Antigua and Barbuda: the yachting sector

Abstract

The text of this executive summary provides a brief description of the findings and recommendations arising from the Antigua and Barbuda Case Study on the yachting industry. Reference should be made to a previous study, Antigua and Barbuda Yachting Study, done by Systems Caribbean Limited in 1995. Not much has been done to implement recommendations of that study. The lack of action resulting from the effort made in that study is of concern to us. There may be several reasons for this, foremost of which, we believe, is the absence of effective institutional mechanisms in government and the yachting business community to effect needed change. In this study, we have identified attributes and opportunities available to Antigua and Barbuda that can be used for the further development and enhanced competitiveness of the yachting industry. Such attributes include the numerous protected anchorages, outstanding scenic backdrops for cruising, a highly skilled pool of freelance workers, readily available technical and other ancillary services and berthing infrastructure that can accommodate the growing number of megayachts in an expanding global market of large boats.