The Nicholson Show management has been expanded to include an Advisory Board comprised of representatives of the yacht charter industry. Nicholson has also engaged the services of Ms. Karla Little who directed the Newport International Boat Show through a 15-year period of steady growth. New this year, Nicholson will provide complimentary transportation for all show attendees between the three marinas. In addition Nicholson has negotiated larger discounts on hotel rates. More details on this will follow.
The Antigua Yacht Club and Falmouth Harbour Marinas will post additional security personnel to check credentials in order for individuals to access the docks during the show. The Antigua & Barbuda Ministry of Tourism will provide a special “express line” for Immigration and Customs at the Antigua airport for all show attendees.
The greatly expanded Exhibitors Show Tent (35 booth spaces) will be in a highly visible location between the Antigua Yacht Club Marina and the Falmouth Harbour Marina. Caribbean Island tourist boards will have displays and representatives on hand.
News for Yachts & Crews
Restoration and fortification of the sea wall in historic Nelson’s Dockyard is currently in progress. Also the shore power facilities & amenities for yachts will be improved: electricity will include 380 volts, three phase at 125 amps to 125/250 volt, single phase at 50/100 amps. Telephone and cable TV connections will be added as well.
In August 2002, as a result of the diligent efforts of the Antigua Marine Trades Association, the Antigua & Barbuda Ministry of Tourism appointed Mr. Andy McDonald to the position of Yachting Liaison Officer. Mr. McDonalds main function is to facilitate communications between the Antigua Government and the Marine Trades regarding yachting concerns. Demonstrating its support for the yachting industry, the government responded quickly by passing legislation to expedite the customs clearance of imports and shipments. Further legislation is presently pending to improve immigration procedures and establish duty free fuel and duty free provisioning for yachts. More details are available on the Antigua Marine Trades Association website, www.antiguamarinetrades.org. In addition, a program is currently underway to have all reefs and anchorages in Antigua and Barbuda marked with buoys by the end of 2003. The new buoys marking the entrance to and the channels in Falmouth Harbour were in position prior to Antigua Sailing Week, April 27 – May 3, 2003.
Old & New
Amongst the many other plans underway for this year’s Nicholson Charter Yacht Show, is an art exhibit and silent auction with all of the proceeds going to charity. An exciting opportunity for yacht crews and any show attendees to showcase their artistic talents for a good cause.
The return of Finchams Follies at the end of the 2002 show was a big hit. $8,000.00 US was raised for the building of a new Community Center and playground at Cobbs Cross. The Follies are planed again for 2003 during an evening earlier in the week.
Remaining unchanged is the spirit of the Annual Nicholson Charter Yacht Show in Antigua. Nicholson has each December for the past 42 years been bringing together yachts and brokers in an ideal forum in beautiful surroundings. Properly qualified yachts small and large, power and sail, modern and classic, together with independent brokers, large international brokerage houses, management companies, long-established and those newer to the industry, yacht support services and press, are all welcomed warmly and without prejudice!
Seven full days of dedicated time, free from the distractions evident at other industry shows, provides an unparalleled opportunity for brokers to confidently navigate the myriad of yachts available for charter, thus enabling them to excel at the highly detailed task of arranging a custom yacht charter for a valued client.
For details, contact the show at antigua@nicholsonyachts.com
