USVI & BVI Boat Shows 2025: Winners Recap
by Clara Ponce
Each year, the USVI and BVI Charter Yacht Shows bring together the Caribbean’s most talented crews, innovative culinary teams, and standout luxury yachts. Although both events take place in the Virgin Islands, they are separate shows with their own competitions, judging panels, and award categories.
This year, the standard across both shows was exceptionally high. The level of yacht presentation, crew professionalism, and culinary artistry set a remarkable benchmark for the upcoming season. The BVI, in particular, saw record attendance—both in the number of yachts on display and in the global brokers who traveled to participate—reflecting the continued growth and international relevance of the charter industry in the region.
The USVI Charter Yacht Show honors top-performing yachts and crews across Best in Show, Culinary, Mixology, and Crew awards. The BVI Charter Yacht Show showcases a different fleet, recognizing excellence in categories such as Table Setting, Cocktails, Culinary Arts, and Best in Show distinctions.
Below is a full recap of the 2025 winners from both events, presented clearly and separately for an accurate and complete overview of this year’s charter season kick-off.
BVI Charter Yacht Show – 2025 Winners
A highly anticipated celebration of talent, innovation, and guest experience, this year’s BVI Show featured remarkable entries across all categories. The judges highlighted the outstanding level of detail, hospitality, and creativity seen throughout the fleet.
Best Crew Award
Celebrating teamwork, guest experience, and onboard excellence.
Hylton & Amy Wessels and Candace Flatley (C’EST LA VIE) – First Place
Bastian Tromp, Kiki Bouman, Dylan Holm & Sarai Ben Ari (Siete Mares) – Runner Up
Table Setting Award
This year’s entries stood out for their warmth, creativity, and thoughtful presentation.
Sarai Ben Ari (Siete Mares) – First Place
Ariel Thrasher (Stella Mare) – Second Place
Olivia Cameron (Awatea) – Third Place
Coty Fernandez (Jan’s Feline) – Honourable Mention
Kristen Wells (Azuria) – Honourable Mention
Cocktail Competition
A spirited showcase of technique, flavor balance, and originality.
Milla-Emilia Mikaela (Andiamo) – First Place
Luke Holloway (Azuria) – Second Place
Candace Flatley (C’est La Vie) – Third Place
Culinary Competition
Celebrating creativity, refinement, and standout talent in onboard cuisine.
Loic Doan Jausoro (Jan’s Feline) – Honourable Mention
Appetizer
Cole Lackey (Xandros) – First Place
Emma Stanley (Do More) – Runner Up
Best Dessert
Ulrika Fredrikson (Endless Horizon) – First Place
Bianca Cox (Paloma) – Runner Up
Best Entrée
Kiki Bouman (Siete Mares) – First Place
Ulrika Fredrikson (Endless Horizon) – Runner Up
Best in Show Awards
Up to 50 ft
Florian Rutsch, Michael Makonnen & Sisi Eva Helgadottir (Purpose) – First Place
Henru Strampe & Clara Nicolai Balina (On a Whim) – Runner Up
51–59 ft
Ariel Thrasher & Matea Kosovic (Stella Mare) – First Place
Ruth & Terry Ross (Rhapsody II) – Runner Up
60 ft & Up
Keith Allen, Casey Strickland, Chene Nel & Christo Theron (Aeolus) – First Place
Christian Klopper, Lida Fourie & JD Veldsman (Huntress) – Runner Up
Motor Yacht
Bastian Tromp, Kiki Bouman, Dylan Holm & Sarai Ben Ari (Siete Mares) – First Place
Hylton & Amy Wessels & Candace Flatley (C’est La Vie) – Runner Up
Explore the walkthrough of Siete Mares - Motor Yacht First Place
A Vibrant Industry Gathering
Across both shows, brokers, crews, service providers, and charter professionals came together to showcase the very best of the Caribbean charter industry. From lively dock walk-throughs to evening events and networking sessions, the atmosphere was energetic and collaborative, with yachts proudly presenting refits, new features, and elevated service concepts for the upcoming season.
USVI Charter Yacht Show – 2025 Winners
Best in Show Class 40' to 54'
Apricity — Rodrigo Pizzarro & Alys Servini – Winner
Kismet — Nicholas Farinha & Jade Lovell – Runner Up
Best in Show Class 55' to 59'
Whiskey Sunset — James Cotter & Phoebe Hooker – Winner
Hourglass — Adriana Vega & Daryl Hanna – Runner Up
Best in Show Class 60' & Over
Reverie — Doyle Van Horn, Christina Merianos & Jetske Van Rensburg – Winner
Little Giant — Guy Abramovici, Minnette Gous, Sofiya Bereza & Jason Cooke – Runner Up
Best Crew in Show
Reverie — Doyle Van Horn, Christina Merianos & Jetske Van Rensburg – Winner
Little Giant — Guy Abramovici, Minnette Gous, Sofiya Bereza & Jason Cooke – Runner Up
Mixology Competition – Tito’s Vodka
Sun Daze — Caydon Harris – Judge’s Choice
Little Giant — Minnette Gous – People’s Choice
Mixology Competition – Cruzan Rum
Hourglass — Adriana Vega – Judge’s Choice
Hourglass — Adriana Vega – People’s Choice
Heavenly — Eric Warner – Special Mention
Culinary Competition
Kismet — Jade Lovell – Winner
Elysian — Kelsey Wilson – Runner Up
Reverie — Christina Merianos – Special Mention
Distinguished Broker Award
Chris Patrick
Industry Recognition Award
Michael “Hank” Hampton
Looking Ahead to the Caribbean Season
With strong performances at both the USVI and BVI Shows, the 2025 charter season is shaping up to be exceptional. Guests can expect refreshed yachts, new wellness-driven menus, sustainability-focused upgrades, and deeply personalized service across the Virgin Islands. These events continue to set the tone for a season defined by innovation, hospitality, and unforgettable experiences on the water.
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