Depending on the metrics, a number of yacht shows rightfully claim superlative status. The Monaco Yacht Show undoubtedly attracts the most superyachts. Singapore is the most luxurious. Boot Düsseldorf definitely has the most visitors. One show shines brightly overall, with a respectable in-water show of beautiful superyachts, an enviable attendance record of 100,000, 1500 boats on display, and $4 billion in products. Welcome to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the yachting capital of the world, and home to the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show.
A Gala Event: The International Superyacht Society Awards
The 57th FLIBS, held November 3-7, 2016, unofficially opened with the ISS gala Wed., Nov. 2, at the Broward Center for Performing Arts. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres welcomed hundreds of guests in fashionable black tie couture prior to entering the Center’s Amaturo Theatre for the ISS Design and Leadership Awards.
Recognized in the sailing yacht categories, the Vitters 150-ft. sloop took the Best Sail 40m+ award, with the Best Sail 24-40m going to Baltic Yachts’ Nikata. In the Best Power category, the 24-40m award went to Benetti’s Ironman, the 40-65m to CRN’s Atlante, and the 65m+ to Feadship’s Savannah. Best Interior went to Nauta Yachts’ Narvalo, and Best Refit to Feadship’s Falcon Lair. Triton Submarines took home an award for Excellence in Innovation, and Jonathon Beckett of Burgess was honored with the 2016 Leadership Award.
The first ever Passenger Yacht Code Award, for design criteria, construction standards, and safety measures for yachts accommodating 13-36 guests went to Oceanco’s Equanimity, and Captain Bill Zinser was awarded the Distinguished Crew Award. The Kay Rybovich Family received appropriate honors with the ISS Fabien Cousteau Blue Award Legacy Tribute. a post-award party and buffet celebration was held on the terrace with a beautiful night sky overlooking the New River.
Prime Time Preview from Ferretti
Thurs., Nov 3, was preview day, with an abundance of press and high level meetings and tours throughout the Superyacht Life area. A posh setting welcomed guests to a Ferretti event, with beautifully presented small bites, individually prepared espresso cups and festive Champagne sips. CEO Alberto Galassi presented an impressive status report, showing an artistic film emphasizing energy, ideas, and a clear direction to create “the work of art on the sea.”
Galassi proceeded to describe the Ferretti Group’s strong position, predicting that the company will post consolidated revenues close to half a billion Euros before the year’s end, attributing the growth to new people, new products, new skills, and new designs. Joined on stage by Ferretti Chief Commercial Officer Stefano de Vivo, the talk turned to the exciting design developments within the seven brands offered by the Ferretti Group, most notably the announcement of the new Riva 100 Centodieci, a Corsair-inspired beauty sporting an edgy, open bow with a deep rake and a cool sweep of glazing.
Mr. de Vivo highlighted the 20th anniversary of the Custom Line, one of Mr. Galassi’s favorites. The new, 2017 features on the Custom Line, Mr. de Vivo continued, created, “new dialogues between yachting, automotive, and urban architecture different from the previous Custom Lines.” Features mentioned included a raised Jacuzzi on the sun deck, stone in the en suite bath, a beach club that opens up or down, and a lounge that links the cockpit and salon with angled doors.
The event closed with a nod to the extraordinary “Blue Wonderful” event featuring Sir Elton John at the Monaco Yacht Club in September. In addition to a divine musical evening, Sir Elton opened an auction to benefit recent earthquake victims living in central Italy. The winning bid, to be drawn Dec. 10, 2016, at a Christmas dinner in Monte Carlo, will be rewarded with a beautiful Aquariva Super in a one-off color of “Blue Wonderful,” chosen by Sir Elton. Every penny of the bid, starting at $600,000 Euros, will go to charitable organizations assisting the victims.
Additional Thursday Announcements
Sunseeker also held a press call focusing on the debut of the redesigned Predator 68 MK II, which accommodates the owner’s wishes by transforming from an open to a closed yacht. The presentation also featured the Manhattan 52, a smaller flybridge design; and the 131 Yacht, the largest of five new 2016 Sunseeker models. Carbon Craft also unveiled its outboard series of luxury tenders, built to board guests with non-slip, carbon fiber collar.
Thursday evening collected a crowd, despite threatening weather, for a celebration at the Superyacht Life docks with canapes, cocktails, and music. The USSA American Pavilion at Bahia Mar held its own fete, highlighting the area’s top chefs in A Taste of Ft. Lauderdale, offering delightful bites from B Ocean, Grille 401, Seasons 52, Timpano, Truluck’s, and Vignetos Plantation.
Friday Tours and Social Events
Enjoying time on board Feadship’s Savannah, as well as an exterior explore of Galactica Super Nova, were highlights of the show. Both yachts were incredibly beautiful, with personalities very different from one another, yet both elegant, sophisticated vessels designed with long range cruising and creature comforts in mind. From Savannah’s enchanting Nemo Room, to Galactica Super Nova’s stylish curved interior surfaces and exceptional design, the features continued to surprise and delight.
Rossinavi found favor with the presentation of its Attitude Project. In tandem with the famous architect Carlo Colombo and architecture studio A++, Rossinavi displayed a high end, high performance concept inspired by the lobster boats dotting America’s maritime history, but with a contemporary design and a long list of posh features and a top speed of 20 knots.
Friday evening, the Havana Nights Bremen Brothers Beach Bash, hosted by Lürssen, put everyone in the mood for mambo, salsa, tropical cocktails, and straw fedoras, with a spicy menu and extra spicy music. The grounds at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park were embellished with classic 1950s-era sedan automobiles, while festive lights sparkled above and colorful Calypso dancers roamed the scene.
Friday was also the night to celebrate the confluence of transportation at the Wings Wheels Water event at Sheltair Aviation. Featuring prestigious brands in each category, guests wandered through the hangars and the red carpeted runways, viewing, sipping, and noshing to benefit the Marine Industry Cares Foundation benefiting children and families in need.
Saturday’s Discoveries
Exploring toys and tenders on Saturday proved magical, discovering the details about Triton’s three-person submarine, the luxury inside cockpits of Bell helicopters, and the capabilities of high performance automobiles, from Ferrarri, and Lamborghini, to Maserati, Rolls Royce, and Bentley. Luxurious installations for yachts provided inspiration, from Dornbracht’s sublime showers that rain down upon a grateful recipient resting horizontally, to waterproof splash drones, electric bikes, and surfboards. The VIP oasis in The Windward Club at the Superyacht Life docks, and the new restaurant featured in the Superyacht Pavilion proved welcome respites throughout the day.
Saturday evening was an engaging night, with the Seakeepers Society Bal de La Mer, the Northrop & Johnson event, The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Fundraising Banquet, and the National Marine Suppliers Appreciation Party, in addition to many other private events.
Sunday Spent Taxiing About
Aboard the water taxi, pleasant intracoastal transit linked the marina areas seamlessly, answering questions about local lore, and providing courteous service throughout the show. The lovely trip from Las Olas Marina to Pier 66 passed beautiful waterfront properties and boats and provided a water view of many of the largest yachts at the show. The Pier 66 marina featured larger catamarans, sloops, motor sailors, and brokerage yachts, conveniently placed across the intracoastal from the Sailfish Marina and Convention Center.
Ending with a lovely walk across the Las Olas bridge at the end of the day to a pleasant perch with a penthouse view, yachts tucked into every available space along the docks, the 2016 show closed with a smile and plans for next year’s show already coming together.
