Sixty years ago, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) was a mere fraction of what it is today. It covered just one site, in fact, and featured a few dozen boats. By contrast, from October 30 to November 3, FLIBS spreads over seven locations. In addition, it has six miles of floating docks. Many of those docks contain megayachts, of course. So, here are some of the megayachts making the 60th anniversary of FLIBS worth your attention. Most are global debuts, too.
- Baba’s, by Hargrave Custom Yachts. The largest-ever Hargrave, Baba’s (above) stretches nearly 57 meters (186 feet), with a 34-foot (10.4-meter) beam. Construction took place in Turkey, to Lloyds classification. Six staterooms, including an upper-deck VIP, as well as an extravagant beach club will attract attention.
- Excellence, by Abeking & Rasmussen. On the heels of her premiere at the Monaco Yacht Show, Excellence (below) is one of the largest craft making the 60th anniversary of FLIBS. Extraordinary two-deck-high glass complements her modern styling. Inside, her owner requested rooms reflect his love of automobiles. LOA: 262 feet (80 meters).
- Extra 86 Fast, by Extra Yachts. Despite being one of the “smallest” megayachts at the show, the Extra 86 Fast (below) feels much bigger. It’s due to a 21’6” (6.6-meter) beam. In addition, Extra Yachts likens the feeling inside to that of a crystal dome, due to the large, seamless ports. Similarly noteworthy, she is among the fastest megayachts marking the 60th anniversary of FLIBS. Top speed exceeds 30 knots.
- Ice, by Marlow Yachts. Ice is hull number one in the Marlow Voyager 100 series. Marlow has earned a reputation for constructing rugged, oceangoing cruisers. Therefore, expect the same of the Voyager 100. Despite what looks like wood planking, her hull is actually carbon fiber composite with Kevlar.
- LeVen 90, by LeVen Yachts. Conceived for Bahamian boating, the LeVen 90 is a semi-custom series with Vripack’s patented Slide Hull, for better performance. Equally notable, she is classed (RINA), rare for her size. Van der Valk Shipyards in The Netherlands is the builder.
- Majesty 140. The 60th anniversary of FLIBS marks Majesty Yachts first-ever stateside appearance. Majesty is a brand of Gulf Craft, based in the United Arab Emirates. The Majesty 140’s aft deck has two fold-down balconies, creating a terrace-like appearance. In addition, the megayacht has a waterfall spilling from the hardtop into the sundeck hot tub.
- Ocean Alexander 84R. The smaller sister to the 90R, this super-sporty style has made more people sit up and take notice of Ocean Alexander. Evan K. Marshall plays with dramatic angles and abundant glass to catch your eye.
- Vida, from Heesen Yachts. Commissioned for cruising and fishing fun, Vida saw delivery in the spring. Her owner is an avid angler, further owning a Bayliss 60 and 68, which will accompany this 180-footer (55-meter) on adventures.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show flibs.com
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