Island Yachts, a family run company since day one…

A man and a woman are standing next to each other on the beach holding a baby.

Robin & Linda Luke

An Island Yachts Flashback

Established in 1977, Island Yachts was originated by Robin and Linda Luke who had recently relocated from Norfolk, Virginia. Robin moved to St. Thomas to start the College of the Virgin Islands’ Business Program after leaving a long time teaching position at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Island Yachts was developed from a concept Robin & Linda shared – to offer bareboats that far exceeded the quality and performance of those available from most companies at the time. Hence, Island Yachts was born.

In February, 1978, Island Yachts’ present owner, Skip King, arrived on St. Thomas with a dream of working in the yachting industry. With a Sociology degree from Old Dominion and $300 in his pocket, he made his way to Island Yachts small dockside office in Red Hook. Skip introduced himself to Linda and Robin and, upon their hearing his familiar Virginia accent and discovering the Old Dominion connection, they hired him instantly. Having little yachting experience Skip worked diligently to learn the business. Within six months he became the Operations Manager.


Five years later Robin and Linda were called back to the States. However, there was no question in their minds regarding the future path of Island Yachts. Skip would take over ownership in 1982 to be joined by his wife Andrea in 1989. They continue to carry on the original owner’s vision of a small family business with a genuine devotion to providing an incomparable yacht charter experience.

A group of people standing on a boat that says papillon

(Skip is third from left)

A man in a striped shirt is sitting next to a woman in a black tank top

Andrea & Skip King

Island Yachts Today

Today, Island Yachts’ fleet focus is Island Packet Yachts. With so many companies offering identical boats for charter, our fleet stands alone as the only company in the Caribbean to offer these fine yachts. Meticulously manufactured, Island Packet Yachts offer a level of quality unequaled in the bareboat industry, proof that Island Yachts is dedicated to providing the foremost yachts available for charter. Our product, and personalized attention, is unmatched by any other company in the Virgin Islands.

Our ideal location under the safety and security of the US Flag!

Island Yachts is located in Red Hook, on the very eastern tip of St. Thomas, in the exquisite United States Virgin Islands. Getting here is a breeze as direct flights are available from most major U.S. cities. Because of the easy access to St. Thomas you avoid the hassle and expense of a flight or ferry to more remote island. You can be on board your yacht and off sailing to a quiet anchorage before days end.


Your cruising area consists of the US Virgin Islands as well as the US-Spanish Virgin Islands.  You will enjoy a safe and secure cruising ground, as all islands are under the safety and security of the United States Flag. St. John is 2/3rds national park, and offers stunning, protected waters unlike any island in the Caribbean.  The "Virgins" are well known for their superb sailing conditions.  Our consistent Tradewinds make the US Virgin Islands the #1 cruising ground in the world!

If sunny days, warm tropical trade winds, protected anchorages, short passages between islands, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and real, performance sailing vessels sounds appealing, then the US and US/Spanish Virgin Islands are waiting for you!

A family posing for a picture with the ocean in the background

Andrea, Grace & Skip King

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