in the years during and after the pandemic. “Certainly, New England is popular for sailboats, since the conditions here in summer are so good. And there are so many regattas and cruises to take part in that we often charter motor yachts as mother ships for crews to stay on.

“After summers and falls in New England, most of the yachts move to the Caribbean and/or Bahamas, so this Show also provides a chance to see the yachts in advance of the winter charter season.

AYCA Breakfast 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. This year, the highlights include a breakfast buffet on Tuesday, June 24 aboard Nicholson Yachts’ 85’ motor yacht Lexington. A morning seminar, following a provided breakfast on Thursday, June 26, will cover the subjects of chartering software, cybersecurity (a repeat from last year, since it has become a critical issue), Turkey as a destination, and New England as a cruising ground.

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 are the CYBA Designer Water Contest; Best Charter Yacht Chef sponsored by National Marine Suppliers; the Captain & Deck Challenge, part of USSA Crew Night sponsored by the U.S. Superyacht Association, AERE Marine, and Dockwalk Magazine; the Tablescaping and Cocktail Competitions; and the Charter Show Yacht Hop in pursuit of The Herman Pundt “Best Party Yacht” award presented by Denison Yachting. At the end of it all is the Crew Party & Crew Competition Awards sponsored by Barton & Gray, Citizens Bank, and Alexseal Yacht Coatings.

Newport Yacht Rendezvous

On Friday, June 27, the 12th Annual Newport Yacht Rendezvous will be held at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard on several of the yachts holding over from the Newport Charter Yacht Show to donate their time to a very worthy local organization. The event benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County and features an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, yacht hopping, dinner, and dancing “in support of Great Futures.”

Marine and Specialty Display Vendors

The public is invited to check out display vendors along the “checkerboard patio” outside Belle’s at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, open daily Tuesday, June 24 through Thursday, June 26 from 10am-5pm. Returning vendors include AERE Marine Group, Newport Yacht Interiors, CUTCO, Vitamin Sea Co Newport and more.

Newport Charter Yacht Show Partners

Akzonobel and Total Decking Services will sponsor the Monday evening Captain & Crew Briefing and Cocktail Party along with Bridge Liquors who is the bar sponsor. Dockwalk magazine and Denison Yachting, are the Crew Competition sponsors, along with National Marine Suppliers who will sponsor the Best Charter Yacht Chefs Competition. Hallam’s Marine Service returns as the Daily Breakfast sponsor, and the US Superyacht Association will sponsor the Tuesday evening Crew Night featuring the Crew Competitions supported by Aere Marine, Big Weather Gear, Lalo Tequila, Sundial Cocktails, Whalers Brewing Company and Young Designs Floral Studio. SKYLINK Tek will return as the Show’s audio visual/sound partner, and Alexseal Yacht Coatings, Barton & Gray Mariners Club, Denison Yachting, and Citizens Bank will sponsor the Crew Party & Awards. Dockwalk magazine is the show’s official media partner, and the Newport Marriott is the show’s preferred hotel.

The Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, host of the Newport Yacht Rendezvous on June 27 at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, is the show’s charitable partner.

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 store, fitness center, and marina vehicles. Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard is host to many prestigious yachting events including Gosling’s Rum Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard Crew Party for the biennial Newport to Bermuda Race, Safe Harbor Race Weekend, Newport Yacht Rendezvous benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, and Newport Brokerage Boat show. For more information, Brokerage Boat show. For more information, visit: www.shmarinas.com/locations/safe-harbor-newport-shipyard

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 2024.

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