By Lauren Saltonstall, UKSA Industry & Careers Coordinator
This year marked my first visit to Antigua and my first time attending the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, and it quickly became clear why this event is so highly regarded within the industry.
Compared to shows such as Palma and Monaco, Antigua is incredibly crew friendly, accessible, and focused on the experience onboard. The pace is more relaxed, which creates space for genuine conversations and meaningful connections. This made it an ideal environment to spend time with crew, get onboard vessels, and properly reconnect with UKSA alumni.
From the moment I arrived, I was catching up with familiar faces across the fleet. I met with Cadetship graduates from 2008 through to our most recent 2024 intake, alongside Yachtmaster, Crew Training, Interior, and Watersports alumni. It was also a pleasure to reconnect with earlier Cadetship graduates who are now working as Captains. Seeing so many alumni at different stages of their careers, all in one place, was a powerful reminder of the long-term impact of UKSA training and the reach of our network across the industry.
One of the highlights of the week was spending time with crew staying at Pineapple House. Hosting a UKSA x Bespoke Crew: Coffee & Careers session, attending the Bespoke Crew quiz and simply being present created opportunities for open conversations. Crew spoke honestly about their experiences onboard, career progression, future training plans, along with the importance of having access to support when working at sea and a familiar face on location that they can connect with. These informal interactions are often where the most valuable conversations happen.
Antigua also offered excellent access to vessels, which is not always possible at larger, more sale focused shows. I was welcomed onboard a number of yachts throughout the week, including M/Y Les Cinq, M/Y Sherakhan, M/Y Orion, M/Y King Benji, M/Y Nectar, and M/Y Barbara. Conversations with deck teams, stews, senior crew, and Captains centred around career development, leadership and the growing focus on mental health and wellbeing in the industry. Being able to talk openly about UKSA’s training pathways and our onboard mental health training was extremely well received.
What stood out most during the week was the sense of community. Whether hiking with crew, sailing on a day off or reconnecting at evening events, Antigua reinforced how supportive and connected the yachting industry can be when the environment allows it.
For our alumni, the Antigua Charter Yacht Show is not just about yachts. It is about connection, opportunity and knowing that your UKSA network continues to support you long after you graduate.
