FLIBS 2024: 100,000 expected to attend world’s biggest boat show

The 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) kicks off tomorrow, with the annual Florida boating extravaganza celebrating its 65th anniversary from 30 October to 3 November.

Recognised as the world’s largest in-water boat show, FLIBS attracts a diverse audience, and boating enthusiasts and industry leaders from around the world have already descended on the Sunshine State to explore the latest in marine technology, debuting vessels and marine accessories. The show is held up as a bellwether of the US winter season ahead.

The event, produced by Informa Markets and owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, spans seven locations, including the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, and the Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South, which hosts the largest vessels on display.

In addition to its display of over 1,300 boats and participation from 1,000 exhibiting brands, the event’s broader economic impact has been significant in the past, generating an estimated $1.79 billion last year alone. Local businesses benefit from $709.7 million in estimated sales, with $85.8 million in state and local tax revenue attributed to the show. With an expected attendance of around 100,000 visitors, FLIBS 2024 aims to deliver an expanded programme, showcasing new features and experiences that cater to both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the boating world.

“This milestone year for FLIBS underscores our team’s dedication to investing in and elevating this event for the industry and consumers to enjoy,” says Andrew Doole, president of the U.S. boat shows division of Informa Markets. “As a key event on the marine industry’s calendar, we are already seeing early excitement from exhibitors and look forward to welcoming our guests back to our docks.”

To enhance visitor convenience, Broward County Convention Center will serve as the main transportation hub, providing over 3,000 parking spaces and access to water taxis, shuttles and golf carts to navigate between show sites. FLIBS attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance, as there is no on-site box office.

Additionally, guests can support the Water Revolution Foundation’s Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) programme, with donations available at the time of ticket purchase to help map and preserve essential marine habitats.

New features at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

This year’s event introduces a selection of new features across its seven venues:

• Windward VIP Club relocation: Now based at the Hall of Fame Marina, the expanded VIP Club includes additional luxury services, a Sunday brunch, and pop-up activations, along with exclusive food, beverages, and private facilities.
• Expanded designers’ pavilion: The Superyacht Village showcases a larger designers’ pavilion, highlighting the latest in luxury yacht designs and innovative marine solutions.
• Enhanced Pier Sixty-Six and Las Olas Marina exhibits: These locations offer increased space for showcasing new products and vessels.
• Superyacht village at Pier Sixty-Six South: Accessible by water and shuttle transport, this area displays the largest vessels in the show, along with daily seminars and premium exhibitor displays.
• Improved transport options: FLIBS organisers have increased the number of water taxi stops and routes to ease navigation across show locations; water taxi tickets can be purchased separately.

“As we mark the 65th anniversary of FLIBS, we not only celebrate its legacy, but also its significant impact on shaping the marine industry,” says Phil Purcell, CEO and president of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. “Over the years, FLIBS has welcomed millions who have walked the docks, supported, and contributed to the industry’s growth.”

Premieres at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

SY62 3-Deck Open

Some of the largest yachts to watch for include the 78.4-metre Amaryllis by Abeking & Rasmussen; the 72m Casino Royale; the 70.4-metre Amadeus by Amadeus Yachts; 67.5m Loon, built by Icon Yachts in 2010; the 60-metre Bella Vita by Lürssen (back on the market as of July); and two Trinity yachts, Unbridled and Skyfall.

Silent Yachts will present the SY62 3-Deck Open, marking its U.S. premiere. This solar electric catamaran features a flexible open-sided third deck for entertaining, with over 60 square metres of configurable space for various uses. CEO Fabrizio Iarrera has highlighted the model’s sleek design, extensive deck space and electric propulsion as key advantages.

Italian boating giant Ferretti Group returns with a fleet of ten models, including the U.S. debut of Ferretti Yachts Infynito 90 and the premiere of Ferretti Yachts 670. The two premieres are joined by eight boats from Riva, Pershing, Itama, Custom Line and Wally.

At FLIBS 2024, Absolute will unveil five models from its fleet, including the U.S. debut of the Navetta 70, which introduces a new design direction for the brand. Other models on display will include the Navetta 75, 52 Fly, Navetta 52 and Navetta 48.

Pardo Yachts is showcasing the new Pardo GT75, a flagship vessel measuring nearly 23 metres that aims to set new standards in the luxury yacht market. This model features advanced engineering, distinctive design elements, and options for various layouts, including two to four cabins, accommodating up to ten guests.

Saxdor Yachts returns to FLIBS with the US Premiere of its flagship 400 GTC.

Saxdor Yachts will showcase its flagship 400 GTC at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2024, marking the model’s U.S. premiere. In addition to introducing this versatile vessel, Saxdor will announce the launch of the MySaxdor app and the establishment of a new spare parts facility in Florida, aimed at enhancing customer experience and expanding its presence in North America.

Brunswick brand Navan will enter the North American market for the first time at FLIBS with the introduction of the C30 and S30 models. Both models feature a patented T-Step Hull design and come equipped with state-of-the-art technology and various Mercury outboard engine options.

Feadship will debut the 51-metre Double Haven as the first yacht showcased under its newly launched Feadship Resale division. Recently refitted and in immaculate condition, according to the Dutch shipyard, Double Haven features extensive interior space, a unique aft deck designed for water sports, and the capacity to support ocean explorations of up to six months.

Meanwhile Sanlorenzo will showcase seven models at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, including the asymmetrical SL120A, SL96A and SL90A, the SD96 with adaptable spaces, and the SX88, a crossover design prioritising sustainability. Bluegame will also display the BGX63 and BG42.

Stay up to date on upcoming boat shows and events in the next few months. 

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