Dominating the Docks: N&J’s Award-Winning Presence at the 2025 Antigua Charter Show

The Antigua Charter Show has a way of setting the pace for everything that follows. From December 4 to 9, the harbor once again became the heartbeat of the charter world, welcoming the industry to experience the creativity, personality, and pure passion that define yachting.

This year, Northrop & Johnson stepped onto the docks with one of the largest and most compelling fleets at the show. Nine superyachts (STARFIRE, RoMa, VALINOR, FIFI, CHASING DAYLIGHT, KING BABY, FABULOUS CHARACTER, AMICA MEA, and CAPTAIN MORGAN III) each brought their own distinctive presence. Together, they showcased the breadth of our global charter collection and the incredible crews who bring these floating worlds to life.

Ahead of the show, N&J gathered our Captains and their guests for an intimate evening at MAIA Restaurant on Wednesday, December 3.

It’s a tradition anchored in appreciation and an opportunity to slow down before a high‑energy week.

The night was made possible thanks to the support of IGY/Trident, MTN, and Starboard Card, whose partnership continues to elevate what we can create together.

What followed throughout the week was a vibrant blend of tours, culinary showcases, and the spontaneous dockside moments that remind us why this industry is so special.

As we shift into the Caribbean winter, the energy from Antigua carries with it a clear message: 2025/2026 is shaping up to be an extraordinary charter season. Our fleet is stronger than ever, our crew more inspired, and our global charter team ready to craft the kind of experiences that linger long after guests leave the dock.

 

One of the week’s most memorable moments unfolded thanks to RoMa and her brand-new 58’ (17.5m) Anvera 58 Chase tender. Charter managers and brokers were collected directly from the dock in front of RoMa, welcomed aboard by Captain Janusz, RoMa’s Charter Manager Natascha Weber, and the support crew, who offered scent-infused cold towels and chilled drinks, a small gesture that set the tone for an exhilarating afternoon.

The tender itself is a performer. Built for speed and stability, she reaches up to 52 knots while delivering an astonishingly smooth ride. Captain Janusz wasted no time demonstrating her capabilities, taking us up to 37 knots with barely a hint of movement beneath guests’ feet.

They anchored off Galleon Beach, where the crew deployed a fleet of Seabobs, including the F5S and the newest F9S models. The F9S (lighter, faster, and equipped with a sport mode for sharper maneuvering) was an instant favorite. The morning unfolded in true RoMa fashion: swimming, Seabob runs, snacks, and a specialty mint lemonade that became the drink of the day. A few floated lazily near the beach, while others stretched out on the Anvera’s sunpads for an impromptu tanning session.

CHASING DAYLIGHT opened her decks for an inspiring morning hosted alongside Nick Davies of Cookson Adventures, one of the world’s foremost specialists in experiential travel. Brokers were invited to step aboard and immerse themselves in a world of bespoke exploration, diving deep into itineraries crafted for two of the most compelling adventure destinations on earth: Alaska and Costa Rica.

The session offered a behind-the-scenes look at highly tailored concepts and an opportunity not just to learn, but to imagine what chartering can become when a yacht and an expedition partner work in tandem.

With CHASING DAYLIGHT preparing for her summer 2026 Alaska and Costa Rica season, the timing couldn’t have been better. Brokers left with fresh insight into how this yacht, and her adventurous spirit, can elevate their clients’ next charter, creating experiences rooted in discovery and the extraordinary beauty of the natural world.

STARFIRE kicked off the morning with an activation that blended pure fun with the yacht’s signature hospitality. Brokers were invited to step aboard for an unexpected twist on watersports: the STARFIRE “Ski Trip.” Powered by the yacht’s Ski Nautique, the experience delivered a wake perfectly shaped for every skill level, whether participants were learning to surf for the first time or carving confidently across the water.

The crew brought their trademark energy and expertise, offering personalized coaching, technical pointers, and plenty of encouragement. Guests enjoyed the same thoughtful attention and upbeat spirit that define STARFIRE’s celebrated guest experience. The morning captured STARFIRE’s essence: dynamic, welcoming, and always ready to turn a simple moment into something unforgettable.

 

Throughout the week, each N&J yacht also hosted its own broker’s lunch; an intimate moment designed to offer brokers a true taste of the guest experience.

 

These lunches are more than a showcase of cuisine; they capture the rhythm of life onboard, the flow of service, and the personality of each crew. From relaxed, sunlit afternoons to elegantly curated menus, every yacht delivered a snapshot of what a charter lunch can feel like: effortless, warm, and beautifully executed.

RoMa lit up the dock with one of the most memorable social moments of the week: The Orange Party, a vibrant, high-energy evening that blended RoMa’s signature hospitality with a playful, competitive twist.

The event welcomed guests who had earned exclusive entry by completing a fun N&J challenge: visiting six of our yachts and finding the hidden rubber duck aboard each one.

It was an effortless icebreaker, sending brokers and industry friends on a dockwide treasure hunt that kept spirits high long before the party even began.

Each year, the Antigua Charter Show celebrates the artistry of onboard hospitality, and in 2025, the spotlight turned toward a theme that continues to shape the expectations of today’s charter guests: A Journey of Wellness. With all nine N&J yachts participating, this year’s culinary and tablescaping competitions embodied a shift toward intentional luxury.

Wellness-forward dining has become more than a trend; it’s now a defining request among charter clients. As dietary preferences increasingly reflect clean eating principles, chefs and interior teams are elevating their craft to deliver meals and experiences that feel restorative and delicious.

The Chef Competition challenged participating chefs to create a refined, wellness-forward three‑course menu. At least one dish required a restricted dietary focus, such as vegan, plant-based, gluten-free, low FODMAP, or macrobiotic. Rather than limiting creativity, these parameters encouraged imagination and innovation. Chefs were invited to celebrate nutrient-dense ingredients, intentional cooking, and dishes that deliver both beauty and benefit.

As in previous years, the Mystery Ingredient Challenge added a dynamic twist. Each chef received a surprise ingredient during the Chef’s Briefing, which had to be highlighted in one of the three courses.

Judging took place onboard, with each yacht receiving a dedicated 30‑minute window. The experience was immersive and intimate, with judges tasting each course as it was presented, allowing chefs to tell a story through their dishes and philosophy.

Complementing the culinary challenge, the Table Design and Service Competition invited stewards and stewardesses to interpret A Journey of Wellness at the Table through ambiance, materials, and mindful presentation. The goal: create a visual and emotional landscape that embodies serenity, balance, and natural beauty.

Tables featured a thoughtful blend of natural textures and organic aesthetics, incorporating elements such as linen, stone, wood, pressed florals, ceramics, and edible décor. Aromatic elements and spa‑like touches added a calming dimension, while service focused on warmth and guest connection.

Judges sought cohesive storytelling, examining how the setting, service, and cuisine worked together to enhance the overall experience.

The final day of the Antigua Charter Show brought an atmosphere of anticipation as judges completed their rounds and the results of the Chef and Tablescaping Competitions were revealed. For Northrop & Johnson, it was a proud and celebratory finish. Our yachts and crew distinguished themselves across categories, earning top accolades that reflect both their talent and the depth of hospitality culture across the fleet.

STARFIRE emerged as a standout, with Chef Thean Labuschagne taking 1st Place for Best Chef in the 180ft & over category. STARFIRE also secured 2nd Place for Best Tablescape, led by Chief Stewardess Aimie Keech, whose serene, beautifully balanced design captured the spirit of the wellness theme with thoughtful detail.

RoMa continued her strong presence throughout the show, with Chef Daniel Stoma Baldo earning 2nd Place for Best Chef in the 180ft & over category. His menu showcased creativity, precision, and a deeply considered approach to intentional, wellness-driven cuisine.

In the 126ft–179ft tablescaping division, AMICA MEA took home 2nd Place for Best Tablescape, thanks to Chief Stewardess Beth Pendrous, whose restorative, nature-inspired setting resonated beautifully with the judges. KING BABY followed with 3rd Place for Best Tablescape, led by Chief Stewardess Michelle Riherd, who blended KING BABY’s signature bold personality with a refined, wellness-infused aesthetic.

For information on chartering STARFIRE, RoMa, VALINOR, FIFI, CHASING DAYLIGHT, KING BABY, FABULOUS CHARACTER, AMICA MEA, CAPTAIN MORGAN III, or any other yachts available during the 2025/26 winter season, please contact your preferred Northrop & Johnson charter broker.