Dozens of major boat shows around the world have cancelled or gone virtual due to COVID-19 limitations and concerns. The annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, a.k.a. FLIBS, is still on in person, though, from October 28 to November 1. Show organizers say there will be 50 superyachts to see at FLIBS. It’s a far lower number than typical. With exhibits spaced much farther apart across the 90 acres, their displays surely will look different, too. If you plan to go, here are six yachts making either their worldwide debut or their U.S. premiere.
Astondoa AS8. Just completed by Spain-based Astondoa, this 32-knot yacht tops Astondoa’s Fybridge range. One standout feature: a glass bulkhead on the aft deck, making the seating area feel more open. See the video below for more.
Azimut Magellano 25 Metri. Having just made her global debut at this month’s Genoa show, the Azimut Magellano 25 Metri is now making her North American premiere. She’s a superyacht to see due to being a long-range cruiser with more shippy looks than you’d expect from Azimut.
CL Yachts CLB88. Intended for an owners’ party of eight, the CLB88 has sporty styling complementing sporty performance. Maximum speed is a reported 25 knots. This is hull number one in a semi-custom series designed by Joseph Forakis.
Mangusta GranSport 33 (top). Making her American debut, the entry-level model in the Mangusta GranSport series keeps the emphasis on long range, good speeds, and equally good fuel consumption. LOA: 108 feet (33 meters).
Ocean Alexander 27E. “E” stands for “Explorer,” and with a reported 2,100-nautical-mile range, this 89-footer (27-meter) should be just that. The mezzanine-like aft deck and swim platform encompass 225 square feet (20.9 square meters) of dining, sitting, and playing space.
Princess Yachts Y78. Making her North American debut, this superyacht to see invites you to open up the sunroof in the hardtop and push the throttles forward. Maximum speed should be a thrilling 35 knots. Don’t miss the full-beam master suite, either.
Even though the show is going on, FLIBS is not without its restrictions. Masks are mandatory for all visitors, exhibitors, and workers, for instance. Temperature checks are going on at all entrances as well. No one with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher can pass through the gate. Online ticket purchases, for contactless entry, are a priority, too. This includes tickets for the Windward VIP Experience. The latter provides early entrance, complimentary water taxi rides, and access to a concierge to book appointments with brokers, builders, and other exhibitors. Note that show organizers are limiting club capacity to comply with social distancing.
Further for social distancing, the floating docks are now 30 feet (9.1 meters) wide. Additionally, signs and social ambassadors will keep foot traffic spaced and flowing in particular directions. Show staff will disinfect high-touch areas every hour, plus do further deep cleaning overnight. Guests will have hand-sanitizing stations to use throughout the show, too. Finally, all food is pre-packaged, plus food and drinks must be consumed in designated areas.
FLIBS flibs.com
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