VIBE 2026 starts Thursday
by Carol Bareuther 13 May 03:25 PDT
May 14-16, 2026
A Fountaine Pajot Victoria 67 on display at VIBE 2025 © MediaBoostVI
The countdown is on for the third annual Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE), returning to IGY's Yacht Haven Grande Marina in St. Thomas this week, Thursday through Saturday, May 14-16, 2026.
Presented by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), the event features three days to see and tour yachts, both power and sail, for sale and charter. Beyond the docks, attendees can enjoy a busy lineup of events showcasing the best of the U.S. Virgin Islands boating lifestyle, including over 30 vendors, kid's fishing clinics, sail and jet board in-water demos, seminars about how to buy and finance a boat, island experiences including nonstop live music from the island's top performers such as Reggae Dynasty, Roxnonstop, and Top Notch, and workforce development initiatives shaping the future of the Caribbean marine industry.
"With a great lineup of boats open for tours, fantastic deals on charters and gear, as well as an excellent local music lineup, VIBE 2026 is the place to be in the Virgin Islands, May 14-16. We hope to see everyone out on the docks enjoying the event and celebrating all the various ways to enjoy the beautiful waters that surround us here," says Kennon Jones, VIPCA executive director.
Tickets are available online at vibe.vi/tickets and at the show.
What's happening when!
Walk the Docks & Tour the Yachts
May 14: Noon-5 p.m.
May 15-16: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Get an up close and personal look at leading boat brands such as Axopar, Hanse, Lagoon, Leopard, Sunreef, Two Oceans, and Voyage. Pyper Yachts will display its beautiful Sunreef 80, Entre4, where attendees can step into a space that feels more like a private floating villa than a yacht. Entre4 features four ensuite cabins for eight guests, a transformable beach club platform, panoramic flybridge, and water toys including SeaBobs, E-foils, paddleboards, wakeboards, and yacht golf.
"Having Sunreef's VP of Sales for the region at the show adds a unique and valuable dimension to this year's experience. It's rare for attendees to have direct access to the people shaping one of the most influential brands in the luxury catamaran space," says Heinrych Pyper, chief executive officer of Pyper Yachts.
Visit the Vendors & Exhibitors
May 14: Noon-5 p.m.
May 15-16: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
More than 30 vendors and exhibitors from the U.S. Virgin Islands, BVI, Puerto Rico, the U.S. mainland, and even Australia represent luxury yachts, charter companies, marine technology, fishing, watersports, aviation, food and beverage, and conservation, offering something for every interest.
"We will have an AB center console dinghy with a Yamaha 40 on the back for display," says Chris Cilliers, general manager for Offshore Marine, the Virgin Islands' premier dealer for boats, marine engines, parts, and expert service, which will have a booth dockside. Offshore will offer a 15% discount on all Yamaha engines during the show.
Kid's Fishing Clinics
May 15: 4-4:30 p.m.
May 16: 11-11:30 a.m., 1-1:30 p.m., and 3-3:30 p.m.
Captain Don Dingman's free clinics are open to children of all ages, and each registered participant receives a complimentary rod and reel, plus hands-on fishing instruction. Register at vibe.vi/ticketsand select a clinic session.
Demos Galore
Motosurf Demo
May 14: 4-5 p.m., May 15: 3-4 p.m., and May 16: 11:30-12:30 p.m.
Watch in-water demos of the latest line of jet boards. Motosurf is offering $4,000 off their Phase 3 board.
Sailing Demo
May 15 & 16: Noon- 2 p.m.
The St. Thomas Sailing Center, at the St. Thomas Yacht Club, offers free sails on its IC24 sailboats.
Sportfishing Demo
May 15 & 16: By appointment
Take a short ride on the water to see what a sportfishing charter is all about—hosted by the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club.
Virgin Islands Center for Autonomous Research Demo
May 16: 2:30-3 p.m.
VICAR, a University of the Virgin Islands initiative, will showcase how it uses AI, robotics, 3D mapping, and autonomous underwater vehicles to study reefs and marine life while helping build a local STEM workforce.
Seminars
May 15 & 16: 1-1:30 p.m. Paths to Vessel Ownership
May 15 & 16: 1:30-2 p.m. Understanding Financing
Listen to Steve McCauley of Caribe Yacht Group discuss vessel ownership, followed by Kim Madigan of Newcoast Financial Services on financing options.
Evening Social Activities & Fundraisers
May 14: 5-7:30 Light the Night, Dockside Celebration
May 15: 4-6 p.m. Meet & Greet - America's Cup Presentation by Tucker Thompson
May 16: 7-Midnight Charting the Future Gala
Buy tickets now
Tickets for VIBE 2026 are on sale now at vibe.vi/tickets. All tickets include yacht tours and access to the air-conditioned Harbor 360 Vendor Expo, complete with a complimentary beverage, live music, and cultural performances. Purchase tickets online at: vibe.vi/tickets
For full VIBE event details, exhibitor information, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.vibe.vi
To learn more about VIPCA, visit www.vipca.org
VIBE would like to thank its sponsors: USVI Department of Tourism, IGY Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas, Joyride Aviation, Charter Smarter, USVI Economic Development Authority, Latitudes & Attitudes, Newcoast Financial Services, Muse, Brava, Ocean Surfari, Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club, We Are Wine LLC, A&R Transportation, and CaribTrans.