About Us

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 British Virgin Islands. 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 BVI provide private cruising vacations to guests from around the world. Its 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.

CYS membership is open to foreign based charter boats provided they meet all of the legal requirements to charter in BVI waters.

Board of Directors

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.

Society Objectives

Although the industry has changed over the years, the objectives of the Society have remained consistent.

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.

Become a BVI based yacht