An employee speaks to customers in front of one of TUI Marine’s yachts on Friday. The company hosted the show in the VI for the first time this weekend. (Photo: JASON SMITH)

Prospective buyers milled around the docks of The Moorings’ Wickhams Cay II facility over the weekend, perusing the docked fleet of vessels and looking for deals.

TUI Marine — the parent company of The Moorings, Sunsail and Footloose charter brands — hosted the first Tortola Boat Show Friday through Sunday. More than 20 sail and powerboats ranging from 37 to 50 feet in length were available for sale, according to Christine Joseph, yacht sales representative with TUI Marine.

Ms. Joseph said the company regularly visits shows abroad to sell the boats, but by using the Tortola base, the company’s largest, TUI is able to better target the Virgin Islands market.

See the March 31, 2011 edition for full coverage.