FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2019
Offshore Marine Named an Official Sponsor of 2019 USVI Charter Yacht Show, Offers Carib Inflatable/Yamaha Outboard for Silent Auction to Raise Funds for Youth Training
– Early Bird Discount for Yacht Registration Ends July 1, 2019
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Organizers of the USVI Charter Yacht Show, set for November 11 to 14, at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande, are pleased to announce that Offshore Marine, the Yamaha distributor and Caribe Inflatables importer to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, has been named the Show’s official supplier of Outboard Engines and Inflatable Dinghies. Located in Subbase, on the western side of the Charlotte Amalie harbor, this premier marine company and principal USVI Charter Yacht Show sponsor, also services what it sells. New for 2019, Offshore Marine is offering a Yamaha F70 with Caribe DL15 Inflatable, one of the most popular tender packages for charter yachts, for auction. Proceeds will benefit VIPCA and its non-profit Marine Rebuild Fund.
Photo: The Offshore Marine team in their facility in Subbase, St. Thomas.
“We are pleased to sponsor the USVI Charter Yacht Show,” says Abrie Cilliers, owner of Offshore Marine. “This is a market we know well, having sold and serviced durable and reliable name-brand outboards and inflatables such as Yamaha and Caribe for over 30 years. We know the importance of being ready for charter, the oftentimes tight turnaround between charters and how equipment breakdowns can cost a repeat charter. We pride ourselves in that we service what we sell and that we can stand behind and handle factory warranties for our products.”
Jennifer Augspurger, VIPCA president and chef aboard the 46-foot sailing catamaran, Starfish, adds, “VIPCA is thrilled to have Offshore Marine as a sponsor for the 2019 USVI Charter Yacht Show as the St. Thomas-based company is an invaluable partner for successful charter yacht operations. Charter yachts of all sizes can look to Offshore Marine for the purchase of new engines, generators or dinghies, or to secure parts or service. As those in the charter industry can attest, support services are key to optimal charter operations and Offshore Marine’s multi-faceted operation is evidence of the strength of the marine support services available to yachts in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
Offshore Marine, the number one Yamaha service facility in the Caribbean, is staffed by factory-trained technicians. In fact, a factory certified Yamaha Master Technician runs the company’s service department. Offshore Marine’s technician’s constant dialogue with the main factory in Japan over the years and astute input about the unique challenges in the Caribbean market has helped Yamaha with product development and improvements, thus making a great product even better.
The inflatable repair facility at Offshore Marine handles not only the Caribe-brand but can accommodate sizes from a 10-foot cruising to 40-foot megayacht tender. Repairs range from small puncture holes to large tears and everything in between. The company even offers custom re-tubing on Inflatables 20-feet and up. Offshore Marine is also a dealer for brands such as Zodiac, Avon, Walker Bay and Novurania.
“Offshore Marine was wonderful to work with when I needed service repair work on my 15-foot Caribe tender,” says Mike ‘Hank’ Hampton, captain/owner operator at Feel the Magic Yacht Charters and founder of the St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands’-based Paradise Yacht Management. “I only had a short window before the next charter and they made sure the tender was quickly scheduled, repaired and splashed back in the water ready for the next charter.”
Join the Silent Auction Race!
A Yamaha F70 with Caribe DL15 Inflatable is up for auction from Offshore Marine.
The Yamaha F70 is one of the most popular go-to four-stroke outboards, which deliver quick starts, high performance and incredible efficiency.
Superior construction, an 8-passenger rating, built in fuel tank, molded console and upholstered seating makes the Caribe DL15 RIB a perfect tender for your charter yacht.
Fifty percent of auction profit will be donated to the charity, ‘Marine Rebuild Fund,’ to sponsor youth training in the marine industry, and 50% will benefit VIPCA.
Silent Auction starts July 1, see more information on VIPCA website: www.vipca.org
Photo: 2018 USVI Charter Yacht Show at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas. Credit: Phil Blake.
Calling all Yachts – Early Bird Yacht Show Registration Ends July 1
Crewed Yachts should register by July 1 to receive 20% off with an Early Bird Show Registration Discount. Vessels who register by July 1 will be considered for priority berthing.
Charter Brokers are also encouraged to register early. Visit www.visitusvi.com for accommodation. Accommodation discount are available at the Emerald Beach Resort and The Green Iguana Hotel. Book transport at www.vitaxiassociation.com.
For more information and to register, visit: www.vipca.org
New for 2019
“This year we are excited to announce a ‘Chef and Bartender Expo’ as well as an extension of the increasingly prestigious culinary competition to include more competitors. There will be an exciting shake-up to the themed yacht-hop too,” says Oriel Blake, executive director of VIPCA.
Registration is now open for the Culinary Competition. This year’s theme is ‘Inspired Raw Cuisine’. Registration is first come, first serve. To register, Email: info@vipca.org
The 2019 USVI Charter Yacht Show’s dynamic action-packed schedule features four days of yacht viewing, an outstanding opportunity for yachts and crews to highlight signature services, features and amenities to brokers. Plus, there will be a crew cocktail party, awards dinner, sunset cruise, marine expo, and the always anticipated ‘State of the Industry’ address, which highlights many of the off-the-beaten-track anchorages in these world-famous cruising grounds.
Sponsors of the USVI Charter Yacht show include the USVI Department of Tourism; Yacht Haven Grande; IGY Marinas; Offshore Marine; the Gowrie Group; Denison Yacht Sales; Moe’s Fresh Market; Stoli, distributed by West Indies Company; Captain Morgan, distributed by Bellows International; the Charter Yacht Broker Association; Cardow Jewelers; Harbor Shoppers and La Royale Cosmetics.
ABOUT VIPCA
VIPCA is the territory’s 501(c)(6) nonprofit marine association, whose purpose is to promote, protect and further the capabilities of charter yachts and the marine businesses that sustain them. Projects and initiatives VIPCA membership supports includes producing a marine directory of local information, technical advice and resources; improving Customs and Border Protection facilities; gaining ease of access for charter vessels between the USVI and Spanish Virgin Islands; compliance guidance; moving forward a proposal to manage territory wide new transient moorings; marine vocational training for V.I. youth; and surveying and cleaning up bays and mangroves under the organization’s charity fiscally sponsored by Community Foundation Virgin Islands (CFVI.net), VI Marine Rebuild Fund.
Media Contact:
Carol Bareuther
Tel: 340-998-3650
Email: bareuther@earthlink.net
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