The Newport Charter Yacht Show 2023 Highlights
by Dayle Reimer on Jul 20, 2023
With a large, sheltered harbor within Narragansett Bay, Newport was the delightful and picturesque setting for the 35th Newport Charter Yacht Show which took place June 19-22, 2023. Situated directly between New York City and Boston, Newport is a great destination for summertime charters, and for charter yachts who plan to spend the summer in New England or along the Eastern seaboard, the Newport Charter Yacht Show was the perfect way to start the season. The scope of the show also encompassed the Bahamas, with The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism/Investments & Aviation the presenting sponsor.
The four-day event focused around the display of luxury crewed charter yachts ranging in size from the 57’ sailing yacht Vanishing Point to the 191’ motor yacht Unbridled. The show drew nearly 100 charter brokers eager to inspect these yachts firsthand, and find the perfect choice for clients interested in this region.
Here are a few of our favorite yachts in attendance:
118 Ft. M/Y XOXO: Sleeps 10 guests in 5 cabins.
125 Ft. M/Y Sea Axis: Sleeps 12 guests in 5 cabins.
100 Ft. M/Y Magnum Ride: Sleeps 8 guests in 4 cabins.
XOXO, Sea Axis and Magnum Ride.
Throughout the show, educational seminars and panel discussions were held by charter yacht industry experts to share updates on new technologies, changes in maritime law, and to promote charter-friendly resorts and enchanting destinations.
The show also featured several competitions, including the ever-popular Chef’s culinary competition. The theme, A Junkanoo of Hors d'oeuvre, featured hors d’oeuvres, appetizers and small plates. The chefs presented their dishes to the judges, explaining their chosen ingredients and how they prepared their entry.
Winning was Chef Nicole Ackerman from M/Y Unbridled. With shellfish as her protein, Chef Nicole presented masa seared scallops on the half shell with Jerusalem artichoke purée, pickled mushrooms, pickled baby fennel, and kale oil; butter poached Spanish prawns in a charred pink pineapple and red curry sauce with toasted peanut crunch and burnt lime; and a raw board of caviar cones with almond foam, lemon zest, and herb oil, razor clam ceviche with mango-heirloom tomato salsa, avocado crema, and salsa verde, and crispy potato skins with wild garlic cream and caviar.
Unbridled / Chef Nicole Ackerman winning dish. Photo by Newport Charter Show. Used with permission.
Perhaps best fostering the spirit of camaraderie was the Captain and Deck Challenge, with seven participating crews competing in a 3-part competition that included fender inflation (fastest time), floral design, and yoga. The best overall performance in all three disciplines was the 125’ M/Y Sea Axis.
Sea Axis winning crew. Photo by Newport Charter Show. Used with permission.
The Tablescaping Competition attracted 9 yachts, with the 157’ M/Y Mirabella winning the Professional Judges’ award. The 112’ M/Y Spirit won the “Fan Favorite” award (as voted by brokers and show attendees) for its modern floral take on the Amalfi Coast fused with New England charm. Taking first place in the Signature Cocktail Competition sponsored by Espolòn Tequila, was the 85’ M/Y Lexington with its Azure Blue cocktail. For its vibrant “Disco” theme, the 133’ M/Y Serenity won the Herman Pundt Best Yacht Hop award.
Mirabella winning table decor. Photo by Newport Charter Show. Used with permission.
To plan a New England yacht charter, contact one of our brokers today.
