The heavens opened and poured tropical rain on to the sunshine isle of Antigua on day two of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show.
With the morning dampened there was a slow start to broker activity on the docks. But we braved the rain and started to explore the many yachts berthed on the Falmouth Marina Docks.
Necker Belle the catamaran now owned by Richard Branson and marketed for charter through Burgess Yachts was our first port of call. Her crew taking pity on two somewhat drenched journalists, showed us around this newly refitted yacht. Her permanent, year round, base will be Necker Island in the BVI.
Maltese Falcon is on the same dock and is as splendid as ever. Today Islander the former motor sailing catamaran made her appearance sans masts. She now boasts the distinction of being one of the very few yachts to have had the gender change from sailing yacht to motor yacht.
Lunch was aboard the magnificent ketch Marie hosted by Fraser Yachts with an all-star cast of top brokers. Ten of us sat around for a spectacular lunch that only goes to prove how many talented chefs there are in the Super Yacht World.
Afternoon visits included our boarding Eros. Built in 1937 she has an amazing history including a long restoration with many years in pieces on the floor of a Californian shipyard. Now fully restored to her former glory this yacht once owned by Stavros Niachos is available through Camper& Nicholson.
Andreas L the former Amnesia was named after the famous charter yacht owner Andreas Livereas. His equally charismatic son Dion was our host for a wonderful cocktail hour.
Frances was privileged to enjoy a wonderful 5 course dinner served aboard Solemates the newest charter launching from Lurssen. The crew, led by Captain Glynn Smith, perfectly demonstrated the top level of service found on a charter of this calibre.
Michael meanwhile was in Falmouth Harbour particicpating in their Yacht Hop hosted by IYC and Nicholson Yachts. Among the more popular yachts there was the famous Casino Royale and Atalantica both managed by IYC and the Cari Ali from Nicholson Yachts. Maltese Falcon put on a head turning show by turning a lower sail into a huge movie screen showing Avatar at a mind boggling size.