About Time: You Discovered the Best of Caribbean Yachting SeasonBy Angelica Malin

Befitting of its status as one of the globe’s premier yachting destinations, the Caribbean archipelago hosts an array of alluring yachting events throughout the year. If you’re already planning your Caribbean escape for late 2016/early 2017, here are some of our favourite events to mark in your calendar and add to your Caribbean yacht charter itinerary:

Antigua Yacht Charter Show – 4^th – 10^th December 2016

Signaling the start of the Caribbean yachting season, the Antigua Yacht Charter Show is eagerly anticipated throughout the yachting calendar. Some of the world’s finest charter yachts make their way to this inimitable yachting hub, demonstrating their prowess to the seafaring community for the forthcoming year. The Yacht Chef Competition is a highlight of the event, and celebrates the finest yacht Chefs and their culinary creations.

St Barths Bucket – 16^th – 19^th March 2017 

Another unmissable event for sailing yacht enthusiasts, the St Barths Bucket is the sister race to the Newport Bucket Regatta in Rhode Island. Another March highlight in the Caribbean, the next bucket will be held between 16^th – 19^th March and will see the world’s most renowned sailing yachts battle it out for overall glory. As with the St Maarten Heineken Regatta, the St Barth’s Bucket is accompanied by an array of evening festivities, including post-race socials and a glamorous final awards ceremony.

Antigua Sailing Week – April 29^th – May 5^th 2017

Arguably the Caribbean islands that are most associated with superyachts, it is unsurprising that Antigua also hosts one of the region’s most long-running yachting events: the Antigua Sailing Week. What’s more, this prestigious event is celebrating a big milestone this coming Caribbean yacht charter season – its 50^th birthday! Big crowds are expected between April 29^th and May 5^th 2017 when over 100 yachts will compete in a series of races around this picturesque island, before embarking on an idyllic Leeward Islands yacht charter. A highlight of the event is the formal Lord Nelson’s Ball, which heralds the end of the racing for another year.

New Year in St Barths

Not a traditional Caribbean yachting event as such, but New Year in St Barths just happens to attract the finest yachts in the world and is therefore an essential addition to our list of Caribbean yachting highlights. The port of Gustavia, the French island’s capital, is the place to be seen come New Year’s Eve and the who’s-who of the yachting scene jostles for space in the capital’s pretty harbour. Tenders transport guests between parties onboard yachts and on land; exclusive villas and fabulous nightspots, such as Nikki Beach, illuminate into the early hours of the morning as gaiety consumes the island.