By Crews for Crews

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.

Michelle is Stewardess/Deckhand aboard MV Synergy 86. She grew up sailing the waters of the BVI and is a certified free diver and yoga instructor. Michelle's background in event planning making her a perfect fit for the board.
View Yacht
Michelle Barbuto
MV Synergy 86

Caitlin and her husband Jeff have been working together since they met at a dive shop in coastal North Carolina in 2010. They have been been in the BVI since 2012 and on charter yachts for a decade. Today they run charters on Port to Vino 59, a Samana 59. If members have a question about marine life, Caitlin usually knows the answer.

View Yacht
Caitlin Nichols
Port to Vino
Candace serves as First Mate aboard award winning member yacht, C'est La Vie. Her infectious bubbly character, adventurous spirit and creativity is just what the board needs to stay fresh.
View Yacht
Candace Flatley
C'est La Vie
Rosie and her husband Adam recently traded in their sails for a Lagoon 63 power cat, Mare Blu. "There is no turning back", says Rosie. Whilst originally from the UK they have been chartering in the BVI for 8 years. Rosie is our social media mogul.
View Yacht
Rosie Hughes-Kirk
Mare Blu
Carolina, husband Charly and son Valentin (when not at school) have been operating charters in the BVI for more than 25 years. Hailing from Argentina, Caro and family are an integral part of the Virgin Gorda community where they base their Lagoon 57, Vision.
View Yacht
Carolina Rodriguez Soaje
Vision
Dirk and his wife Sandy operate their own Lagoon 620, Le Rêve. Dirk has a background in education and technology. In his land-based years he worked in USA, Switzerland, Brazil and China. Dirk is drawn to all things water related from sailing to diving, wake & kite boarding, SUPping, and more.
View Yacht
Dirk DeLo
Le Rêve

Graham and his wife run a 3-crew member charter yacht called Colibri, a Fontaine Pajot 67. Graham is an engineer by training who spent a successful career in the oil and gas industry. Graham is a former Chairman of the CYS.

View Yacht
Graham Gips
Colibri

Ruth and her husband Terry have been operating crewed charters in the BVI for over 10 years. They currently are on Rhapsody II, a Lagoon 55. When not on charter Ruth's passion is volunteering her time with an animal welfare organization called PAW. Ruth is the CYS' current Chairperson.

View Yacht
Ruth Ross
Rhapsody II
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