The Horizon Group
The Horizon Group
Owning a yacht is a dream – but placing your yacht in charter allows that dream to be financially sustainable. With Horizon, you can enjoy the freedom of private sailing in the Caribbean while your yacht generates revenue when you’re not using it.
Charter Yacht Ownership, specifically in the Caribbean, boasts various potential benefits, including:
1. Factory-direct Pricing: The Caribbean is a tax- and tariff-free environment, meaning your yacht's purchase price is free from heavy tax and import duties often charged in Europe or North America.
2. Business Benefits: Many owners choose to run their yacht as a business by placing it in charter, potentially benefiting from charter income that offsets ownership costs as well as business financing opportunities.
3. Depreciation Opportunities: For eligible U.S. owners, Horizon's Active Yacht Management Program has received IRS review, and qualifying owners may be eligible for valuable tax advantages, including potential accelerated depreciation.
Because every owner's situation is different, Horizon works alongside experienced marine tax professionals who can help determine your eligibility, but please note: Horizon is not a tax adviser. We recommend consulting your CPA or tax advisor — or take advantage of a free consultation with our tax attorney to explore your eligibility and financial advantages.
Traditional yacht ownership means your boat spends much of the year sitting unused while continuing to generate expenses. Charter ownership changes that. By placing your yacht into one of Horizon's professionally managed charter fleets, your yacht generates revenue when you're not sailing, helping offset many of the costs associated with ownership while remaining professionally maintained throughout the year.
Generate revenue when you’re not sailing to help cover ownership expenses
Your yacht is meticulously maintained to the highest standards at all times
Spend quality time aboard with family and friends, when it suits your schedule
Explore the Caribbean’s most iconic waters and beyond.
For more than 27 years, Horizon has helped owners from around the world enjoy stress-free yacht ownership through our professionally managed charter fleets in the British Virgin Islands and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Our charter programs give you the freedom to sail when you choose, earn income while you're ashore, and leave the day-to-day management, maintenance, marketing, and guest experience to us. As a yacht owner, you’ll always have direct access to our on-site teams, ready to discuss your goals and preferences at any time.
British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands
Explore the sailing capital of the world with steady demand from adventurous sailors, earning revenue from charter bookings, and in turn reducing the overall cost of ownership. You'll place your yacht in one of our professionally managed charter programs where all maintenance and immaculate standards are upkept by us. When you want to use your yacht, simply reserve your preferred dates, and while you're ashore, your yacht works for you by generating charter income. You're entitled to unlimited owner sailing (subject to your chosen program), and typically have more involvement and higher control over your asset.
Our Bareboat Charter Programs offer:
St Vincent & The Grenadines
St Vincent & The Grenadines
Discover the unspoiled beauty of St. Vincent & The Grenadines and place your yacht in one of our professionally managed charter programs where all maintenance and immaculate standards are upkept by us. You earn charter revenue when your yacht is booked, which in turn reduces the overall cost of ownership. When you want to use your yacht, simply reserve your preferred dates, and while you're ashore, your yacht works for you by generating charter income. You're entitled to unlimited owner sailing (subject to your chosen program), and typically have more involvement and higher control over your asset.
Our Bareboat Charter Programs offer:
British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands
Enjoy high-end service, premium returns in a growing industry with a demand for crewed yacht experiences. Place your yacht in our professionally managed luxury crewed charter program in the British Virgin Islands with a permanent crew onboard. You earn charter revenue when your yacht is booked, which in turn reduces the overall cost of ownership. When you want to use your yacht, simply reserve your preferred dates, and while you're ashore, your yacht works for you by generating charter income. You're entitled to unlimited owner sailing on your own yacht and other owner benefits, and typically have more passive involvement with lower day-to-day responsibility.
As your fleet operator, we handle:
At Horizon Yacht Charters, we understand that yacht ownership is about more than investment - it’s about freedom, adventure, and peace of mind. Our charter management programs are designed to make yacht ownership rewarding, flexible, and effortless, while maintaining the highest standards of care and performance for your vessel – giving you the choice to be hands-on or leave it to us.
Owning a yacht should be enjoyable, not another full-time job. When your yacht is in Horizon’s care, you can be confident it’s treated as if it were our own:
Our reputation is built on a strong preventative maintenance program that keeps your yacht in pristine condition. Your monthly financial statement incorporates your full service history performed by our experienced team.
We deliver the highest standards of customer service, ensuring your yacht delights every charter guest. Your yacht will be fully prepared before each charter, protecting both your investment and your reputation.
Each month, you’ll receive a detailed owner’s financial statement. This report includes a summary of all charter activity, expenses, maintenance work and service history, giving you a clear, accurate picture of your yacht’s performance.
From initial commissioning to technical upkeep and adherence to service intervals, we manage every detail. You'll have direct access to our on-site management team whenever you need advice, updates or assistance.
Both the British Virgin Islands and St Vincent & the Grenadines offer excellent charter potential, breathtaking cruising grounds, and professional base support. The choice often comes down to your sailing style, charter goals, and the kind of experience you want your investment to deliver. Whether you’re drawn to the accessible charm of the BVI or the untamed beauty of the Grenadines, our team is here to help you select the right yacht in the right location to maximise both enjoyment and returns.
Every owner has different goals. Some want maximum personal use, others want to maximize revenue, and many prefer a balance of both. At Horizon, we tailor ownership to your lifestyle:
Choose how much time you want aboard with our flexible ownership options.
We will help when it is time to upgrade or sell, or plan your world cruise!
Choose a new build or ‘yacht in stock’ for charter placement, or choose a new or pre-owned yacht for private ownership.
Established in 1998 in Tortola, Horizon Yacht Sales is the Caribbean’s largest independent yacht sales, charter, and management company. For over 25 years, we’ve been trusted by owners around the world to deliver immaculate yachts, exemplary service, and outstanding value. We work with world-class yacht builders offering a wide range of new and pre-owned yachts for charter ownership.
2015 Lipari 41 | British Virgin Islands
“We’d been looking for our next adventure dream yacht and found one on Tortola. It was a long way from home and in an unfamiliar place so I was hesitant to come to see it but thanks to the... Read more
Tim Dacosta
2015 Lipari 41 | British Virgin Islands
“We’d been looking for our next adventure dream yacht and found one on Tortola. It was a long way from home and in an unfamiliar place so I was hesitant to come to see it but thanks to the outstanding help from our contact Giles Starkey from Horizon Yacht Sales not only was the trip down easy but the sales process and handover also went smoothly. We purchased a 2015 Lipari 41. Giles worked with us for the first week to make sure everything was organized and correct. He even organised dockage for us. I couldn’t be happier with the whole process. A solid five stars for this guy! If you’re looking for a great yacht with a smooth sales process, you need to talk to this guy.”
Tim Dacosta
Rope the Wind | Lagoon 46
"We were looking to buy a catamaran during 2022 when buying was almost impossible. Not having much experience in yacht ownership we relied heavily on Horizon’s team to educate us and walk us thr... Read more
John & Sharon
Rope the Wind | Lagoon 46
"We were looking to buy a catamaran during 2022 when buying was almost impossible. Not having much experience in yacht ownership we relied heavily on Horizon’s team to educate us and walk us through the process. They handled everything flawlessly, from getting all documentation together to helping us find a lender and organizing insurance - all done on our needed timeline. This has been one of the best things that we’ve done in our lives, allowing us to have a second home in the Caribbean that is maintained and cared for beautifully. Now being a little more seasoned as owners we understand the importance of a company like Horizon helping to retain our investment value with superb maintenance and having a caring professional team to keep our investment in top working and clean condition. We feel so lucky to have become part of the Horizon family where we are treated like family. Things like having a cab arranged, provisions placed on board and being always greeted with a smile. Simply the BEST."
John & Sharon
Bavaria Cruiser 35
“Recently I purchased a Bavaria Cruiser 35 from Horizon Yacht Sales and I am a very happy owner. I live in Puerto Rico and was looking for something in the 30-foot range to cruise around the isl... Read more
Damian
Bavaria Cruiser 35
“Recently I purchased a Bavaria Cruiser 35 from Horizon Yacht Sales and I am a very happy owner. I live in Puerto Rico and was looking for something in the 30-foot range to cruise around the islands near Puerto Rico and the US and the British Virgin Islands. Through a search, I found Horizon in Tortola and Giles Starkey, a broker for Horizon representing Bavaria.
Giles was outstanding. He understood the big picture and the details. It felt as though Horizon partnered with me on the purchase. Giles and Horizon also made me feel like a member of the Horizon family. Giles worked hard to address the suggestions made by my surveyor and was committed to making them right before I took possession.
I bought the boat from charter not despite the fact that it was in charter but because it was in charter and Horizon takes good care of its boats. It came with a very well crafted manual and all the owners’ manuals. The boat in charter was named Nemo and I renamed her Second Wind. I am now looking forward to many days cruising the islands and look forward to a return trip to Tortola for a sail and visit with Giles and Horizon.
I highly recommend Giles and Horizon.”
Damian
Transitions | Beneteau 41
“As a die hard monohull sailor, I owned Jeanneaus, Bavarias and Beneteaus in the Horizon fleet. Our Beneteau 41 was perfect for us as a couple, sailing short handed, or with family aboard.&rdquo... Read more
Ed Malone
Transitions | Beneteau 41
“As a die hard monohull sailor, I owned Jeanneaus, Bavarias and Beneteaus in the Horizon fleet. Our Beneteau 41 was perfect for us as a couple, sailing short handed, or with family aboard.”
Ed Malone
Gray Jay | Nautitech 40 Open
"We recently purchased a boat from Horizon Yacht Charters and couldn't be happier with the entire experience. The team provided outstanding support as we transitioned from being part of their charter ... Read more
Jesse Capon
Gray Jay | Nautitech 40 Open
"We recently purchased a boat from Horizon Yacht Charters and couldn't be happier with the entire experience. The team provided outstanding support as we transitioned from being part of their charter fleet to embracing full-time sailing life. Their professionalism, knowledge, and personal attention made the process smooth and enjoyable. The entire Horizon team was there for us every step of the way, answering our questions, giving us helpful advice, and ensuring we felt confident in this new chapter. Highly recommended for anyone looking to embark on their own sailing adventure!"
Jesse Capon
From New To Pre-Owned
“I highly recommend Horizon Yacht Sales to anyone considering the purchase or sale of a boat in the Caribbean. Although I had already identified the model I wanted, and first made contact with H... Read more
Bill Bryan
From New To Pre-Owned
“I highly recommend Horizon Yacht Sales to anyone considering the purchase or sale of a boat in the Caribbean. Although I had already identified the model I wanted, and first made contact with Horizon because they had one listed for sale, I still had many questions about the boat, the practicalities of ownership, and the positives and potential negatives of keeping it in a charter fleet. Giles Starkey, our broker at Horizon, was consistently patient, forthright, and fun to work with. Every transaction is different, and ours had some unique challenges due to the pandemic, requirements of the seller, etc. With the help of Giles and his colleagues at Horizon, we sailed through them all smoothly. (As a bonus, Nanny Cay, where Horizon has its base, is easily the nicest commercial yacht basin you’ll find. I would hang out at the adjacent beach bar even if I didn’t have a boat there.) I don’t believe in the old cliche about the two best days of boat ownership being the first and the last, but I can tell you that both of those – as well as many in between – will be greatly enhanced if you choose Horizon.”
Bill Bryan
Fairline 52 Targa | British Virgin Islands
“This is to place on record my appreciation of the support provided by Horizon Yacht Sales during our recent purchase of our Fairline 52 Targa in BVI. It was quite difficult for me to... Read more
John Meredith
Fairline 52 Targa | British Virgin Islands
“This is to place on record my appreciation of the support provided by Horizon Yacht Sales during our recent purchase of our Fairline 52 Targa in BVI. It was quite difficult for me to exercise the purchase arrangements as I am based in Panama and the craft was being sold ex BVI.
It was therefore purchased without my personally sighting the yacht but thanks to the support from Horizon and in particular Giles Starkey we were able to conclude the sale and most importantly the post sale arrangements. Covid restrictions and shipment limitations meant that I had to rely entirely on Horizon to not only assist in the insurance of the boat but in looking after her whilst we decided how to get her down to Panama …eventually having to sail her down the whole way .
We were also entangled in pre departure local tax clearances and the delays seemed endless . Giles and Horizon came through brilliantly throughout the process and indeed continue to assist us in our ongoing education of the ins and outs of this new acquisition. Thank you to Giles and all at Horizon BVI!”
John Meredith
Happy Client
“I had an extremely positive and smooth sales experience – all thanks to Giles”
James Coomes
Happy Client
“I had an extremely positive and smooth sales experience – all thanks to Giles”
James Coomes
Happy Client
"We had a great experience with your Horizon crew. They are very detail-oriented and took good care of SOBEN. Thanks to all."
Thomas C
Happy Client
"We had a great experience with your Horizon crew. They are very detail-oriented and took good care of SOBEN. Thanks to all."
Thomas C
Second Wind | Charter Yacht Owner
"We had a great trip on the boat, and wanted to pass on some comments about the staff – everyone we met was exceptional and reinforced my feeling that Horizon would be the best company to place ... Read more
Dale MacDonald
Second Wind | Charter Yacht Owner
"We had a great trip on the boat, and wanted to pass on some comments about the staff – everyone we met was exceptional and reinforced my feeling that Horizon would be the best company to place SECOND WIND with.
We departed yesterday for the ferry terminal, and prior to that asked our guests to sweep through their cabins to make sure nothing was left behind. Upon arriving at the ferry terminal, I received a call from Jon, who said he found a set of keys and glasses in one of the guest cabins. I asked him if he could hand them to a taxi driver, and send them to the ferry terminal. He said he would deliver them personally and would be at the terminal in 15 minutes. Upon arrival, our guest met him outside and tried to pay him for the inconvenience – he would have nothing to do with it and refused to take anything from our guest. Our friends only had that set of keys, and were driving back immediately to Cape Coral after we arrived back in Miami – without the keys, they would have been stranded. That act from Jon really struck a chord with everyone in our party, and though all were talking about recommending Horizon to their friends, that only accentuated the positive experience everyone had. A shout out to Jon, as that was above and beyond anything that would ever be expected."
Dale MacDonald
"Giles did an excellent job of selling our boat. He made sure to keep us informed on the market and was very consultative on getting the boat sold. We appreciated all the effort and time in showing th... Read more
Joe Adams
"Giles did an excellent job of selling our boat. He made sure to keep us informed on the market and was very consultative on getting the boat sold. We appreciated all the effort and time in showing the boat and presenting it in its best light."
Joe Adams
Owner 7.5m Island RIB
“I bought an Island RIB from Horizon as a versatile water sports platform, capable of getting from Tortola to Anegada in any sea state. The boat has exceeded my expectations in every regard, but... Read more
Christian Thompson
Owner 7.5m Island RIB
“I bought an Island RIB from Horizon as a versatile water sports platform, capable of getting from Tortola to Anegada in any sea state. The boat has exceeded my expectations in every regard, but its dry ride, even in rough conditions, is one of its most impressive features.”
Christian Thompson