A Preview Of The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2020
The countdown is officially on until the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2020 opens its doors later this month, and the excitement in the yacht industry is tangible. After all, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, known as FLIBS, is the first major marine event to take place since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year.
Following scrupulous health and safety rules and with the eyes of the global event industry firmly upon it, the largest in-water boat show in the world will welcome visitors from October 28th until November 1st.
Held at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center in Florida, one of the world’s major yachting hubs, the 61st Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will follow tradition by showcasing more than 1,500 of the latest boats and yachts of all shapes and sizes, as well as a gamut of gadgets and accessories for the nautical lifestyle.
However, regular visitors to the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2020 will not fail to miss certain changes this year, introduced to prevent the spread of coronavirus amongst exhibitors and visitors alike.
What to expect from Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2020: The biggest boat show in Florida
As in previous years, the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2020will be held across six different sites in an area which spans nearly 90 acres.
VIP Experience
A highlight of this 61st edition will no doubt be the Windward VIP Club located on the main dock at Bahia Mar, where visitors can enjoy fantastic views of the yachts whilst also enjoying an open bar and extended show hours. Offering a privileged access before the show opens to the general public every day, the Windward VIP Club also gives guests an opportunity to reserve private yacht viewings and organise meetings with brokers through a designated concierge.
Guests are invited to sample FLIBS’ official white wine from the famous New Zealand winery Whitehaven, with gourmet food served from morning until evening. Visitors with access to the Windward VIP Club also benefit from free access to the show’s water taxi service, running guests to and from the multiple sites.
Superyacht Village
Another popular feature set for a return at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2020 is the Superyacht Village, where some of the most stunning superyachts will be on display. This dedicated marina and on-land exhibition space was added to the show last year and proved to be a huge success, showcasing yachts of up to 300 ft (91m) as well as other products associated with the superyacht lifestyle such as helicopters, tenders and water toys.
Located at Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina’s new ‘Pier South’ property, the Superyacht Village is open to all guests with general access to the show and can be reached by water taxi or shuttle bus from the show’s other six locations.
Health and safety measures
A number of key measures have been introduced by the Informa organising team in accordance with the group’s AllSecure health and safety standards, in order to protect both exhibitors and visitors during the show.
For example, attendees will be granted access to the show via a contactless ticketing system once they have had their temperature taken. Social distancing will be encouraged throughout the show with widened docks and arrows placed along walkways to indicate which way to go. Sanitation stations will be strategically located throughout the exhibition space, where more than 1,200 will be showcasing their products. Face masks will also be required by all exhibitors, visitors and staff.
Gastronomy
Despite COVID-19 restrictions there will still be lots of options for excellent gastronomy at theFort Lauderdale Boat Show 2020,with more than 100 vendors offering options for every dietary requirement.
Our top pick of yachts on display at FLIBS
Due to the travel restrictions currently in place, the Relevance team will not be able to attend Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2020. However, we have been keeping a close eye on this year’s participants and have put together a list of our favourite superyachts on display at the biggest boat show in Florida 2020.
- M/Y SOVEREIGN
This 55m superyacht built by Newcastle in 2011 is for sale with Worth Avenue Yachts. Built by an experienced yachtsman, SOVEREIGN boasts state-of-the-art exteriors and interiors with accommodation for up to 12 guests and a crew of 14. She was shortlisted as a Showboats Design Awards finalist in 2012 and as a finalist in the Naval Architecture Awards in the same year.
- M/Y SYCARA V
This 68.15m superyacht by Nobiskrug is being marketed by Fraser Yachts at theFort Lauderdale Yacht Show 2020. Built in 2010 and refit in 2017, this superyacht exudes quality with comfortable staterooms for up to 20 guests, an elevator, beach club, gym, tender garages and a versatile space on deck.
- M/Y SCOUT II
Built by British shipbuilders Brooke Yachts and designed by Terence Disdale, this 39.6m explorer yacht is unrivalled in her class in terms of volume, performance, deck space and versatility. Her four staterooms accommodate nine guests with the owner’s study on the upper deck offering 180-degree forward views. The M/Y SCOUT is also being marketed by Fraser Yachts.
- M/Y NINA LU
Finally, we suggest you check out NINA LU, the newest 40m Westport available on the market with Worth Avenue Yachts. Built in 2011, NINA LU has been looked after incredibly well her entire life and will not disappoint.
If you are fortunate to be able to visit the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2020, tickets are available from the show’s website here. A one-day ticket is available from $35, whilst a Windward VIP Experience ticket is available for $300.