Antibes Yacht Show Coming Up, Going Carbon Neutral

A little more than a month from now, the Antibes Yacht Show expects to have 150 megayachts moored along the Quai Camille Rayon and in Port Vauban. And, for the second time in its six-year history, it expects to be carbon neutral.

From April 12 to 15, the Antibes Yacht Show will focus on brokerage, charter, and refit. The list of yachts that will be present has not yet been finalized. However, seeing as previous years have attracted megayachts to 230 feet (70 meters) and resulted in both sales and charter contracts, the expectation is for a good variety. Also helping are two new features. First, on April 13, the show will have extended hours to 9 pm. Some exhibitors may hold invitation-only cocktails during that time. Second, there’s a first-ever Yacht Hop Day being held April 15. It’s for exhibiting brokers to check out yachts for their clients.

As was done last year, the Antibes Yacht Show will have a special Crew Lounge. Given that more than 1,000 crewmembers visited it last year, the area will be larger. In addition, the International Superyacht Society, the Professional Yachtsman’s Association, the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association, and show organizers are presenting the renowned YachtInfo seminars for them. YachtInfo covers a variety of topics, such as regulations and training. Various programs are all being held on April 13.

All attendees benefit from free parking, plus both buses and water taxis to take you around. VIP badge holders additionally have free limousine transportation to and from the airport and hotels, or special parking and shuttles. You’ll further enjoy a dedicated lounge at the show.

The estimated emissions from the shuttles, the yachts’ shore power, and more are being offset with the assistance of ECOsuperyacht. ECOsuperyacht was founded by a megayacht captain who also has worked in the environmental field. The company aids owners and their crews in improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and complying with regulations. While carbon offsetting is just one part of its services, ECOsuperyacht has worked with the show organizers to choose carbon credits that benefit certified and audited projects in developing nations.

To get a better sense of what the Antibes Yacht Show is like, here are reactions from last year’s event:

Fort Lauderdale Boat Show to Be Complemented by Grand Prix?

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.

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

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.