Emilia's top picks from the Virgin Island Yacht Shows

Emilia here with some fresh impressions straight from the BVI and USVI yacht shows—literally just two weeks old. I spent days stepping aboard yachts, meeting crews, and capturing insights you won’t find in any brochure. And I’ve pulled together the standouts—the yachts that genuinely rose above the rest.

Whether you're planning your first charter or your tenth, think of this as a quick hit of inspiration for wherever your next trip takes you. These are the boats and crews that left a mark on me the moment I stepped on board.

Some boats surprise you for reasons you don’t expect. One II Love, a Leopard 50, is a 2019 build, but she shows less wear than her age would suggest. Normally that would worry me—but trust me, the captain makes the experience.

Thomas is young, energetic, and completely in tune with the yacht. The kind of captain who can trim a sail, shake up a cocktail, and pay close attention to the guests' preferences. For captain-only charters, that level of attention matters more than anything.

She sleeps 6 guests in 3 cabins, including a master suite, and carries a great selection of water toys. For families or groups who want a solid sailing experience without stretching the budget, this one hits the sweet spot.

Learn more how crewed, captain-only charters differ from bareboat with an added skipper in this post.

Let me tell you: everything just works on ​Apricity​. I already like the Bali 4.6 as a platform for more affordable charters, but Rodrigo and Alys are what make this yacht unforgettable.

They’ve come from the motor-yacht world in search of a more intimate experience with their guests. You will feel that refined, guest-first approach in everything they do. Their chemistry is warm, easy, and genuine—the kind that instantly makes a charter feel personal, not packaged.

The boat is in excellent shape:

While she technically sleeps 8, I’d book Apricity for 6 guests to keep things comfortable because the twin cabin shares a head. However, this is an ideal setup for families.

And lastly, yes—they surprised me the next day with a dessert from my home country, Argentina - something you don't forget!

A final reason to consider Apricity? The team took Best in Show for their yacht class this year USVI show.

A 2025 build always catches your attention, but ​Changes in Latitude​ impressed me even more than expected. Another Leopard 50, the layout is fantastic for 8 guests, with every cabin having its own dry head.

The crew—Gino and Nikita—are young, vibrant, and already operating like a seasoned team. You can feel the energy onboard, and that’s something you'll notice instantly.

This is a great pick for families with kids who want comfort, space, and a cheerful atmosphere at a very reasonable price point for a 50+ ft cat of this age.

Walking up to ​Huntress​, I had low expectations. Walking off, I couldn’t stop talking about her.

She’s just over a decade old, but you would never guess it. The yacht is spotless, tastefully maintained, and clearly loved. What really elevates the experience is the South African crew of three—warm, polished, detail-oriented, and just the right amount of fun.

She sleeps 8 guests, offers all-inclusive scuba, and has a lovely master suite. Huntress is perfect for adult groups or couples who want a level of service usually found on newer, pricier yachts.

Huntress took Runner Up, Best in Show for yachts 60+ feet, some well deserved recognition.

This one is a standout for three couples or a family of five or six. The master cabin was one of the best I saw at the entire show—spacious, bright, beautifully finished.

​Liquid Sky​ features two head sails, a roomy flybridge, an airy salon thanks to the galley-down layout, and even a cinema setup with a projector. Add the thoughtful touches—a dedicated ice maker, great toys, intuitive flow, and even a hot tub—and you end up with a yacht designed for relaxed, high-end living.

The 3-person crew ties it all together with attentive, easygoing service. A top-tier option for guests who want a luxury experience without needing a massive vessel.

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury charter experience, ​Endless Horizon​ absolutely delivers. This 2022 Sunreef is one of the largest and finest sailing yachts available in the Virgin Islands, with 4 beautifully appointed cabins—ideal for groups of 8 who want true space and luxury. The layout is smart, the finishings are high-end, and the water toy selection is next-level.

The tender is a standout on its own, and the yacht feels purpose-built for fun without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. From the expansive outdoor living areas to the polished crew and top-tier gear, everything checks the boxes for a full-service, luxury charter experience. A perfect match for families or groups of friends looking to make the most of the islands in serious style.

If any of these yachts caught your eye—or if you want help figuring out which one fits your group, budget, or style—just reply to this email. I’m happy to share more of what I saw, what I liked, and who I think each yacht is perfect for.