The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has long been a destination for superyachts, but most yachts over 24 meters tend to visit for short stays, favouring more established bases for superyachts like Florida, St. Maarten, or USVI. These areas offer convenient shoreside support, facilities, and international compliance standards that cater to the needs of larger vessels. However, for owners of “small superyachts”—those in the 24 to 45-meter range—the BVI presents a unique opportunity that has yet to be fully tapped.
Can small superyachts base themselves in the BVI long term? We believe the answer is yes—and we have the roadmap to make it happen.
The BVI as a Base for Small Superyachts: Challenges and Opportunities
While the BVI is a popular cruising ground for superyachts, it has yet to establish itself as a home base for this class of vessels. There are a few reasons for this:
• Shoreside Support: Compared to locations like Florida, St. Maarten, or USVI, the BVI has fewer facilities that cater to the unique requirements of large yachts. Superyachts often require specialized services, advanced equipment, and certified contractors—areas where the BVI’s infrastructure has lagged behind.
• Regulatory Hurdles: The BVI regulatory environment can be daunting. Recognition of international standards and equivalencies, particularly regarding IMO conventions, has been problematic in the past. Additionally, securing work permits for international crew can be time-consuming, although recent improvements have shortened the process to as little as three weeks.
Despite these challenges, the BVI offers an appealing cruising ground with the potential to support long-term small superyacht operations. And the good news? It’s possible with the right approach, the right support, and the right team.
Small Superyachts in the BVI: A Unique Opportunity
At Mainstay Consulting Group Ltd, we’ve identified a niche for small superyachts—those between 24 and 45 meters—that could realistically base themselves in the BVI. We’ve already seen significant interest in this possibility, as evidenced by Nanny Cay’s ambitious expansion plans. Their proposed facilities aim to support this class of yacht, which aligns with the vision of bringing more resident superyachts to the islands.
While a few yachts claim to be based here through central charter listing systems, we’ve yet to see any that are fully committed to a real residential substance in the BVI. To us, being based in the BVI means delivering at least eight charters a year in these waters and spending over five months cumulatively here each year, while undertaking the majority of their repairs and procurement in the BVI as far as possible during the operational season. It’s a substantial commitment, but one that offers incredible rewards for the right owners.
BVI’s Proximity: A Shore-Side Support Advantage for Small Superyachts
One of the unique advantages of basing a small superyacht in the BVI is its proximity to shore-side support that can integrate directly with the yacht’s charter operations. In doing so, it effectively provides an extended crew by allowing shoreside support to handle more of the technical and logistical tasks. This enables the onboard crew to focus more closely on the guest experience, delivering a higher-end service that may not be possible in more remote jurisdictions.
For luxury charters, this translates into an elevated guest experience, more personalized attention, and the ability to drive a premium product that exceeds client expectations. The close integration between shoreside support and the charter crew means smoother operations and higher satisfaction for guests.
Profitability: Setting Realistic Expectations
Let’s face it: yachts don’t make vast amounts of money. If a yacht is set up solely as a business, we know it can generate profit—but the reality is that the same investment in another asset class could deliver higher returns. Yachting is about balance—balancing private enjoyment with offsetting costs through charter operations, and occassionally some tax advantages. Smart people don’t buy yachts to build wealth; they buy yachts because they’re already wealthy.
That said, if a yacht is set up and operated correctly, it can generate a small profit, and at Mainstay Consulting, we believe in being upfront about that potential. Unlike some of our competitors, we have no desire to misrepresent the return on investment (ROI) that a yacht can generate. We believe this is disingenuous. However, we are confident that with the right setup, a charter program on a small superyacht in the BVI has the potential to offer better returns than in competing jurisdictions like Antigua, St. Maarten, the Bahamas, or the Grenadines. The combination of the BVI’s unique cruising grounds, shoreside support, and proximity to the U.S. market makes it an ideal location for those seeking a more balanced, profitable operation.
Overcoming Regulatory Challenges with Mainstay's Expertise
While we yearn for the day when the BVI regulatory environment can be more streamlined and welcoming to superyacht operators, the current framework presents complexities that owners must navigate carefully. At Mainstay Consulting Group Ltd, we’ve worked extensively through our role with the Marine Association of the BVI to push for improvements, and while progress has been made, there’s still a long road ahead.
The reality is that the BVI’s regulatory hurdles remain, and without expert guidance, these challenges can be time-consuming and frustrating for yacht owners. However, the good news is that these are much less likely to be problems if you partner with us. We’ve set precedents in regulatory compliance, permitting, and licensing, and have a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our expertise ensures smooth operations without the typical headaches, making the BVI a more realistic and rewarding base for your yacht.
In fact, we demonstrated this with M/Y Jura II, which was on track to become our first locally resident small superyacht before the owner changed her to private usage in the Mediterranean and UK. The regulatory compliance was essentially complete, proving that it is possible to overcome the barriers and base a superyacht in the BVI—if you have the right team behind you.
Service and Support: A Network Built for Small Superyachts in the BVI
For small superyachts, the availability of skilled contractors and shoreside support is a top priority. While the BVI doesn’t yet have the same level of specialized services as more developed yachting hubs, we have some unique skills and experiences on our team, and we’ve established relationships that give us access to unique resources. Our approach balances educating and utilizing local contractors with flying in specialized technicians when necessary.
Thanks to regular direct flights from Florida to the BVI, flying in specialized contractors is now more economical and logistically feasible than ever. This proximity allows us to offer high-end services without the delays and high costs that come from flying in all resources from afar.
Our network extends across the Caribbean, enabling us to source expertise and parts closer to home rather than relying solely on U.S.-based resources. This flexibility ensures reliable and cost-effective support for any issues that may arise, from routine maintenance to more specialized repairs.
Finding the Right Owners: Committed to Our Values and the BVI Community
We’re not just looking for yachts; we’re looking for owners who share our values of quality, integrity, and commitment. We want owners who are ready to be part of the BVI community—yachts that don’t just visit, but become integral to the islands. Owners who base their yachts here should be committed to integrating into the BVI’s unique environment, contributing to the local community, and enhancing the overall yachting experience in the region.
Together, we can offer something extraordinary and ensure the success of both the yacht and the BVI as a premier superyacht destination.
Why the BVI? Why Now?
One of the core messages we want to communicate is that basing a small superyacht in the BVI is possible—but it requires expert guidance. The BVI presents one of the most challenging regulatory environments in the Caribbean, but that challenge also brings opportunity. Successfully operating here opens the door to broader regional coverage, all while maintaining a home base in one of the Caribbean’s most desirable locations.
By starting in the BVI, yacht owners ensure they are prepared for operations across the Caribbean, as this region has some of the strictest requirements. Getting it right here is more likely to mean smooth sailing in other destinations.
Conclusion: Small Superyachts BVI – It Can Be Done, and We Have the Plan
Basing a small superyacht in the BVI isn’t a pipe dream—it’s a reality waiting to happen for the right yacht owners. Yes, the regulatory environment can be tough, but with the right team guiding the process, it’s achievable. At Mainstay Consulting Group Ltd, we’re ready to work with superyacht owners who see the value in establishing a foothold in the BVI. We have the experience, relationships, and resources to make it happen.
Are you ready to be part of the next wave of small superyachts in the BVI? Let’s make it happen together.
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