Who We Are

The Charter Yacht Society (CYS) is a non-profit organization which was founded in 1982 by independent owners of crewed yachts in the BVI. It is the only BVI government recognized body within the crewed charter industry. The society represents the organized voice of individual yachts and their crew. The CYS advocates, educates and promotes.

The 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 way of life and many members have unusual stories to tell.

The CYS is run by a board of six full members, who are 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 Wickham's Cay office in Road Town, under the direction of the board members.

Charter Yacht Society membership consists of approximately 70 yachts.

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.

The CYS has gained recognition from the community and BVI government as a group of concerned individuals who contribute significantly to the local economy. We are active members of the BVI Marine Association, VISAR (Virgin Islands Search and Rescue), the BVICCHA (Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association) and supporters of National Parks Trust and international Reef Check Programs.

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