NAVIS Dec'24/Jan'25

In the afterglow of another successful show in Fort Lauderdale, numbers from the 65th edition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show continue to deliver good news from show producer Informa: more than 100,000 attendees from around the world, 1,300 boats on display, and 1,000 brands represented, delivering an impressive $1.79 billion economic impact for Broward County and surrounding communities.

The show, which ran from October 30th to November 3rd, 2024, is often called the largest in-water boat show in the world. One cannot truly appreciate how big this show really is until they’ve walked the docks from the Las Olas Marina, through Hall of Fame, Bahia Mar, Pier 66, and the Superyacht Village, as well as the Convention Center. It is one enormous beast, but a fun show adopting Fort Lauderdale’s casual vibe.

Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, MIASF, FLIBS delivered a number of new features and some surprises this year, experimenting with some logistical changes for the Windward VIP location and the Superyacht village water taxi stop, among others.

Lürssen’s Kismet: Redefining the Art of Luxury Yachting

It is said that there are no second chances in the making of a first impression. Lürssen’s 122-meter megayacht Kismet fully embraces that philosophy, indelibly imprinting her message on all who drink in her sumptuous visual details. That message? Kismet is a nonesuch in the world of luxury.

Collecting studied gazes from observers along her route, Kismet displays the cool composure that accompanies apex status. From central London’s Tilbury Docks to Monaco’s Port Hercules, and downtown Jacksonville’s St. John’s River, Kismet’s jackstaff jaguar points the way for her elegant profile as she turns heads, left and right.

The poetry of Kismet’s lines reflects the strength and fluidity of Nuvolari Lenard DNA, the team responsible for Kismet’s exterior design. Curated interiors from the virtuoso team at Reymond Langton bring warmth and beauty to Kismet’s extraordinary scope and volume.

Nautor Swan has masterfully combined functional yacht design with the romance of the open sea, bringing this vision to life with the Swan 88. True to its name, Dreamcatcher captures this spirit, delivering the signature elegance and craftsmanship for which Nautor Swan is renowned. At first glance, its refined design exudes timeless sophistication, but a closer look reveals a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. Dreamcatcher is a versatile yacht designed to delight both sailors and charter guests. With the functionality of a superyacht and the performance of a world-class sailing vessel, the Swan 88 confidently enters the luxury yacht market, commanding attention and admiration.

Fishing has never been as luxurious, nor as much fun, as it is on board Heesen’s 60-meter superyacht, Ultra G. Amid the usual accoutrements of a superyacht, like a wellness center, two spa pools, a posh media room, custom wine fridge, and luxurious indoor and al fresco dining areas, Ultra G racks up some eyebrow-raising exclamation points. 

With the carefully articulated exterior lines and luxurious interior appointments of a powerful superyacht, Ultra G also makes the case for a first-rate sportfishing yacht. Consider the fisherman’s lounge and the fighting chair setup; then, there is the DJ station with CAT speakers and foam sprayer, and the expansive media room that not only plays films, TV, and games but also live streams underwater fish finder cameras to watch the action. This is one talented yacht equipped to entertain a wide variety of pursuits. And, it is important to note, the yacht has a top speed of 37 knots with light load, 33 cruising with a full load. Catch me if you can!

A Global Showcase of Skill and Spirit

Sailing often pushes enthusiasts to new horizons, and the Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of the year’s most anticipated events. Since 2002, Rolex has been a steadfast supporter of this competition and its organizers, the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMSR), helping to elevate the race’s stature on the global stage. This event challenges sailors to their core, blending the Mediterranean’s unpredictable seas with stunning vistas, and it holds a special place in every participant’s heart. The 2024 edition was no different. With 112 yachts from 30 countries gathering in Malta, the competition was a true testament to strategy, endurance, and teamwork.

The race begins and ends in Malta’s Grand Harbour, spans 606 nautical miles, and encircles the island of Sicily. Along the way, sailors pass iconic sights like the volcanic lighthouse of Stromboli and the rugged Egadi Islands. This year’s fleet included a diverse mix of seasoned professionals and newcomers experiencing the race for the first time. From towering Maxis to agile Farr 30s, the array of boats highlighted the passion and dedication that drive offshore yacht racing.

A Curated Collection for the Discerning Connoisseur

As the year draws to a close, NAVIS Magazine proudly unveils the 2024 Luxury Gift Guide—a definitive selection of extraordinary gifts and experiences that celebrate the essence of refined living. From the decks of the world’s most exquisite yachts to the luxurious interiors of legendary hotels and the pulse-quickening performance of this year’s most exceptional cars, this curated collection embodies the pinnacle of elegance, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Each item in this year’s guide has been thoughtfully chosen for its ability to inspire, captivate, and elevate life’s most memorable moments. Whether indulging in a once-in-a-lifetime charter aboard an iconic yacht, savoring culinary masterpieces at Michelin-starred restaurants, or gifting timepieces and treasures of rare artistry, these selections are designed to delight even the most discerning tastes.

In Monaco, a destination known for its exceptional dining experiences, the 2022 addition to the dining scene has secured another celebrated status for the already legendary multi Michelin-starred chef, Yannick Alléno. Known for his meticulous yet innovative approach to French gastronomy, Alléno’s Pavyllon Monte-Carlo is a venue that ticks all the boxes for both visitors and residents of the Principality, namely a welcoming, elegant yet informal space, set within the hallowed halls of Monaco’s legendary Hôtel Hermitage, which already hosts an incredible array of gastronomic venues.

As we have often done in the past, we returned to the Hôtel Hermitage for our annual Monaco Yacht Show dinner to host both yacht owners and industry leaders and discuss pressing issues and challenges for luxury yachting. Each year, we aim to change things up a bit and this year the Michelin-starred Pavyllon Monte-Carlo not only delighted our palates but provided a dynamic and inspiring venue to discuss the thoughtfully selected topic to generate positive action in the future for the industry.

Bugatti Tourbillon Art, Performance, and Timelessness in Motion

Numbers are often the least interesting part of a car, but the Bugatti Tourbillon demands you pay attention. A naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16 producing 1,000 horsepower, paired with an 800-hp electric system. Lightweight engineering that shaves mass despite housing a hybrid drivetrain. And a top speed north of 400 km/h, while remaining as elegant as it is brutal. But the real story isn’t just the spec sheet—it’s the way the Tourbillon redefines what we thought a hypercar could be. This isn’t merely engineering; it’s Bugatti taking the rulebook, tearing it apart, and starting again.