{"id":25976,"date":"2025-10-30T01:25:18","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T01:25:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/25976\/"},"modified":"2025-10-30T01:25:18","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T01:25:18","slug":"inside-the-66th-annual-fort-lauderdale-international-boat-show","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/25976\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside the 66th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show"},"content":{"rendered":"

A $100 million superyacht blending into the crowd? Only in Fort Lauderdale.<\/p>\n

The 66th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show<\/a> (FLIBS) has officially dropped anchor in the \u201cYachting Capital of the World\u201d through Nov. 2. This year, there\u2019s extra pizazz surrounding the world\u2019s largest in-water boat show, thanks to the debut of the newly redeveloped Pier Sixty-Six Hotel and Marina<\/a>, which are fully occupied by the show. Meanwhile, Pier South is continuing to serve as the home of Superyacht Village.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s show also welcomes the Honours Awards<\/a> \u2014 celebrating the \u201cinspirational people and pioneers of the superyachting world\u201d \u2014 which has relocated from Monaco to Fort Lauderdale.<\/p>\n

\"Anchor<\/p>\n

Anchor at the newly redeveloped Pier Sixty-Six, soak it all in and try not to keel over at the barge bar. It\u2019s a family event. FLIBS<\/p>\n

Along with a chance to \u201csea\u201d and be seen among a dizzying array of boats, guests won\u2019t want to leave FLIBS without attending a seminar or two at the Broward County Convention Center, on topics running the gamut from docking and safety to women-led panels. The convention center is also hosting the Blue Wild Kids Corner and Don Dingman\u2019s Kids Fishing Clinics.<\/p>\n

Adult tickets start at $46 per person for one-day general admission. Guests can choose to donate during checkout to the nonprofit\u00a0Marine Research Hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As always, F&B at the boat bonanza is top-notch, with guests sloshing and noshing at the Goslings Island Bar and a waterfront barge and bar experience by Stella Artois. There\u2019s also the revamped Windward VIP Experience<\/a> (from $439 per person), featuring epicurean fare, a premium open bar and culinary demonstrations from Chef Dave White of \u201cBelow Deck\u201d and \u201cChopped\u201d and Chef Ryan O\u2019Sullivan of \u201cHell\u2019s Kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe five-day event showcases everything from versatile center consoles and sport fishers to luxury motor yachts and some of the largest superyachts on the planet,\u201d said Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows at Informa Markets, of the company\u2019s show, which attracts over 100,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors representing 52 countries. The boat show \u2014 which has more than 1,300 vessels on display \u2014 drives more than $1.7 billion in annual economic impact and supports tens of thousands of jobs across South Florida.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The boat show has more than 1,300 vessels on display. FLIBS<\/p>\n

The first major stateside boat show of the season, no other American event introduces more new vessels each year than FLIBS. This year\u2019s notable unveilings including the\u00a0Cheoy Lee 130 Explorer<\/a>,\u00a0Ferretti WallyWhy100<\/a>,\u00a0Sanlorenzo BGM75<\/a>, Princess 80S<\/a> and\u00a0Aquila 46 Yacht<\/a>. The cr\u00e8me de la cr\u00e8me is the 242-foot\u00a0Amels Casino Royale \u2014 the largest at the show.<\/p>\n

Beyond the boats, FLIBS also serves as the launchpad for new marine products and breakthrough technologies, added Doole, such as advanced navigation and propulsion systems, next-generation accessories and onboard comforts. Greener sailing is also top of mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cSustainability has become one of the defining conversations in the marine industry, with builders rethinking not just propulsion but the entire process of yacht design and construction,\u201d said Doole, who cites the\u00a0Azimut Seadeck 7<\/a>\u00a0as one of the most illustrative examples of this shift.<\/p>\n

\"Some<\/p>\n

Some 100,000 attendees are expected. FLIBS<\/p>\n

Created to reduce environmental impact without compromising onboard luxury, the Seadeck 7 uses recycled and renewable materials throughout its build, replacing PVC with PET for 30% of its structure, the equivalent of more than 16,000 plastic bottles recycled per vessel.<\/p>\n

\u201cEco-friendly finishes such as FSC-certified woods, recycled eco-leathers, and fabrics made from reclaimed fibers further demonstrate how sustainability can be embedded into every detail,\u201d Doole added, noting that by laminating 40% of the boat\u2019s surface in carbon fiber, the yacht is 30% lighter, significantly reducing fuel consumption.<\/p>\n

The boat also makes use of a newly engineered hull paired with the Volvo Penta IPS propulsion system to yield 30% greater fuel efficiency compared to traditional shaft lines and silent zero-emission \u201chotel mode\u201d at anchor, as well as boasting RINA Green Plus Platinum certification.<\/p>\n

\"SEAING<\/p>\n

SEAING GREEN: Yacht owners look to fuel efficient, eco-vessels at this year\u2019s show. FLIBS<\/p>\n

Oriana Schneps, a yachting social media influencer based in Fort Lauderdale, points to the rise of alternative fuel systems, signaling a major move toward total sustainability in the industry.<\/p>\n

One of the primo examples is the aptly named Breakthrough, Feadship\u2019s 389.8-foot superyacht.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s the first yacht of her size to feature a 3.2 MW hydrogen fuel cell system powered by cryogenic liquid hydrogen at -253\u00b0C, enabling emission-free operation for hotel loads and coastal cruising,\u201d said Schneps. \u201cCombined with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion and biofuel-capable generators for extended range, Breakthrough represents a comprehensive approach to eco-conscious luxury.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The sexiest, spendiest and most sumptuous superyachts on the water show off with superfluities. FLIBS<\/p>\n

Schneps also singled out Sanlorenzo\u2019s\u00a050Steel, which uses a methanol reformer fuel cell system.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis converts methanol into hydrogen to power the yacht\u2019s hotel systems, cutting emissions nearly to zero,\u201d she said.\u201d<\/p>\n

Along with eco-mindedness, Doole homed in on catamarans as something to watch in the boating world. They\u2019re one of the fastest growing market sectors.<\/p>\n

\u201cDemand continues to climb as new builders enter the space and expand their lines to meet buyer interest,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The catamaran boom dovetails with the sustainability movement, too. Proprietary solar panel systems that are seamlessly built into the yacht\u2019s hull, advanced lithium batteries and energy-efficient air conditioning \u2014which allows for long, silent cruising with zero emissions \u2014 are being tailored for catamarans.<\/p>\n

Of course, sailors just wanna have fun. Anders Kurt\u00e9n, CEO of\u00a0Fraser Yachts\u00a0in Fort Lauderdale, reported that his company is receiving more requests for beach clubs, spas and open layouts with visually striking, undefined interiors.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe beach club, which enables direct access to the water for swimming or water toy takeoff, has evolved into one of the most prized areas on board \u2014 a gathering point that brings the entire family together,\u201d said Kurt\u00e9n.<\/p>\n

If all that sounds good to you, book\u00a0Seakid II, a 197-foot Benetti yacht available for charter with Fraser Greece, offering a spacious volume of 962 GT, plus a beach club, enclosed sundeck for relaxation, a vast array of toys including three SeaBobs, a massage room, a gym and a movie theater. Or, consider Schneps\u2019s recommendation of the Wally WHY100, which boasts \u201cinnovative social areas and a beach club that opens directly to her main dining area, creating a fluid connection between interior comfort and exterior environments.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not only centimillionaires and billionaires entering the yachting arena. Boat builders are seeking to appeal to younger and first-time buyers by prioritizing accessibility and lifestyle.<\/p>\n

\"Pier<\/p>\n

Pier South continues to serve as the home of Superyacht Village. FLIBS<\/p>\n

\u201cMany are introducing smaller entry-level models that offer the style and luxury of larger vessels while being more affordable to operate and easier to handle,\u201d Doole said, pointing to features\u00a0like seamless indoor-outdoor layouts, advanced technology with smart controls, and versatile social spaces designed for relaxation and entertaining.<\/p>\n

Also on the millennial menu: natural, eco-friendly finishes like organic fabrics and responsibly sourced woods, paired with calming, spa-inspired yoga, meditation and hydrotherapy areas.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s \u201com on the ocean,\u201d and you\u2019ll need it after a few days of scoping out superyachts and partying at FLIBS. Time to set sail.<\/p>\n

Dockside drama: Onboard the yachts making waves at this year\u2019s show<\/p>\n

Gene Machine: 180 feet<\/p>\n

\"Damen<\/p>\n

Damen Yachting<\/p>\n

Underwater lights? Beach club? A his-and-her bathroom? The hits just keep on coming aboard this Tim Heywood-designed ship, asking roughly $40 million with Damen Yachting.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing says \u2018I have f\u2014 you money\u2019 quite like commissioning a mosaic of \u2018Finding Nemo\u2019 into the swim platform of your megayacht,\u201d quipped Oriana Schneps, a yachting influencer based in Fort Lauderdale. \u201cGene Machine carries a unique nautical theme throughout, with every cabin featuring its own distinct design. The master suite includes a private office and an absolutely massive walk-in bathroom, equivalent in size to a luxury starter apartment,\u201d she added. Gene Machine fits 12 guests and 12 crew members (plus the captain) and travels the world alongside her support vessel, Gene Chaser. Chaser is impressive in its own right and carries the yacht\u2019s impressive water toy collection, \u201cbut also serves as a floating laboratory where the owner conducts experiments and collaborates with guest scientists.\u201d<\/p>\n

Part of builder Amels\u2019s 180 line, superyacht inner circles give a knowing nod at the mention of owner and DNA sequencing scientist Dr. Jonathan Rothberg\u2019s designer baby. Her bespoke details were crafted by Zurich-based landscape architect Enzo Enea. To date, this scientific ship has traveled everywhere from the Bahamas to the Arctic Circle \u2014 soaring along at up to 15.5 knots with a range of 4,500 nautical miles. But wherever it is, you\u2019ll want to savor her splendors from the deck Jacuzzi.<\/p>\n

Hampshire: 217 feet<\/p>\n

\"Feadship\"<\/p>\n

Feadship<\/p>\n

Built by Feadship, Hampshire was launched as Vanish (though the craft certainly does anything but). Currently on the market for just shy of $100 million \u2014 and owned by British billionaire Andrew Currie \u2014 she shows off with extra-thick teak cap rails (a first for the yacht maker) that cling to the ship\u2019s curves. For added drama, a freestanding staircase is accompanied by a three-story glass wall.<\/p>\n

Then there\u2019s the extendable balcony attached to the primary suite and a transom crafted so brilliantly it\u2019s worthy of its own patent. Twin helipads on Hampshire\u2019s aft and bow make sure arrivals always feel first class.<\/p>\n

With all of this, you can look forward to cruising at up to 18 knots with a range of up to 5,200 nautical miles.<\/p>\n

Casino Royale: 242 feet<\/p>\n

\"Damen<\/p>\n

Damen Yachting<\/p>\n

From Damen Yachting\u2019s limited-edition range, the 242 Casino Royale is outfitted with enough opulence to make a certain secret agent swoon. But you\u2019ll have to stop at ogling this beauty: she\u2019s not for sale or charter (and don\u2019t get her confused with a certain similarly named yacht floating around). Why exactly she is on display at all is a slightly cryptic matter.<\/p>\n

\u201cEach year, FLIBS has its showstopper, and this time the spotlight is on Casino Royale,\u201d said Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows at Informa Markets. \u201cAs the largest yacht currently confirmed, she will command attention on the docks and serve as a centerpiece of the superyacht displays.\u201d<\/p>\n

Built in 2018 by Amels and designed by Tim Heywood with interiors by Winch Design, she has a custom color palette, a piano, a steam room, a beauty salon, a gym and Jacuzzi for the use of 12 guests (but not the crew of 19). Her range is 5,000 nautical miles with a maximum speed of 16.5 knots.<\/p>\n

Kaiser: 196 feet<\/p>\n

\"Fraser<\/p>\n

Fraser Yachts<\/p>\n

Currently asking $49 million with Fraser Yachts<\/a>, this boat was crafted with care by Abeking & Rasmussen, the celebrated shipyard in Germany that dates back to 1907. Kick back in any of the six staterooms, which accommodate up to 12 guests, or enjoy R&R on the roomy beach or sauna at water level. Of particular note is the owner\u2019s stateroom, which is composed of a private lounge area, his-and-hers ensuites and expansive vistas.<\/p>\n

Of course, you\u2019ll want to peel yourself away from your comfy digs to feast in the formal dining room set beneath a backdrop of dramatic lighting or to grab one of your water toys from the sizable storage space onboard.<\/p>\n

Plus, when embarking on your next adventure, rest assured you\u2019ll be doing so with power as Kaiser possesses a 4,500-nautical-mile range at 14 knots. This is how you rule the seas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A $100 million superyacht blending into the crowd? Only in Fort Lauderdale. The 66th Annual Fort Lauderdale International…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":25977,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[19637,19638,19640,3501,249,251,250,19272,19636,19639,19641,19642],"class_list":["post-25976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-fort-lauderdale","tag-andrew-doole","tag-boat-builders","tag-broward-county-convention-center","tag-flibs","tag-fort-lauderdale","tag-fort-lauderdale-headlines","tag-fort-lauderdale-news","tag-informa-markets","tag-luxury-motor-yachts","tag-oriana-schneps","tag-pier-south","tag-the-convention-center"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25976","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25976"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25976\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25977"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25976"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25976"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25976"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}