POINT BLANCHE:--- St. Maarten's vibrant yachting industry, the safe haven of Simpson Bay Lagoon and Great Bay will be promoted at Rhode Island's Newport Charter Yacht Show, June 23-24.
The Newport Charter Yacht Show is one of only six charter-focused shows in the world. This is the 32nd annual edition and attracts sailing and motor yachts, ranging in size from 80 feet up to the super yacht length of 150-225+ feet.
St. Maarten's delegation to the charter show is headed by Tourism and Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Ted Richardson. The delegation includes representatives of Port St. Maarten.
Port St. Maarten will host the Newport Charter Yacht Show's USSA/Welcome Reception on Monday, June 23 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the charter yacht show to entertain and inform yacht owners, captains, yacht brokers and industry representatives about the benefits of operating their charters out of St. Maarten.
Port St. Maarten Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo said St. Maarten will be showcased as one of the most pleasant and enjoyable yachting destinations.
"St. Maarten offers the perfect geographically position in the Eastern Caribbean, accessibility to duty free provisioning and frequent international flight links to all corners of the world. Those benefits are aside from the possibilities for repairs and maintenance available in the country," Mingo said.
The charter yacht show's schedule covers exhibition of the yachts, competition for its chefs, and seminars covering topics of interest to the industry.
Michelle Otero Valdes, a board certified maritime attorney at Chalos & Co., will present "The Climate on Crewing has Changed; The Maritime Labor Convention 2006 Enters Into Force" on Tuesday. Along with changes to captain and crew certifications for 2014, the seminar will explain the new regulations being implemented to protect marine workers.
On Wednesday, June 25, the American Yacht Charter Association (AYCA) will host its annual educational and informative seminar. Keynote Speaker, Gail Lowney Alofsin, a professor, sales/marketing executive and author will present tips from her just-released motivational book Your Someday is Now.
For the "Destination" segment, Belle Aimee Captain Mike French will present an informative multi-media overview of cruising in Fiji and the South Pacific.
AYCA's Legal/Technical Segment will round out the Seminar with a panel of five industry professionals discussing the topic "To Agent or Not to Agent ... That is the Question."
Prior to the start of the show, On Sunday, June 22, Heather Kearsley Wolf, the CEO, founder and lead designer of Kearsley Couture, will divulge interior design secrets in her presentation "Understanding, Caring for and Specifying Fine Linens."
