“All indications are that business is strong and that the yachting industry will have
a strong year in Antigua and Barbuda,” is the observation of the re-elected
President of the Antigua and Barbuda Yachting and Marine Association
(ABYMA), Franklyn Brathwaite.
He was speaking at the 2023 Annual General Meeting and State of the Industry
Meeting held last week.
The organization’s objectives are to promote the Yachting & the Marine Industry
and to facilitate and advocate for its interests in Antigua and Barbuda as well as
promote Antigua & Barbuda as a premier yachting destination. One of the key
tools for achieving this is the annual calendar which promotes all of the key
yachting-related events taking place throughout the year.
During the meeting, the manager of the secretariat, Alison Sly-Adams commented
on Antigua’s unique position in the region. “Antigua is the only island in the
region that boasts a charter yacht show, a superyacht regatta, an offshore regatta, a
classic regatta, and a five-day inshore event, as well as two sport fishing
tournaments and several one-day and fun events. We are also the destination for
the World's Toughest Row, which is again, fully subscribed for this year and the
start of the Oyster World Rally. Expressions of interest in all events are looking
very positive and boding well for a busy year in Antigua and Barbuda.”
Board member Jason Pickering updated the membership on the upcoming 2nd
Annual ABYMA Industry Showcase, slated to take place 16-17 November. The
event has been moved one week later on the calendar, specifically to allow for the
arrivals from the Salty Dawg Rally from the US, to be able to meet the members
and understand what products and services Antigua can offer. The show’s main
objective is to educate Antiguans and Barbudans about the opportunities available
in the industry and assist in communicating pathways for them to do just that.
