If you’ve been to the Yachts Miami Beach show, this coming February you may not recognize it. In a good way.
From February 16 to 20, there will still be a one-mile-long showcase of new and brokerage yachts along Collins Avenue. An estimated 500 yachts will still be in the water, too. However, gone will be the small signs informing pedestrians on the sidewalk which ramp is which. Gone, too, will be the scattered stand-alone information booths. Instead, five eye-catching entrances, with information stands, will lure buyers. Yachts Miami Beach’s organizers want to concentrate attention, and action, within the heart of the displays.
Speaking of the displays, Yachts Miami Beach is reorganizing them, too. Brokerage and new-builds will each have dedicated areas. This should make finding different exhibitors simpler. All food and beverage areas will be inside the show as well, instead of on the outskirts.
Also new is an entrance cost: $20. If you wish to take advantage of the VIP Experience, yet another new feature, pricing varies. A package that includes show admission, valet parking, and access to the floating VIP lounge is $215. Lounge-only access is $125. The lounge is aboard the Grand Floridian, a 128-foot vessel. She’s the same vessel that has served VIP guests at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show for the past two years. Similarly, at Yachts Miami Beach, she’ll provide an open bar, gourmet meals, and nightly entertainment. Also present: concierges, who can book appointments with exhibitors. Show organizers encourage purchasing tickets in advance.
Water taxis, a first for the event, and additional parking areas should make getting to and from the show easier. Furthermore, an Uber pick-up and drop-off spot is at 46th Street and Collins Avenue.
Remaining unchanged are the invitation-only megayacht visits at Island Gardens Deep Harbour on Watson Island. The marina accommodates yachts too long and/or with too deep a draft for the Indian Creek Waterway along Collins Avenue.
Show organizers are still updating the list of yachts at each location. We’ll provide details on new megayachts in the coming weeks.
Leave a Reply