
Though the calendar may only read July, start getting ready for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Besides the fact that you’ll need to prepare your leg muscles for walking around its 3 million square feet of exhibit space – spread over six different sites – you’ll be wise to write out your game plan early, because the 50th anniversary of the show has a few changes in store.
Being held October 29 to November 2, FLIBS, as it’s affectionately called, will feature a redesigned Yacht Builders & Designers tent. Encompassing 60,000 square feet, it will be divided into two sections, one devoted to builders and the second grouping together designers, gear companies, electronics and engines manufacturers, and international trade groups representing Australia, New Zealand, British Columbia, Germany, Holland, and more. Expect to see builders like Abeking & Rasmussen and Delta Marine, each longtime exhibitors, joined by the likes of Mondomarine, Dunya Yachts, and Goetz Custom Boats, which are all newcomers.
Another change: demo rides, including ones aboard megayachts to 130 feet. At the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Marina location, two docks will be set aside especially for these, though you’ll need to make test arrangements at the exhibitor’s main show display location. Once you do, you’ll get a chance to see how the yacht handles and feels as you head south toward Port Everglades.
One thing that isn’t changing: the fact that this is the U.S.-based show for megayachts. Several of the exhibitors will have recent deliveries on display, mostly along the Bahia Mar face dock, right near the Yacht Builders & Designers tent. But some will also be at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, including the 214-foot Feadship Trident (seen above in the Megayacht News Photo of the Month); the 151-foot Burger Sycara IV; the 161-foot Heesen Man of Steel; and, word has it, the 151-foot Delta Katya. Some will be at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, while others will be at the Bahia Mar face dock, near the Yacht Builders & Designers tent.
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