Moe’s Fresh Market Named Official Provisioner of USVI Charter Yacht Show

Moe’s Fresh Market

The Virgin Island’s Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), organizers of the 2019 USVI Charter Yacht, set for Nov. 11 to 14 at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande, have announced that Moe’s Fresh Market, a locally owned and operated chain of upscale gourmet food markets located near St. Thomas’s major ports, is the show’s official provisioner and caterer.

“With our Moe’s Fresh Market locations in Red Hook, on the Waterfront in Charlotte Amalie, and by year’s end at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande, we look forward to providing the Virgin Islands charter yacht community and their guests with a wide selection of fine foods and beverages, as well as catering to charter chef’s special ingredient requests,” said Willie Hamed, vice president of Demah Inc., dba Moe’s Fresh Markets, and co-owner of sister company Plaza Extra Tutu in St. Thomas, and Plaza Extra West, near Frederiksted, St. Croix.

Moe’s staff has formed relationships with local farmers and those in neighboring islands such as St. Croix, Puerto Rico and Dominica, to supply just-picked fruits, vegetables and herbs. Moe’s Fresh Markets are the only approved Boars Head representative on St. Thomas, a signature feature of the store’s deli, in addition to a range of imported and domestic cheeses, house-prepared traditional and trendy salads, Moe’s StoneHouse Sub-brand sandwiches, and amply stocked salad and hot bars. The bakery offers daily fresh-baked crusty breads and artisan loaves. Catering with these items is available with 24-hour notice. Numerous organic, gluten-free and international ingredients are available throughout the stores.

Of note, Moe’s Yacht Haven Grande location will boast a special wine room on its second level. Here, regularly hosted wine and food tastings can acquaint yacht crews with what’s new. Crews can email their provisioning lists to provisions@moesvi.com

Some 70 crewed yachts are already registered for the USVI Charter Yacht Show. The largest to date is Columbia, a 141.37-foot steel hull replica of the original 1923 Gloucester-built fishing schooner of the same name, constructed by the Eastern Shipbuilding Group, in Panama City, Fla., and launched in 2014.

What sets Columbia apart from other sailing yachts, says Salzmann, is the luxury vessel’s speed, grace and traditional beauty. Along with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, jacuzzi and satcom communications, Columbia is the perfect blend of history and elegance.

Eros, a 115.16-foot, wood and steel-hulled schooner launched in 1938 by Brooks Motor Craft, in Lowestoft, UK, and refit in 2016, is another classic beauty that will be on show.

“We are giving the USVI show a shot because the Antigua Show is now mostly large motor yachts, and therefore, we decided to join a sailing show,” said Cameron Riddell, manager. “We especially love chartering in the Virgin Islands. Therefore, we hope to introduce Eros to some new brokers, and spend much of our time in the idyllic waters of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.”

Crewed Yachts can register online at www.vipca.org/vessel-registration/

Over 110 charter brokers registered last year, with even more expected for the 2019 USVI Charter Yacht Show. These brokers are based in the Caribbean, U.S. and Europe.

Charter Brokers are also encouraged to register online at: www.vipca.org/charter-broker-registration/  Visit www.visitusvi.com for accommodation. Accommodation discounts are available at the Emerald Beach Resort and The Green Iguana Hotel. Book transport at www.vitaxiassociation.com.

“There are a number of exciting activities this year, including a culinary demonstration for yacht chefs by Chef ‘Benji’ David Benjamin at the Blue Eleven restaurant located on the Yacht Haven Grande property. This takes place during the final afternoon after the show, on November 14. Chefs can register for this at www.vipca.org/chefs-network-demo-cook/. Best Stoli and Captain Morgan’s Cocktails will also be judged at the Blue Eleven restaurant on Nov. 13,” said Blake.

Dining on board ship

The 2019 USVI Charter Yacht Show’s dynamic action-packed schedule features four days of yacht viewing: an outstanding opportunity for yachts and crews to highlight signature services, features and amenities to brokers. Plus, there will be a crew cocktail party, awards dinner, sunset cruise, marine expo, and the always anticipated ‘State of the Industry’ address, which highlights many of the off-the-beaten-track anchorages in these world-famous cruising grounds.

Sponsors of the USVI Charter Yacht show include the USVI Department of Tourism; Yacht Haven Grande; IGY Marinas; Offshore Marine; Gowrie Group; Denison Yacht Sales; Moe’s Fresh Market; Captain Morgan, distributed by Bellows International; Stoli, distributed by West Indies Company; Northern Lights Generators, distributed by Parts and Power; the Charter Yacht Broker Association; Cardow Jewelers; Harbor Shoppers; La Royale Cosmetics; and the Pamilco Group.