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Fort Lauderdale Boat Show to Be Complemented by Grand Prix?

November 23, 2011 by

Come 2013, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show might see another big event as a lead-in: the Fort Lauderdale Grand Prix. Or it might not.

The only thing that is certain: The promoters of the IndyCar race have been told to ensure the Fort Lauderdale Grand Prix does not conflict with the boat show, the premier megayacht-oriented show stateside.

Last week, promoters for the Fort Lauderdale Grand Prix 2013 held at least two different meetings with area residents. The goal was to unveil plans and solicit feedback for the race, tentatively set by the city for three weeks prior to the boat show. According to the Sun-Sentinel newspaper, most of the attendees were in favor of the race. However, they did not want to see the race interfere with the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Dale Dillon, representing the promoters, was quoted by the Sun-Sentinel as saying, “We’re not here to replace or interrupt any existing event.” The newspaper also reports that Dillon mentioned possible dates toward the end of September.

Much earlier or even later dates would likely make Show Management, the boat show’s organizer, satisfied. At one meeting last week, Dane Graziano, senior vice president for Show Management, indicated that the tentative October dates conflicted with the boat show’s setup.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which will celebrate its 54th anniversary in 2013, brings in about half a billion dollars for the local economy, according to the city’s mayor, Jack Seiler. This, Seiler adds, exceeds the revenue from any other event held in Fort Lauderdale. For comparison’s sake, the Fort Lauderdale Grand Prix is expected to generate $50 million to $70 million.

While Seiler was quoted as saying, “We’re never going to do anything to compromise [the boat show],” he apparently still thinks close dates can work. “I’m almost thinking there could be a very complementary relationship,” he commented.

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The Superyacht 6: 6 Must-See Megayachts at the Fort Lauderdale Show

October 9, 2011 by

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (a.k.a. FLIBS, for short) has long been known as the world’s largest in-water boat show, and the premiere megayacht show stateside. In fact, now in its 52nd year, the show, being held October 27 to 31, will mark the debut of a number of new megayachts. Here, we highlight six of the most significant ones. To learn more after reading about them, visit the builders’ websites, or download the handy (and free) MyBoatShow smartphone app, which includes an interactive FLIBS map, lets you search for these yachts’ locations at the show, and even lets you build a list of your own must-see megayachts, and more.

1. Newcastle Shipyards’ Harbour Island. Reportedly the largest-volume 180-footer (55-meter) available for sale, displacing 910 tons, Harbour Island was recently completed for an experienced American yacht owner. Highlights include two master suites, with one on the upper deck and the other on the main deck. There’s also an infinity pool aft on the sundeck, which should be an inviting spot day or night. Inside, dark, rich woods and abundant stonework set a sophisticated tone. Styling and naval architecture is by Murray & Associates, while interior design is by Claudette Bonville Associates.

2. Westport Shipyards’ 112. Westport has been producing the 112 for several years, but the model on display at FLIBS is the first with an on-deck master suite, a new layout for the series. Entry to the suite is via a port-side, stone-soled foyer, which runs past the stairs down to the four guest staterooms. It’s a nice change from the original layout, which featured a good-size dinette where the master now is. Given a choice of the two, it’s probably safe to say more buyers will opt for the new layout.

3. Benetti Crystal 140. The Crystal 140 series is one of the largest Benetti Class semi-custom yachts, and this is hull number one. Large windows along each side should brighten the Caribbean-inspired decor, created by the owners with designer François Zuretti. As is becoming more popular, the dining area is aft on the bridge deck, freeing up the main deck for more relaxation and more space for the owner’s suite, complete with an office.

4. Danish Yachts’ Shooting Star. The first of the yard’s Aerocruiser 38 II series, Shooting Star (pictured above) bears styling by Espen Oeino and is said to be as fast as she looks. Top speed is reportedly in excess of 50 knots, given carbon-fiber construction and power from twin 4,750-hp MTU diesels paired to jet drives. LOA is 125 feet (38 meters, hence the “38” in her model name). Inside, there’s a decided emphasis on light tones and natural lighting, thanks to the handiwork of Art-Line Interiors.

5. Marlow Explorer 97E. Despite the name, the Marlow Explorer 97E measures 101 feet LOA. The 21-foot beam and impressive performance (reported 29-knot top end and 23- to 24-knot cruise speed) should attract attention, as should Marlow Yachts’ renowned attention to detail. What other production builder offers guests a full cooking area, not just a refrigerator, below decks, for more than a late-night glass of milk and cookies? The main-deck master even has a door to the side deck. These prove that while Marlows look pretty traditional on the outside, they’re anything but on the inside.

6. Lazzara Yachts LSX92. Lazzara Yachts has tweaked the design of the LSX92, introduced in 2010. The new model has a hardtop, plus flying-bridge space increased by 50 percent. There are also more interior layout and decor options. Remaining unchanged, of course, are the fold-down balcony off the master stateroom and the IPS propulsion system, offering lower fuel consumption and better maneuverability than traditional powerplants.

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The Superyacht 6: 6 Editor’s Picks From the Monaco Yacht Show

September 24, 2011 by

The Monaco Yacht Show just wrapped up, and while many excellent yachts were on display, visitors and media alike were buzzing over a select few. Here are our picks for the top six superyachts of the show (listed in alphabetical order):

1. Benetti’s Told U So. If ever there were a yacht with a playful interior for grown-ups and kids alike, this is it. Commissioned by the owner of Molori private retreats, Told U So has so many well-thought-out elements, from the double-size saloon (no formal dining room on the main deck) to the Moroccan-themed daybeds flanking the hot tub. Even the height of the steps was taken into consideration, making them kid-friendly and elderly-friendly at once. In addition, given the wide assortment of watertoys (PWCs, diving gear, a banana boat, waterskis, wakeboards, and SeaBobs), no one can complain of a lack of fun.

2. Cizgi Yacht’s E&E. E&E is the embodiment of one man’s vision, particularly in terms of how guests should be treated. All four of their staterooms are on the upper deck—yes, upper deck. Two even have side doors to private deck areas. Lest there still be doubt as to how much the owner treasures his guests’ company: “E&E” refers to his grandkids.

3. Heesen Yachts’ Satori. We’re not along in our admiration: Satori (above) was given the coveted Prix du Design award from Prince Albert, making her the queen of the show. Satori is a sensory delight, with onyx surfaces backlit with LEDs (they even change colors), custom glass panels that slide around the front of the rounded dining room to lend privacy, palladium-leaf ceilings, and more. She exudes a sophisticated air.

4. Pendennis’ Hemisphere. The world’s largest sailing catamaran is going to change ideas on how spacious and comfortable a catamaran can be, without it getting excessively large. She’s “only” 145 feet (44 meters), yet has the volume of a far larger yacht. She also has a terrific main-deck layout, with the saloon, dining area, and helm all essentially part of one large conversation space. The idea is to keep the captain part of the owner’s close-knit family, and even more involved with charter guests. Not to be missed: The owner’s private alfresco seating area, just aft of the trampolines between the pontoons.

5. Rossi Navi’s Numptia. Numptia has many surprising—and welcome—takes on traditional interior layouts. Her main saloon is actually two saloons in one, with the first being formal and the second being casual. The first contains a baby grand piano, while the second contains a bar. It’s ideal for entertaining groups of any size. Another nice surprise: Every cabinet, whether a glassware stowage area or a guest locker, contains artwork (an old-world map, for example) as the back panel. Further surprising, and interesting: The hands-on owner spent a week a month at the shipyard personally overseeing construction.

6. Trinity Yachts’ Carpe Diem. She’s stylish and serene, thanks to white carpeting striking a strong contrast against Macassar ebony. (Clearly no dark beverages are allowed inside this yacht.) Carpe Diem makes you feel as if you’ve entered the most sophisticated club, an exclusive enclave. Helping set the scene are abundant black-and-white images of Marilyn Monroe. But the most effective use of photography is in the grand main entrance (above), a port-to-starboard foyer with four full-color images of the iconic star.

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