The annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show may have been moved back a week, to November 5 to 9, and have a few other changes in store, but one constant is the virtual boulevard of megayachts on display. The event, often called FLIBS, is the world’s largest in-water boat show, and it’s second only to the annual Monaco Yacht Show in terms of the number of megayachts on display.
So, which yachts can you expect to see? Here are several making their global or U.S. premieres:
* Astondoa 80 GLX. Exhibited by Astondoa’s U.S. representative, G Marine, this is a megayacht in an express-yacht package. She can reportedly top out at 31 knots and cruise at 25 knots. The configuration of the 80 GLX at the show is just one of four from which you can choose.
* Azimut 77S. FLIBS marks the U.S. premiere for this S Collection model (below). She’s sleek, sporty, and speedy, capable of a reported 36 knots max.
*Cantiere delle Marche’s Acala. Acala is the first Darwin 102 explorer yacht from the Italian shipyard, commissioned by a Central American client. The deep swim platform is ideal for the avid divers who will be onboard, as well as holding one of two tenders that are being toted on adventures.
*Feadship’s ROCK.IT. Chartering yachts can lead to buying them, as evidenced by this delivery from The Netherlands. Measuring 197’10” (60.35 meters), ROCK.IT was commissioned by an owner who reportedly had plenty of unconventional, and fun, ideas.
* Hargrave Custom Yachts’ Cutting Edge. A 101-footer, Cutting Edge features a country kitchen, which many Hargrave owners and American buyers in general prefer, along with a four-stateroom layout. Yacht Interiors by Shelley designed her, and although details aren’t available, the company hints that the look will make even Hargrave aficionados take a second look.
* Horizon E88 Open Bridge. The first E88 featured an enclosed bridge and has been showcased at a variety of stateside boat shows so far. FLIBS marks the American debut of the Open Bridge configuration—and a brand-identifying H-shape port in the master suite.
* Ocean Alexander 100 Skylounge. The first Ocean Alexander 100 featured an open top deck, so this is a enclosed version. Interior design is by Evan Marshall and reflects big-megayacht thinking.
* The Italian Sea Group’s Nono. An Admiral Impero 37, Nono (at top) premiered at the 2014 Monaco Yacht Show and is making her first stateside appearance. The raised-pilothouse yacht is thoroughly modern inside and outside, intended for long-range cruising and a comfortable top speed of 20 knots.
Because FLIBS has so many exhibitors, ranging from gear manufacturers to clothing and sunglasses companies, the organizers have a new text-alert service for visitors. You can receive instant messages about seminars, cocktail offers, discounts on tickets, parking deals, and more. Simply text “FLIBS15” to 55778. A variety of exhibitors are using the text service, too, providing custom codes that you can text to 5778. Once you send the code, you’ll receive a confirmation message asking if you’d like a company representative to arrange a visit at FLIBS.
Yet another new feature at this year’s FLIBS: VIP experiences. They include a private dining area and a place to meet with yachting representatives to discuss business in a quieter, more comfortable atmosphere.
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