Newport Charter Yacht Show: A Sneak Peek at Yachts for Charter in New England

by Ryan Belmore June 12, 2018Updated March 3, 2021

With its illustrious maritime history, picturesque coastlines and quaint islands and towns, New England is a summer hot spot for luxury charter vacations, and from June 18-21, the NewportCharter Yacht Show presented by Helly Hansen Newport will showcase the impressive lineup of world-class yachts available for charter in the region this season. Staged at the mega-yacht friendly Newport Shipyard, the annual event is the only one of its kind in the U.S., allowing brokers and industry professionals to tour each yacht’s accommodations and get to know the captain and crew. Of the 24 charter yachts currently registered for the show, 18 are new to the event and 13 are measuring in at 100 feet and longer.

“We are seeing a very healthy season here, with more large charter boats in New England than ever before and more people booking them,” said Yacht Charter Specialist Pila Pexton with Merle Wood and Associates in a press release on Monday, which has its offices at Newport Shipyard. She explained that Newport is but one coastal town on the region’s long list of premier summer cruising destinations – from the rocky shores of Maine to the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, down to Long Island – that offers easy access to marinas and harbor facilities that are welcoming tocharter yachts.

Pexton will be representing the 120-foot motor yacht (M/Y) Lady Victoria, which has attended the show several times in the past. A charter favorite, the luxury vessel is equipped with a lavish interior and accommodates eight guests in its four guest cabins. Its expansive deck space, complete with a jacuzzi tub and full bar, is designed for unfettered entertaining.

The largest yacht attending the show to date is the 198’ M/Y Blue Moon, one of three yachts represented by Northrop & Johnson this year. The award-winning megayacht features an on-deck master suite that includes an office and gym, while the lower deck has five additional staterooms with private heads. Its grandiose interior blends comfort with luxury and comes equipped with a glass elevator to transport guests from one floor to the next and to three different dining areas.

“The crew is 99% of the charter experience, and by having competitions like this you really get to see their dynamic and how they function,” said Herman Pundt, a broker for Denison Yacht Sales in the news release, which has two yachts registered that are new to the show this year. They include the 133’ motor vessel Serque, which is complete with a professional crew of eight onboard.

“The quality of service a crew has to provide is of the utmost importance, and we strive to make sure our guests have an amazing and relaxing experience,” said Serque’s Head Steward Anchen Coetzee in a news release, who has a degree in hotel management and has been working in the hospitality industry for 12 years. “As a guest onboard, you are not only getting to know the crew but you’re receiving a completely unique experience, customized to fit your needs. There is no comparison.”

Marine & Specialty Vendors: Open to the Public

During the Newport Charter Yacht Show, the public is invited to check out exhibiting vendors along the “checkerboard patio” outside Belle’s Café at Newport Shipyard. Vendors will be open daily June Tuesday, 19 through Thursday, June 21 from 10am-5pm and include: presenting sponsor Helly Hansen with its mobile pop-up shop; Spades Cosmetics, Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, AERE Marine Group, Newport Yacht Interiors, The Carnegie Tower, CaptureRI, WheelHouse Technologies, Boatique USA, Harbor East Marina, Wharf Marina,Swarovski Optik, a.Clara Boston, Global Satellite USA LLC, Bent & Bree, CUTCO Cutlery, Cloud City Drones,Bluewater, Flint & Flame and Marigot Bay Resort & Marina. The U.S. Superyacht Association will have its own sponsors showing under a special tent.