Join YATCO’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onno Ebbens, as he takes you inside the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, bringing you exclusive interviews with key industry players. Get firsthand insights into their roles, the state of the industry, and what’s shaping the future of luxury yachting. Stay tuned for expert perspectives from the heart of the action!
Table of contents
- Introduction
- Karen Kelly’s Background
- Karen’s Entry into the Industry
- The Evolution of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show
- The History of Chartering in Antigua
- Commander Nicholson’s Impact
- The Birth of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show
- The Growth of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show
- Antigua Charter Yacht Show Today
- The Importance of the Crew
- The Role of a Charter Broker
- Navigating the Charter Industry
- The Evolution of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show
- Looking to the Future
- Conclusion
Introduction
“We’re still in Antigua, and whether it’s the morning, afternoon, or evening, we’re enjoying a beautiful day. This is going to be a very special episode because I’m here with Karen Kelly, who has a great story to tell. Many people will recognize her from the industry, but we also have viewers who are potential charter guests or boat owners, some of whom may not know her. So, Karen, could you please share a bit about yourself?”
Karen Kelly’s Background
“My name is Karen Kelly Shay, and I work with Nicholson Yachts. I own the office in Newport, Rhode Island, which I’ve had since 1997. I joined Nicholson in December of 1989 and have been working ever since. Initially, I was involved in charter management, and now I work as a charter broker. I’ve also been involved in yacht sales and have worked with the Antigua show organization for many years.”
Karen’s Entry into the Industry
“So, Karen, you joined Nicholson in 1989. Were you already involved in the industry before that?”
“Yes, I worked with a company called HomePort in St. Thomas for about eight years. After Hurricane Hugo, I decided to make a change. That’s when Julie Nicholson offered me a job, and I ended up joining the team at Nicholson in Cambridge, Massachusetts. My first Antigua show was in 1989, and it’s amazing how long this journey has been!”
The Evolution of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show
“Wow, 1989. I remember my first Antigua show, which was around 12 years ago, and I felt like a veteran. But compared to you, I’m just getting started! Are there many people still active from those early days?”
“Yes, there are still some people around. I met a captain recently whose parents were involved in Antigua shows in the 80s. Many of the crew members who retired have now settled on the island, and of course, the Nicholson family is still very much a part of the history of Antigua. This is where the chartering industry really began. The island holds so much history for us all.”
The History of Chartering in Antigua
“Let’s dive into that history. The story I’ve heard is that Commander Nicholson sailed into Antigua after World War II. Is that correct?”
“Yes, that’s absolutely right. After the war, his family purchased a schooner named the MOLLY HAWK. They had bought the boat because during the war, his family had moved into a house that was missing basic household items like silverware, dishes, and furniture. They found the MOLLY HAWK and decided it had all the equipment they needed to outfit their home. While Commander Nicholson was away serving, his sons, Rodney and Desmond, worked on fixing up the boat. Once Commander Nicholson returned, the family planned to head to New Zealand, but they ended up in Antigua and fell in love with the island.”
Commander Nicholson’s Impact
“It’s amazing how that one decision shaped the entire industry. So, Commander Nicholson and his family essentially settled in Antigua, right?”
“Exactly. They lived in the paymaster’s quarters in the dockyard before building their homes. They also started restoring buildings on the island because they recognized the beauty and value in the old structures. While the MOLLY HAWK was anchored, locals from places like Mill Reef Club would come down and ask if they could go sailing on the boat. This led to more boats joining the charter fleet. Over time, the term ‘charter’ began to be used.”
The Birth of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show
“So Commander Nicholson played a pivotal role in the charter industry in the Caribbean. He also founded what is now the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, correct?”
“Yes, after some years, he realized the need to bring in travel agents to show off the yachts. In the beginning, there weren’t charter brokers yet. The first ‘Agent’s Week’ brought travel agents to the island to inspect the yachts.”
“Is that where the term ‘Agent’s Week’ came from?”
“Yes, that’s exactly right. Travel agents were the focus in the early days, and it wasn’t until the early 60s that the charter broker industry began to take shape.”
The Growth of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show
“That’s fascinating. Do you know when the first Antigua Yacht Show took place?”
“It was somewhere in the mid-50s, but we could check the exact year. I believe the 67th edition is the one we’re celebrating this year, which puts the first show around 1957.”
Antigua Charter Yacht Show Today
“That’s incredible. I know you’ve seen a lot of changes over the years. What’s your involvement with the show now?”
“I’m still involved in an advisory capacity. I help with securing sponsors and making sure the show continues to grow and evolve. I’m also proud of how relaxed the show is. The captains, crews, and brokers all appreciate the opportunity to meet in a natural setting and connect. It’s a great way to show off yachts in their natural habitat.”
The Importance of the Crew
“I couldn’t agree more. You mentioned the importance of the crew when booking a charter. Could you elaborate on why that’s such a key factor for clients?”
“Absolutely. The crew is really what makes or breaks a charter experience. Of course, clients want the right yacht, amenities, and destination, but it’s the crew that will define the entire experience. A chef who can cater to dietary restrictions or a crew that matches the vibe your clients want is essential.”
The Role of a Charter Broker
“Some people may think that charter brokers make a lot of money simply by booking clients, but it’s more complex than that, right?”
“Exactly. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes. Sometimes it takes months or even years to finalize a booking. We’re responsible for matching the right yacht with the right clients, making sure all details are taken care of, and ensuring a smooth experience. It’s not as simple as just clicking a button online.”
Navigating the Charter Industry
“And for first-time charterers, what advice would you give them when choosing a yacht or a crew?”
“First-time charterers should really focus on finding a crew that fits their expectations. A good match in terms of personality, energy, and skill is crucial. A great crew can make all the difference.”
The Evolution of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show
“And from what I understand, the Antigua show has evolved over time, with a mix of both powerboats and sailing vessels. How did the show grow in size?”
“In the past, we had more sailing yachts, but now it’s more powerboats. At its peak, we had up to 130 yachts on display. That’s when we saw some of the largest gatherings.”
Looking to the Future
“It’s clear that the Antigua Yacht Show has a long and rich history, and you’re still contributing to its success today. I know you’re also a loyal YATCO partner.”
“Yes, we list all of our central agency yachts on YATCO, and I also use the platform for boutique yacht sales and to search for yacht availability. It’s a fantastic tool for the industry!”
Conclusion
“Thank you so much for sharing these stories, Karen. It’s been incredible learning about the history of Antigua, the show, and your journey. Here’s to many more years in the industry!”
“Thank you so much for having me. It’s been a pleasure!”
“And to everyone watching, don’t forget to check out YATCO for Karen’s listings and for everything you need in the yachting world. Thanks for tuning in to this special episode!”
