The three member delegation joined counterparts from the OECS Member countries who have mounted a joint mission to the boat show under the theme " Many Islands, One Sea". The OECS are the 2005 Guest of Honour at the boat show, which runs from, September 7th to 12th and attracts up to 100,000 visitors. The OECS Secretatriat which is coordinating the joint mission expects the sub-region to benefit from increased visits from yachters and a significant upward movement in revenue earned from the sector.

The Kittitian delegation says the steady stream of visitors on the opening day made repeated inquiries about yachting facilities on St. Kitts and Nevis . A significant number of the visitors already knew of the islands and could place them in relation to neighbouring French speaking St. Barts.

St. Kitts/Nevis already has a marina in capital Basseterre, but is now moving into high gear with it's promotions for the sector.

"In that regard this boat show is like a breath of fresh air," says Manager for Product Development at the ST.Kitts/Nevis Tourism Authority Mr. Randolph Hamilton, who is leading the delegation. "We were very keen on tapping into this market." He says the Minister of State for Tourism, Culture and Sport Mr. Ricky Skerrits enthusiastically supports the OECS initiative to promote the yachting sector.

Mr. Hamilton is joined in the St. Kitts/Nevis delegation by Clinton Percival, Product Development Officer,  and Mr. Phillip Walwyn, a boat builder and private sector representative.

Submitted by Kendol Morgan, OECS Communications Officer on assignment in La Rochelle France .