FORT LAUDERDALE
TEXT Grace Trofa / PHOTO Forest Johnson
New Show Enhancements at the
Ft Lauderdale International Boat Show Now entering its 53rd year, the FLIBS strives to be the world’s showcase of the boating and marine lifestyle.
Fdocked is in front of the Superyacht Builders Association Pavilion, housing exhibits from the world’s most respected large yacht builders .The Yacht Builders Tent is a village of villages, with displays from countries around the world, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, the Cayman Island, offering an opportunity to discuss with the builders your dream yacht.
3 billion dollars worth of boats and marine products on display FLIBS presents an amazing variety of beautiful boats, ranging in size from 20 feet to almost 300 feet in length, but the lineup of superyachts along the dock remains the most exciting feature of the show. Serious buyers will want to make an appointment to view Christensen Custom Series yacht, Remember When, the Feadship yacht, 168ft Gallant Lady, the 200 ft Benetti, Diamonds Are Forever, or the Corsair yacht, Nero at 296ft. If not in the market to buy, there is always an opportunity to discuss charters. The end of the day builders’ cocktail parties and the many evening special event parties, some hosted by nautical magazines, are great opportunities to network and meet
up with friends. Make a point to get a guest card to enjoy drinks and lunch at the Show Management tent, they manage and produce the show. It is easy to find, just look for the eye popping display of exotic cars, complimenting the luxury items on display inside the tent for invited guests. If a new boat or car isn’t in the budget, the show is a total shopping experience with nautical clothing, jewelry, art and accessories.
The free marine seminars cover a wide variety of subjects ranging from free diving, lobstering, and sport fishing to survival dynamics and first aid at sea. The show’s smartphone app, MyBoatShow has been upgraded, now favorite boats from the show can be posted directly to Facebook and you can search for boats by name.
Convenient cell phone charging stations are located throughout the show. “Our objective is to ensure that FLIBS continually improves and remains the largest, most exciting and successful boat show in the world” said Efrem “Skip” Zimbalist III, chairman and CEO of Show Management. It is easy to understand why boat lovers attend this show year after year, establishing great friendships with like minded boaters, developing a relationship with brokers, and staying informed with the latest developments in the industry, FLIBS just keeps getting better and bigger. Mark your calendar to attend this event
or many, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show signals the start of the yachting season and is the most widely anticipated of the boat show circuit. For four days, boat lovers will converge on the town, often called “the Venice of America”, to see the latest objects of desire, created by the yachting industry. This is a must see event, with 3 billion dollars worth of boats and marine products on display. Highlights this year include an aerial flyover to open the show and a fireworks display set to music on opening night. With cocktail barges, live entertainment and private parties, it really start to feel more like a social event against the backdrop of a boat show!
Occupying 3 million square feet spread out over 6 locations, there is a lot to cover, however this year’s management has devised a new layout, more user friendly, to navigate the show by dividing the in-water portion of the show into villages. The Performance Village will highlight boats and accessories comprising the performance boat market, including new boats from Cigarette and other industry leaders.
The Sportfish Village will feature the leading sportfish manufacturers and new this year, custom builders will represent their one-of-a kind fishing machine designs in a display area dedicated to the custom trade. Trawler Port is for fans of the long range cruising lifestyle, with products and innovation geared to this market and informative seminars. But by far the most exciting display where the largest yachts are