The horns rang out loud and clear over English Harbour, marking the official close of the 2024 International Yacht Charter Show. As the mega-superyachts—completed with their polished wood, gleaming surfaces, and occasional hints of ostentation—began the process of tidying up after days of schmoozing and showcasing. One couldn’t help but marvel at the spectacle.

This is a high-stakes commercial event designed for brokers, boat captains, owners, and marine merchants, but for the rest of us mere mortals, it’s mostly an opportunity to stand, stare and wonder what on earth it’s all about.

While the show brings undeniable economic benefits to Antigua, it also sparks curiosity among those of us outside the industry. What’s life like aboard these floating palaces? And what does it take to build a career travelling the world on these luxurious vessels? Determined to get some answers, I ventured into the fray with Shaniyah and Izayah Riley—17 and 14 years old, respectively—on a mission to discover what really happens behind the glossy decks.

Our first stop was Motor Yacht Bold, the 85.3m expedition yacht that’s as cool as it sounds. Crafted by Australia’s SilverYachts, Bold is a marvel of engineering, offering accommodation for 12 guests and boasting some of the most futuristic features in the show, including what can only be described as the coolest gangplank ever—part gangway, part diving board, and fully unforgettable.

Standing nonchalantly in front of the yacht’s helicopter (because, of course, there’s a helicopter, along with the tender to Bold and the tender to the tender to Bold), Benn Weatherseed, a crew member, gave us the lowdown on life afloat. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, as long as it involved boats,” he admitted with a grin, drawing nods of agreement from Shaniyah and Izaya. He explained the dedication and qualifications needed for a career in yachting, and it became clear that while the job has its perks, it’s no cakewalk.

From Bold, we moved on to Surina, a sleek 44.8m motor yacht built by Trident and available for charter for up to 10 guests. Crewman Alex was eager to give us a tour, and Captain Bryan shared insights into the show’s broader importance. Beyond its commercial focus, the event is a chance for crews to connect with Antigua. Many, he explained, use their downtime to give back, whether by helping to clean beaches or supporting local initiatives.

Our final stop was Unbridled, a 191’ Trinity motor yacht that oozed luxury from every angle. Despite being pulled in every direction, Captain Liam Devlin took the time to personally show us around, even venturing into the crew quarters, where we found two crew members mid-burger!

 “You need to see behind the scenes,” Liam insisted, pulling back the curtain on the hard work that keeps these yachts running smoothly.

“It’s nothing like those TV shows like “Below Decks,” Benn from Bold had warned earlier. “If we carried on like that, we’d be fired!” And it showed—beneath the veneer of glamour, it was clear that the crews work tirelessly to maintain the standard of excellence expected aboard these vessels.

As we wrapped up our day, Shaniyah summed up the experience perfectly: “It was fascinating to discover the opportunities available for young people, especially females, in the yacht industry. Learning about the different roles and their unique challenges was so inspiring. And the hospitality? It was amazing.”

But what stood out most was the genuine connection between the yachts and the island. Every captain and crew member we spoke to emphasised their commitment to engaging with Antigua, mentoring young people and playing their part in environmental conservation. Captain Liam even mentioned seeking out local groups like Adopt a Coastline to see how he and his crew could help. “We have a duty,” he said, “to protect the islands we visit, encourage young people to join the industry and do our bit for the planet.”

The International Yacht Charter Show may be a glittering display of wealth and luxury, but it’s also a reminder that even in the world of superyachts, there’s room for community, opportunity, and a sense of responsibility. And maybe—just maybe—a chance for the rest of us to dream.