Where it started

About Black Yacht Weekend

Welcome to Black Yacht Weekend – Where Culture, Luxury, and Connection Converge.

Launched in 2020, Black Yacht Weekend has become the premier summer event celebrating Black excellence on the water. Inspired by international yacht experiences like Yacht Week in Croatia and Greece, our event creates an inclusive space for Black professionals, creators, and entrepreneurs to connect, network, and make unforgettable memories.

What We’re About
At its core, Black Yacht Weekend is more than just a boating event—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and connection. Our mission is to provide an extraordinary platform for fostering relationships, supporting Black-owned businesses, and creating joy-filled moments.

A Growing Legacy
From its humble beginnings with just several boats in attendance, Black Yacht Weekend has grown exponentially. In 2024, we hosted over thousands of participants across two weekends, and the 2025 event is set to be our most exciting yet, coinciding with Juneteenth Weekend.

What to Expect

Black Yacht Day: The iconic highlight where yachts gather in Chicago’s Playpen for a vibrant celebration on the water.
Networking Opportunities: Events designed to connect like-minded individuals across industries.
Cultural Celebration: From our Juneteenth kickoff celebration.
Unforgettable Experiences: Day parties, night events, live music, and much more.

Our Vision
We’re not just building events, we’re creating a legacy. By spotlighting Black charter companies, captains, and businesses, Black Yacht Weekend is redefining yachting experiences while empowering our community.

Join us as we sail into the future, celebrating our culture, building connections, and creating memories to last a lifetime.

Black Yacht Weekend FAQs

General Information

Who can attend Black Yacht Weekend?

Everyone is welcome! Whether you’re coming solo, with a small group, or with a full crew, the event is open to all who want to network, enjoy great experiences, and have fun on the water.

Registration and Tickets

How do I register for Black Yacht Weekend?

Tickets and packages are available here.

What does the ticket include?

Ticket options vary and can include access to:

Networking events
Day and nightlife parties
Black Yacht Day in the Playpen
VIP experiences

Note: Boat rentals are booked separately and is the responsibility of each attendee. Black Yacht Weekend does not offer a directory of rentals or yacht booking assistance.

Are there VIP tickets available?

Yes, VIP tickets are available in limited quantities.

Do I need a ticket if I already have a boat?

Yes. The only ticket required is the Boat Flag Registration, which provides each privately owned or rented vessel with its official event flag. This flag identifies you as an active participant in the weekend’s activities.

Does everyone on my boat or in my crew need a ticket?

Yes, each person on your boat or in your crew must have their own ticket to participate in official events throughout the weekend.

Can I get a refund if I can’t attend?

All sales are final. Unfortunately, tickets are non-refundable.
We strongly encourage attendees to purchase travel insurance to protect your investment in case unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending.

When will the event itinerary be listed?

The full weekend itinerary will be provided closer to the date of the event.

Boating and Chartering

Do I need to own a boat to participate in Black Yacht Day?

Not at all! You can either book your own boat through our app’s marketplace or join others looking to share a charter.

How do I find a boat or crew to join?

You can use any charter company you choose to participate in Black Yacht Day. BYW does not offer charter rental assistance, and none of the event tickets come with a spot on a yacht. We recommend boating sites such as boatsetter.com, getmyboat.com, sailo.com, and many others are available.

If you are interested in joining a boat, join our Facebook community to network with other attendees, form groups, or connect with charter companies.

Can I bring my own boat?

Yes, you can bring your own boat! Be sure to register your boat with us in advance to participate in Black Yacht Day.

Are captains required for all boats?

Yes, all boats must have a licensed captain for safety. Many charter companies include captains as part of their packages.

Is Tying Up Required to Join the Boat Day?

Tie-ups are not required. While some attendees choose to tie up, many charter companies now prohibit or restrict the practice. You can still fully enjoy the day on the water without tying up. Registration is necessary if you wish to receive an official boat flag and be easily identified as part of the event. Any decision to tie up remains solely between individual boat owners or charterers.

Events and Activities

What events are included in the weekend?

The lineup includes:

Kickoff Party
Beach Fest
Black Yacht Day in the Playpen
Rooftop Party
Various nightlife events

Is Black Yacht Day the only boating event?

While Black Yacht Day is the main boating event, other events are hosted on land throughout the weekend.

Are children allowed?

Black Yacht Weekend is an adult-focused event, and most activities are 21+.

Accommodations and Travel

Where should I stay during the weekend?

We recommend staying in downtown Chicago or near Lake Michigan for easy access to events. Partner hotels listed on our homepage may offer special rates.

Is transportation provided between events?

While transportation isn’t provided, ride-sharing services, public transportation, and parking options are available in Chicago.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

Yes! We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may affect your ability to attend, as all ticket sales are final, and no refunds will be issued.

The Team

Who We Are

Founder:

Shaniqua D.

Shaniqua (Shawn) Davis is a Detroit native and Chicago-based entrepreneur who has spent over a decade making a profound impact at the crossroads of technology, community building, and event production. Her career is defined by a deep commitment to fostering meaningful connections and creating opportunities for diverse communities to thrive.

Through her leadership, Black Yacht Weekend has grown into a cornerstone experience, bringing together thousands of attendees to celebrate community and collaboration in an unparalleled setting.

Her work from her former startup Noirefy has garnered recognition from national outlets such as Forbes and Marie Claire. A trailblazer in her field, Davis was named to the inaugural Forbes Next 1000 list and has been honored with accolades including Crain’s 40 Under 40, Crain’s Tech 50, and the Midwest Women in Technology Talent Development Award. She was also celebrated as one of WeWork’s Young Innovators in 2017.

From large-scale events to championing initiatives that uplift underrepresented communities, Davis continues to redefine what it means to be an innovator in Chicago’s entrepreneurial and cultural landscape.

Connect here:

Aquatic Concierge Partner:

Joseph Stallworth

Born and raised in Detroit and inspired by a family legacy of political and community involvement, Joseph Stallworth’s vision is grounded in increasing black economic empowerment. With an undergraduate degree from MSU and a law degree from Chicago-Kent, his entrepreneurial interests were initially formed from his involvement and activism in helping President Obama become elected. Vertîcal is the culmination of a belief that #TogetherWeRise and a vision that the black community work arm and arm to create new realities and fulfill our highest potential.

A true aquatic to heart since a child, Joseph believes that the boating world is open to all to explore and that you can never fully enjoy the beauty of the waterfront if you keep your feet on the shore.

Vertical yacht group is an aquatic concierge service, which includes a full apparel brand line. Also in the development process is a youth swimming initiative for undeserved and represented communities.