The Charter Yacht Society (CYS) is a registered non-profit organization which was founded in 1982 by independent owners of crewed charter boats based in the BVI. It is the only BVI government recognized body within the crewed yacht industry. By crews and for crews, the society represents the organized voice of individual BVI based yacht operators and those who charter in our waters. The CYS advocates, educates and promotes.
Members of the Charter Yacht Society of the British Virgin Island provide private cruising vacations to guests from around the world. Its member crews are from a wide variety of backgrounds, both professionally and culturally. Crewed chartering is often a second career and many members have unusual stories to tell.
NEW! Effective July 25th, CYS membership is open to foreign based charter boats provided they meet all of the legal requirements to charter in BVI waters.
The CYS is run by a board of eight full members, elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. The day to day running of the society is handled by Janet Oliver, the Executive Director, at the office in Road Town (behind Village Cay), under the direction of the board members.
Charter Yacht Society membership is currently comprised of 100 crewed charter yachts including more than 250 crew members.
2024/2025 Board of Directors
- Audrey Boulianne aboard SYNERGY 86 (Chairperson)
- Caitlin Nichols aboard PORT TO VINO
- Graham Gips aboard COLIBRI
- Alex England aboard PERFECT LANDING
- Lina Nilsson Aboard MISS SUMMER
- Ruth Ross aboard RHAPSODY 2
- Rosie Kirk aboard EBB & FLOW
- Andre Carmo aboard ISLAND KISSES
Whilst much has changed in the crewed yacht industry since the inception of the CYS, the objectives have remained constant.
Those objectives are:
- To foster a business climate beneficial to its members consistent with the intelligent development of the charter boat industry and to advance the interests of BVI based vessels while upholding the highest industry standards
- To promote good relationships between the resident independent crewed charters boats, their crews and the government and people of the BVI.
- To propagate the observation of the laws of the Territory and respect for its social standards and culture.
CRUISING PERMIT (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2017
According to the Cruising Permit (Amendment) Act, 2017 the BVI government recognizes a home based charter boat as the following:
“home based charter boat” means a charter boat:
- operating in the *Virgin Islands;
- generally maintained in the Virgin Islands; and
- managed by a company or any other legal entity incorporated, registered or licensed in the Virgin Islands,
for a period of five (5) months or more in any twelve month period.”
“foreign based charter boat” means any charter boat other than a home based charter boat;
*Virgin Islands = British Virgin Islands.
Full Membership
CYS membership is open to BVI based term charter yachts operated by permanent crew. The yacht should have a trade license or operate under a charter company trade license, the crew / owner should be associated with one particular vessel and have work permits (if not BVIslanders or Belongers).
Membership fees are based on maximum occupancy winter rates (not holiday rates):
| Charter fee | Less than $20,000 | $20,001 - $30,000 | $30,001 - $40,000 | 40,001 - upwards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Membership fee | $550 | $600 | $650 | $700 |
NEW!! Associate Membership
As of July 25th 2019, Charter Yacht Society membership is open to any independent term charter yacht operated by permanent crew and based outside the British Virgin Islands. The yacht must meet all government requirements, and obtain all requisite documents for chartering when in the BVI as well as meet industry standards.
Associate members cannot vote or serve on the CYS Board however all other benefits in terms of trade discounts, discounted show and industry representation are included.
Membership fees are based on maximum occupancy winter rates (not holiday rates):
| Charter fee | Less than $20,000 | $20,001 - $30,000 | $30,001 - $40,000 | 40,001 - upwards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Membership fee | $600 | $650 | 700 | $750 |
Join Us Today!
Create an account by logging into the site LOG IN then select MEMBER from the top menu. Complete the form and submit.
The CYS has gained recognition from the community and BVI government as a group of concerned individuals who contribute significantly to the local economy. Below is a list of Associations of which we are either active members or supporters.