Today we’d like to introduce you to Black Yacht Day Miami.
Hi Black Yacht Day, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Black Yacht Day was birthed from the question: “why isn’t there a yacht tie-up experience curated for Black professionals?” Living in Miami, we know that water sports are not hard to come by, but a curated experience where multiple boats come together in community is. Shakyra Chrysostome (a native of Miami) and Adam Payne (from Houston — living in Miami for 4 years now) created BYD in 2024 as an outlet for Black professionals who enjoy the water, whether or not they own a yacht, to experience Miami’s boating culture and celebrate Black culture and music in an elevated, intentional way. We knew we needed someone who was culturally plugged into the city to support us, so we reached out to Alexis Brown of Social Xchange Miami as our third leg to support us in marketing, promotion, and brand relationships.
Guests either purchase one of our culturally‑named ticket tiers, (such as Miami Icon, Black Wave, or Dorsey Diamond – named in honor of Miami’s first Black millionaire and community trailblazer, D.A. Dorsey), from our website www.BlackYachtDay.com for placement on a 50–70ft shared yacht where they’re intentionally matched with other guests, secure a charter through our CREW Luv tier, or enter via BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) for owners joining the tie‑up.pay a tie-up fee to bring their own vessel into the experience (BYOB), or rent from our curated inventory of partner yachts. Our yacht partner iParty Boat & Yacht Rentals (Andrew Scott & Slim City of 103.5 The Beat) was brought on early to help us source quality vessels and experienced captains from the Miami River and surrounding marinas. Our yacht inventory ranges from mid-tier to luxury (typically 45ft to 130ft+) depending on the customer’s preference and level of experience they’re seeking.
In our first year we brought together 15 yachts; in our second, we reached 20 and the demand has since led us to expand into a three-event series for 2026, beginning with March 1st. What started as a simple question has grown into a movement creating space and visibility for Black boaters and water enthusiasts in a city surrounded by water, and proving that representation belongs on every shoreline.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to building Black Yacht Day has definitely had its challenges. In our first year, Alexis, Adam, and I navigated the tie-up on our own, which was a learning experience to say the least. Coordinating multiple yachts, ensuring safety, and creating a seamless guest experience taught us quickly that we needed expert partners. That’s why we brought in iParty Boat & Yacht Rentals, they are true experts in the field and have helped us source the best yachts & captains and elevate the logistics and professionalism of the event.
Marketing in a way that felt authentic while reaching the right audience was another challenge, but each year we’ve grown stronger. Our first year brought together 15 yachts, the second year 20, and now we’re expanding into a three-event series for 2026. Overcoming these obstacles has reinforced why this space is needed and made our success even more meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Shakyra Chrysostome
I am a public relations and community engagement professional with over a decade of experience bringing people together around purposeful experiences and cultural celebration. I currently serve as Director of Public Relations at Kyra Public Relations, where I work with brands to tell stories that matter, build visibility, and cultivate authentic community connections in Miami’s dynamic cultural landscape. I am most proud of co‑founding Black Yacht Day, a cultural boat tie‑up experience that fills a gap in Miami’s social scene by celebrating Black professionals on the water. What sets me apart is my ability to blend strategic communications with creative event programming, ensuring that every experience we produce doesn’t just entertain but uplifts, connects, and elevates culture and community in meaningful ways.
Adam Payne
My professional background is in business growth, deal‑making, and building strategic partnerships across multiple industries. I’ve led initiatives to identify investment‑ready opportunities, closed high‑value deals, and helped scale teams and revenue in competitive markets. While I’m not an event professional by trade, my passion for community and bringing people together in Miami inspired me to co‑create Black Yacht Day. I am most proud of helping the event grow from a concept into a series of cultural experiences that bring Black professionals together on Miami’s waters in a space that didn’t exist before. What sets me apart is my blend of business acumen, relationship building, and a genuine drive to create spaces where people feel connected, celebrated, and seen.
Alexis Brown
I am the Founder and CEO of SocialXchange, Inc., a Miami‑based cultural production and community‑building company that curates immersive experiences celebrating Black and Brown excellence. I’ve spent years elevating Miami’s cultural landscape through intentional events and partnerships that foster connection, empowerment, and visibility. I also co‑founded the Black Pepper Food Festival, South Florida’s first Black restaurant‑focused food festival, amplifying Black‑owned culinary businesses and championing group economics. My work has been recognized by Miami New Times as Best Event Curator of 2024, and I serve as President of the Miami‑Dade County Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where I work to strengthen community programs, mentorship, and professional engagement. What I’m most proud of is building platforms that create opportunity, honor culture, and leave a lasting impact on Miami’s creative and professional communities.
iParty Boat & Yacht Rentals (Andrew Scott & Slim City)
iParty Boat & Yacht Rentals specializes in sourcing, managing, and coordinating quality yachts and charter experiences. With deep knowledge of Miami’s waterways and boating industry, they ensure that each vessel is a perfect match for the experience Black Yacht Day aims to deliver. What they are most proud of is helping us scale the logistics and execution of on‑water events with professionalism, safety, and style. What sets them apart is their expertise in maritime coordination, strong industry relationships, and commitment to providing a seamless, elevated nautical experience for every customer.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For anyone starting out, my advice is to focus on your vision but also stay flexible.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that community and relationships are everything. When we started Black Yacht Day, we were building something that didn’t exist before, and much of the work was figuring out who to trust, who could support the vision, and how to bring people together in a meaningful way. I wish I had known just how important it is to invest in those relationships early, and to be intentional about the people you surround yourself with.
The path rarely looks exactly like you imagine, and being open to learning and adapting is key. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks, and don’t shy away from asking for help or mentorship from those who have been there. Most importantly, make sure whatever you create serves a purpose beyond yourself, whether it’s building community, celebrating culture, or creating impact, because that’s what ultimately drives growth and fulfillment.
Pricing:
- Black Wave Pass $160 – Shared yacht experience on a 50–55ft vessel, matched with other guests
- Miami Icon Pass $185 – Shared premium yacht experience on a 60–65ft vessel, matched with other guests
- Dorsey Diamond Pass $225-250 – Luxury shared yacht experience on our 70-80ft yachts (named after Miami’s first Black millionaire, D.A. Dorsey)
- CREW Luv – Charter your own yacht through Black Yacht Day for a fully personalized experience
- BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) $400 tie-up fee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BlackYachtDay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackyachtday
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackYachtDay
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackyachtday
Image Credits
All the images were captured by 876 Creative (Dre)
Instagram.com/876creative
https://876creative.smugmug.com
