Covering 3 million square feet of exhibition space, including 6 miles of floating docks and 7 different locations, was this year’s International Boat Show at Fort Lauderdale. The show is held on the white sand beaches of Fort Lauderdale next to the calm blue waters of the Atlantic ocean. This provides visitors a relaxed, and casual Florida feel as they stroll around and view the million-dollar exhibits.
The annual event is now in its 60th consecutive year, and it is the largest in-water boat show in the world. A total of 52 countries are represented with over 1200 exhibitors showcasing in excess of 1500 vessels. More than 110,000 people make their way to ‘the yachting capital of the world’ to attend ‘FLIBS’ as it is affectionately known.
An International Annual Event
The entire boating community turns its eye to this international annual event, which started as a regional boat show and has since grown into an international yacht show. Shipbuilders and designers from around the world come to Fort Lauderdale each year to showcase their boats, attend media meetings, unveil concept designs and, of course, promote their own brand and make sales.
The event spans 4 days and features a collective value of approximately 4 billion dollars worth of yachts, with 2.2 billion falling into the superyacht category. The majority of sales are made on models measuring 100 to 126 feet and the average daily sales value is approximately 100 million dollars. It is estimated that the boat show has a regional economic impact of 100 billion dollars.
The New Superyacht Village
Those having an interest in the Superyacht segment of the show will be happy to learn that it has been growing rapidly in recent years. Interest has increased so much that this year has seen the inclusion of the ‘Superyacht Village’. Located at the new ‘Pier South’ property at Pier Sixty-Six brands like Lürssen, Ferretti, Pershing, and Feadship will display their shipyards offerings at this specialized part of the show.
The Superyacht Village hosts an array of superyacht toys, featuring an impressive line-up of collectible cars, helicopters, and personal submarines. There is a range of VIP events available for guests to enjoy; choose from wine tastings, gourmet food offerings, or complimentary spa treatments to enjoy as you browse the displays.
Lürssen’s exhibits ‘Madsummer’
Earlier this year, legendary shipyard and superyacht builders Lürssen opened an office in Fort Lauderdale. They are located at Pier Sixty-Six Marina and Hotel and the offices will serve their customers in North and South America. Lürssen has been in the shipbuilding business for 125 years and their pedigree and experience dazzled guests at this year’s FLIBS by exhibiting their latest superyacht design ‘Madsummer’.
This luxury superyacht was built to a design by Harrison Eisgaard and at a total length of 95 meters, is the largest entrant at this year’s International Boat Show. She is one of the biggest yachts available for charter, costing 1.5 million dollars per week and features a spa, a helicopter landing pad, and an impressive 12-meter swimming pool.
Azimut Yachts achieves sales of $50 million
Regarded as one of the leading foreign shipyards in the United States, Azimut enjoyed good financial success at the 2019 FLIBS. America is the brands main market and currently represents 38% of its total sales. The company’s success is attributable to its sophisticated designs and incorporation of innovative technology, paired with an outstanding after sales assistance service.
During the International Boat Show event Azimut racked up sales of 15 yachts with a sales value totalling $50 million. They also saw increased interest in their exhibits at the show reporting a 20% rise in visits to their models.
Azimut will be continuing to promote their company across America in the coming months in an attempt to further cement their position in the US market.
16 Yacht Line-up for Feretti
Leading Italian yacht builder Ferretti was set to impress visitors to the 2019 Boat Show with a dazzling 16 boat exhibit for guests to feast their eyes on. The display also debuted 2 yachts that were new to the American market, including the Ferretti 720. The Ferretti Group encompasses 8 brands that includes Riva, Pershing, and Ferretti Yachts and the company is seeing growth that currently outstrips 2018 sales.
Strategic acquisitions, the addition of new models, and a brand relaunch has seen company orders in excess of $500 million dollars for 2019. Which is an increase of 18% over 2018 figures. Along with debuting new models the Ferretti Group took full advantage of the media meeting to present their planned upcoming new projects for Riva, CRN, Pershing, and Custom Line Brands as well as yachts that are currently under construction.
Feadship at FLIBS
For guests wanting to view the latest yachts from Feadship the company provided a complimentary tender to transport guests to their location at the Superyacht Village. They also provide an offsite location known as ‘The House of Feadship’ where owners and VIP guests can entertain, enjoy a lunch, or hold private meetings.
As a tribute to Feadship’s 70 years of yacht building there was a custom designed glass display featuring images of vessels built by the company. The glass discs are proportionally sized to represent the dimensions of each craft.
Feadship also premiered their 60 meter ROCK.IT luxury yacht. To date the vessel has only been seen by a limited amount of people. Fortunately the yachts owner agreed to share the craft at the Ft Lauderdale Boat Show and gave attendees the opportunity to marvel at the sleek lines and extensive use of glass on its exterior. An exclusive group of invited guests had the chance to go aboard and admire the stunning modern interior with classic overtones.
Rossinavi and Pininfarina unveil Super Sport 65 Superyacht
Following the successful collaboration that resulted in 70 meter superyacht Aurea, Rossinavi and Pininfarina have joined forces again. This time to reveal their latest concept, the Super Sport 65 Superyacht. As the name indicates the yacht is 65 meters long and promises an overall design inspired by top level performance cars.
Taking the opportunity to unveil their new design at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show the two companies showcased their vision. The successful fusion of ideologies relies heavily on their shared passion and values when it comes to creating luxury concept vehicles. Pininfarina, the automotive style house, takes inspiration from its sports cars and translates their lines and performance with a fluidity in to the styling of the superyacht.
Their latest design of the Super Sport 65 allows for 12 guests and ample crew accommodations, includes 2 jacuzzis, and has expansive interior living spaces.
Benetti
Recent sales in the US market have highlighted the importance of the area for Benetti claims CEO Franco Fusignani. So the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show was a perfect place for the business to showcase their line-up this year. Bennetti exhibited models in several categories but had 2 entries in the purposely created Superyacht Village. The 38 meter ‘Lejos3’ and 35 meter long ‘Mr Loui’.
The Lejos3 features a Displacement to Planing hull, and AZP Carbon propulsion system; a high performance, steerable thruster that was specifically designed in partnership with Rolls-Royce exclusively for Benetti’s Fast 125 range. The yacht is sporty and elegant and features contemporary interiors created by RWD and Benetti’s own Interior Style Department.
Mr Loui offers spacious luxury yachting and features large walkable areas and spacious decks. The sun deck covers and area of 80 square meters in total with a continuous walking distance of almost 16 meters. The interiors were designed by Ezequiel Farca and Benetti’s Interiors Styling Department.
Best in Show
Each year the Ft Lauderdale International Boat Show awards a ‘Best in Show’ title to a yacht deemed worthy of the title. The yachts are judged on style, innovation, design, functionality, and appearance. This year the title went to Majesty 140 Luxury Mega Yacht.
Built by Gulf Craft based in the United Arab Emirates and in operation since 1982. The company places much importance on research and development, engineering, and technology and has redefined the meaning of superyacht with Majesty 140.
The 140 foot yacht design features a sleek exterior with bold lines and maximises on board space. Guests can relax in the on board beach club, sit on one of the balconies, or relax in the on-deck jacuzzi with cascading waterfall feature.
The boat scooped the award for ‘Best in Show’ and was sold shortly afterwards on the final day of the event for a price tag of approximately $20 million.
Summary
Although the Superyacht Village did not attract the same amount of foot traffic as the rest of the show, the attendees that did make their way over were reported to be interested and motivated buyers.
What was lacking in volume was made up for in intent, and the boat show as a whole estimated that a sum in excess of $500 million dollars changed hands over the course of the event.
Planning for FLIBS 2020 is underway with organisers promising that the event will be bigger still, and the Superyacht Village is set to remain.
