The Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2024 wrapped up, showcasing some of the most stunning yachts and extraordinary experiences. From impressive yachts with impeccable design to standout culinary experiences, this year’s event provided a wealth of highlights . Our brokers Tim Clark from the London Office and Lou Clark from the US were in attendance this year. Find out their take on this year’s event.
For Tim Clark, the standout yacht of the show was the 43m Palmer Johnson, ALTA. Recently refitted, this 20-year-old beauty left him astonished, defying expectations with its pristine condition. With its beach house-style interior, ALTA certainly impressed as a luxurious, sophisticated vessel.
When it came to sailing cats, NDS EVOLUTION earned Tim’s approval. While not as lavish as some of the more well-known brands like Sunreef or Fountain Pajot, NDS EVOLUTION stood out for its true world-cruising pedigree. With a seasoned Captain like Bruno, who has sailed to remote destinations like Antarctica and Tahiti, this aluminium-hulled catamaran demonstrated strength and resilience, perfect for long, adventurous voyages.
No boat show is complete without its fair share of fine dining, and Tim’s culinary highlight was onboard WHEELS. In his post-lunch report to the central agent, Tim was full of praise for the meal, starting with a roasted scallop and cumin cauliflower purée that left him speechless with its perfect balance of spices. For the main course, a Japanese beef filet paired with a Tignanello Toscana wine offered an experience that was nothing short of sublime. He even ventured outside his comfort zone with a vegan coconut, pineapple, and chocolate mousse that impressed him with its inventive presentation and bold flavours. Tim also noted the impeccable service onboard, showcasing a team of relaxed professionals and a characterful head chef. WHEELS, with its excellent crew and strong charter offerings, was one of the highlights of the event.
Another yacht that caught Tim’s eye was FAR FROM IT. This 40m yacht manages to deliver a 60m service experience, proving that size isn’t everything when it comes to offering exceptional service and amenities.
For Lou Clark, one of the standout yachts was the sleek and stylish Akula from Baglietto. Surprising herself with this choice, she found the design truly captivating. The convertible indoor/outdoor area, coupled with the spacious rear deck, offered a remarkable combination of volume and elegance.
Another notable vessel was the Aeolus, a 77-foot Lagoon sailing catamaran. Lou was particularly impressed with the crew, who had a Parisian-themed breakfast ready, and the boat’s emphasis on wellness, a trend we’ve got eyes on at MYSEA for the 2025 season. The yacht boasted abundant space and a variety of toys, and the inclusion of a water remineralisation system set it apart from other options in its class.
Lou also praised the chef onboard Patience, noting that his flair for culinary art was unmatched. Despite Lou’s vegan preferences, the chef made sure every dish was tailoured to her needs, ensuring that her meal was both visually appealing and delicious. Lou fondly remembered the small salad prepared with such care, reflecting the chef’s dedication to his craft. While she had to skip a few meals, Lou also wanted to give an hounorable mention to Blue Dream and Mes Amis (the old Salperton), which left lasting impressions. Mes Amis, in particular, had a special charm, with Frank, the boat dog, adding a memorable touch to the experience.
The Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2024 provided a unique platform for showcasing the finest in luxury yachts, unforgettable dining experiences, and world-class crews. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of ALTA, the adventurous spirit of NDS EVOLUTION, or the culinary excellence of WHEELS, the show was a testament to the luxury yachting industry’s dedication to excellence.
With so many stunning yachts and exceptional services on display, the event highlighted how yachting continues to evolve, offering unparalleled experiences for those seeking the ultimate in adventure, relaxation, and luxury. As we look forward to future shows, it’s clear that the bar has been set even higher for the next generation of yachting. To book your next escape onboard, contact us below.
