Long before the Internet or cable television or even before a man walked on the moon, there was the Fort Lauderdale (International) Boat Show (FLIBS).
Originally founded in 1959 by local manufacturers and dealers looking for a way to sell boats, and directed by a committee of volunteers, this year FLIBS will celebrate its 60th anniversary in a town that has become world-renowned as the “Yachting Capital of the World.”
Today FLIBS is owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), produced by Informa Markets, and recognized as the largest in-water boat show in the world, with an annual statewide economic impact of $857 million!
Since the show’s birth 60 years ago, the five-day event continues to offer a little something for everyone, from personal submarines to a futuristic yacht crafted entirely from stainless steel debuting this year. But at FLIBS there is one current that remains — the welcoming atmosphere and carefree vibe always makes it a place where both yachting novices and the yachting-obsessed can find their sea legs, without ever getting their feet wet.
After its partnership with the Monaco Yacht Show, Ulysse Nardin will be the Official Timekeeper of the Flibs.
Ulysse Nardin will display its latest novelties in the Windward VIP Club, which is newly located on the Face Dock outside the Superyacht Tent in the Bahia Mar Marina.
Coveted collectors’ items such as the Marine MegaYacht ($310,000) and Executive Free Wheel ($99,000)will sit alongside including the classic Marine Torpilleurs (starting at $7,600) and the latest in Freak (starting at $21,000).
Among the show’s most eye-catching newcomers is Superyacht Village, a destination for yachts up to 400 feet, superyacht owners, aficionados, and those who aspire to the superyacht lifestyle featuring exhibits by renowned shipyards, yacht “toys” like helicopters (Airbus), personal submarines, exotic and collectible automobiles led by Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo.
And, of course, there will be plenty of yachts ready to splash onto the U.S. boating scene . Here are some of them in random order.
Madsummer | Lürssen
Madsummer will celebrate her world debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
The 311-foot megayacht was built in 2019 to PYC regulations by Lürssen and can house up to 20 guests across 10 staterooms. From her beautiful sweeping exterior curves penned by Harrison Eidsgaard to her colorful and personality-filled interior by Studio Laura Sessa, Madsummer is a bold, joyous expression of her owner’s love of yachting.
Stand out features include a main-deck 12-meter swimming pool, a large spa and diving area, and upper-deck skylight and fireplace.
Marquis Lexus 650 | Lexus Yachts
In partnership with Lexus and Marquis-Larson Boat Group, the brands created the Marquis Lexus 65, a 65-foot yacht offering a smooth sea ride in style.
From Lexus’s distinctive leather chairs its vehicles are known for, to flat screen TVs and champagne, those who aboard this yacht are guaranteed the ultimate luxury experience. Able to accommodate up to six people, the Marquis Lexus 65 will debut for the first time at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
VIDA | Heesen
Vida is the third in the successful 55-meter Steel class, featuring muscular exterior lines by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects.
The five-suite floor-to-ceiling yacht accommodates 12 guests and comes equipped with a 110 square meter sundeck to a sky lounge that is wrapped almost entirely in glass.
Vida offers 250 square meters of luxurious comfort with entertainment spaces for endless possibilities of enjoyment. The superyacht offers a maximum speed of 16 knots and frugal fuel consumption, allowing a range of 4,500nm at 13 knots.
The design and materials used to build Vida were central around the work of Be Design and the Heesen team, offering both environmental performance and long-term durability in the marine environment.
Ferretti Group
Ferretti will display 2 absolute debuts for the American market: Ferretti Yachts 720 and 48 Wallytender.
The 2 previews will be accompanied by a magnificent fleet of 14 models: Ferretti Yachts 550, Ferretti Yachts 670, Ferretti Yachts 780, Aquariva, Rivamare, 56′ Rivale, 76′ Bahamas, 76′ Perseo, 90′ Argo, for the Riva brand – Pershing 5X, Pershing 9X, Pershing 62 and Pershing 70
48Wallytender
The ultimate day boat, the 48 Wallytender is the first project born out of the collaboration between Wally and Ferretti Group.
Under the new strategic alliance, the boat restyles the original iconic Wallytender design while still staying true to Wally’s brand identity. Built at Ferretti Group’s shipyard in Forli, Italy, the 48 Wallytender is 48 feet long and has a maximum beam of 14.4 feet.
Her maximum speed with the standard engine is 38 knots with a 305 nautical mile range at 32 knots.
The interior of the boat features a true cabin that can accommodate two guests overnight, as well as a shower cubicle, galley unit on deck and plenty of storage space aft and forward.
Two unique features of the new tender are its retractable passarelle which doubles as a swim ladder and its special anchoring system which can be operated at the touch of a button from the helm station.
Ferretti Yachts 720
Ferretti Yachts 720 was designed in collaboration between architect Filippo Salvetti and Ferretti Group’s own architects and designers, with meticulous attention to quality and details.
FY720 aims to create the comfort of a villa at sea. At 73 feet 2 inches in length and 18 feet 4 inches in maximum beam.
FY720 can accommodate up to 18 people on board and can sleep eight across four cabins including a full beam master as well as one VIP and two double cabins.
She can reach a top speed of 32 knots with a cruising speed of 28 knots.
BABA’S – Hargrave Custom Yachts
Making its way from Turkey is the 186’ 2020 Hargrave Motor yacht named BABA’S.
Built in steel and aluminum and certified to Lloyds 100 A-1 Commercial Class, BABA’s represents the largest yacht in the company’s history.
Her 34’ beam allows for a spacious six stateroom configuration with a full beam on deck master suite, a deluxe VIP suite on the upper deck, and four full guest suites on the lower cabin deck.
The yacht is powered by the latest Tier 4 Caterpillar 3512 engines and will top out at 18 knots. BABA’s carries 25,000 gallons of fuel and is equipped with all the latest design trends, including the lavish beach club on her stern.
Hargrave G120 – Hargrave Custom Yachts.
Hargrave, known for creating the most exciting and desirable custom yachts for American clients, has created a new series of yachts designed exclusively for Galati Yachts, one of America’s largest sales organizations known for exceeding the expectations of their customers.
The 120’ Hargrave G- 120 offers an all-new 25’ beam hull platform designed by naval architect Jack Sarin with interior design by Fort Lauderdale-based Yacht Interiors by Shelley, working hand-in-hand with yachting experts at Hargrave Custom Yachts and Galati Yacht Sales.
Majesty 140 | Majesty Yachts
Majesty 140 is an elegant 140-foot superyacht that offers unrivaled luxury.
Its extensive glass side windows allow plenty of sunlight inside and give the guests stunning panoramic views of the seascape around.
The new superyacht features a spacious beachfront deck with balconies on both sides and a main living room finished with the finest Italian wood and leather.
The 55 square meter saloon section on the middle floor of the superyacht’s upper deck is designed as a private lounge area with a large TV screen for a complete entertainment experience.
Solo – Tankoa Yachts
US debut for the Tankoa Solo.
Tankoa 72-meter/236’ Solo is not only a gorgeous looking yacht designed for her exterior lines by Francesco Paszkowski with interior by Paszkowski’s interior lead designer Margherita Casprini, she is also one of the most technically advanced yachts in her category with hull design by Professor Ruggiero.
72 meters long and 11.60 meters wide, Solo is 1,600 GT with a displacement of 1,120 tons at half load and 1,240 tons at full load.
Powered by twin Caterpillar 3516B main engines developing 1,825 kW, she is capable of 17.5 knots top speed.
At 10 knots, with one generator running, she burns a total of 195 liters per hour, providing a range of 7,000 nautical miles.
At 15.7 knots, she burns 570 liters per hour for a range of over 4,000 nautical miles with a 10% margin.
At her full speed of 17.5 knots, she still has over 3,000 nautical miles range with a 10% margin.
Azimut Benetti Group
Azimut Yachts will exhibit 15 models from all the brand’s Collections ─ Verve, Atlantis, Magellano, Flybridge, S and Grande ─ while Benetti will be showing 2 Class category yachts: “Mr Loui”, the second Mediterraneo 116 unit, and “Lejos3”, the fourth Fast 125 unit.
Verve: this Collection will be represented by Verve 40, a fast and hospitable daycruiser with a length of about 13 meters, a maximum beam of 3.89 meters and a top speed of 41 knots, designed by Marco Biaggi and Filippo Salvetti of Neo Design.
Atlantis: the two yachts on show will be Atlantis 45, making its debut in America, and Atlantis 51. Both are concepts by Neo Design featuring sporty styling and a spacious layout: Atlantis 45 has two cabins with en-suite bathrooms and spacious, welcoming spaces that exploit a total beam of 4.25 meters; while Atlantis 51, at 16.18 meters in length, offers three cabins and two bathrooms.
Magellano: Magellano 66 is a product of the collaboration between Cor D. Rover (general lines and concept), Pierluigi Ausonio (water lines), and Federica Bertolini (interior design), all assisted by the Azimut Yachts design team.
S: three hugely successful models will be on show. S6 and S7 both offer unprecedented levels of efficiency by pairing a Volvo Penta triple-IPS propulsion system with Carbon Tech, and both feature exteriors by Stefano Righini and interiors by Francesco Guida.
Righini also designed the exteriors of Azimut 77S, while the interiors are by Carlo Galeazzi. The main features of this model are the pivoting stern platform and the outdoor areas for socialising in the bow and stern.
Flybridge: Righini and Galeazzi also designed the 50 Fly, whose winning features include surprising interior volumes and a bow area that is unique in its category, with a six-person bench in addition to the classic sunpad. Azimut 55 Fly has taught, flowing exterior lines and an elegant, cosy alcove inside, while the 60 Fly stands out on one hand for the striking appearance of the exteriors and their sense of luminosity, and on the other for the sophisticated styling of the interiors. The input of Righini and of Salvagni is clearly recognisable in both yachts.
The 66 Fly combines the utmost in onboard liveability with a hi-tech soul that delights in solutions inspired by the world of home automation and automotive design. Both it and the 72 Fly have four cabins and are the work of Righini in partnership with Galeazzi.
Grande. The 25 Metri has a streamlined profile concealing important interior volumes, a day area with an original layout designed as a single setting, and an interior design featuring colourful lacquer work. The 27 Metri stands out for the largest usable surface area in the category, for its flowing exterior lines, and for the fluid, welcoming interiors. Grande 30 Metri, finally, features elegantly sophisticated lines combined with advanced technical solutions. All three yachts in this Collection are the work of Righini and Salvagni working in partnership.
Benetti Lejos is a 38.1 meter yacht with sporty, elegant exterior lines by Stefani Righini and contemporary interiors based on a concept developed by design firm RWD in close collaboration with Benetti’s Interior Style Department. The main features include the D2P – Displacement to Planing® Hull and the Carbon 65 Azipull (AZP C65) propulsion system, created in partnership with Rolls-Royce to reduce noise levels significantly and improve handling. The D2P hull has a wave piercer, allowing the yacht to be used both in displacement mode, with reduced consumption at low speed, and as a planing yacht at higher speeds.
Benetti Mr Loui” is the second unit built of the Mediterranean 116 model, a 35.3-meter-long yacht with exteriors by Giorgio M. Cassetta and interiors by Ezequiel Farca, working in conjunction with Benetti’s Interior Style Department. The yacht’s special features include the spacious decks and in particular the remarkable Sun Deck, which offers a total area of over 80 square meters and a continuous walkable surface almost 16 meters in length.
Mr Loui
Zeelander Yachts
Zeelander will display all its three models at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show, but the show will see the world debut of the new Z72.
The Z72 continues the Zeelander trend by showing off her curves. The exterior look of the Z72, dubbed “Rolls Royce of the Seas”, is developed in collaboration with Cor D. Rover.
For the interior, the company takes a unique approach to yacht design, actively involving owners in the discussion about models under development.
This allows Zeelander to get a better sense of how active boaters use their boats. Huge expanses of glass will surround the entire enclosed space of the deckhouse, which will encompass the helm area forward, backing up to a large dining table. At the aft end will be a roomy, functional U-shaped galley. The coachroof overhead will have a broad sunroof to brighten the table.
Belowdecks, the Z72 has a three-stateroom layout. The master is forward and shows a key benefit of this curvy, updated take on the classic high-sided commuter: headroom and forward volume. As with all Zeelanders, the décor is sophisticated, yet comfortable to allow for guests and family to enjoy their time aboard with ease.
The Z72 backs up her looks with performance, with three 1,000-horsepower IPS 1350s that allow her to reach a top speed of 40 knots, and benefit from the Volvo Penta integrated joystick system for excellent maneuverability.
Astondoa 100 Century | Astondoa
The latest 100 Century features a spacious flybridge which incorporates an open-air, fully equipped galley with a wet bar and grill and additional bar seating perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining.
The galley opens aft to a large teak deck and Jacuzzi, surrounded by sun pads, ideal to sun, soak or siesta. Forward of the pilothouse, another large sun pad overlooks the sea and just one step away, is another bow lounge area with tables, covered by a Bimini top when needed for shaded relaxation, socializing or dining.
Extending 100 feet in length, the 100 Century, can accommodate up to 12 guests with five elegant guest suites.
The 100 Century yacht reaches top speed of 26 knots and a cruise speed of 22 knots perfect for fast arrivals to destinations.
Extra 86 Fast | Palumbo Superyachts
Perfect for formal or informal cruising the 26-meter Extra 86 Fast accommodates up to eight guests in four en suite staterooms as well as four crew members in two cabins at the bow.
The layout of the living area includes the galley situated aft which, through a large and bright window with an automatic up/down system, allows direct communication with the outdoor dining area which is protected by the flybridge.
This modern and innovative solution allows having a full-beam living room forward, furnished with large sofas and an extendable table, for a contemporary and refined design.
Extra 86 Fast is able to reach a maximum speed of 30 knots.
LeVen 90 | LeVen
LeVen 90 is a tough yet luxurious, RINA-classed Dutch engineered and manufactured 90-foot superyacht built entirely in renewable aluminum.
LeVen 90 was created purposefully for the Exumas and is the first yacht in the world to implement the Voith Linear Jet propulsion system.
The superyacht’s layout has a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces creating a great room at sea experience centered on the galley.
She’s capable of speeds in excess of 26 knots, has a cruising range of over 400nm, and a class-leading draft of only 1.37m.
84R – Ocean Alexander
The 84R is the second model of the new Revolution Series of yachts by Ocean Alexander.
It’s a collaborative design between the offices of Evan K. Marshall and Arrabito Naval Architects, both of which are world-renowned for yacht design and naval engineering.
84R will have exceptional furniture detailing, combining a mix of materials including satin and high-gloss wood veneers, high- gloss lacquer finishes and Cambria stone flooring and counter surfaces.
Its predecessor offers a spectacular full beam sky lounge which is one of the largest in its class. Aft of the sky lounge is a generous aft deck which can feature a hot tub and sunbathing area combined with loose furniture for relaxing and dining. On the 84R Open, guest will be able to enjoy endless views of the sea.
PB70 | Palm Beach Motor Yachts
Following the same sleek flowing lines expected of a Palm Beach, the PB70 is a 70-foot yacht built on a semi-displacement warped-hull design that has less resistance to plane more easily.
The PB70 has a welcoming saloon with a helm station forward and a galley opposite.
The galley has a U-shaped counter to allow the chef bracing points for meal preparation underway.
The saloon has a pair of large L-shaped settees in each aft quarter, with a dining table serving the port settee. The entire saloon benefits from large windows and the warm glow of golden teak.
PB70 reaches maximum speeds of 38 knots and a cruising speed of 32 knots.
Princess Yacht
F45
The exceptional new F45 flybridge delivers unparalleled space, quality and flexibility for the ultimate on-water experience.
Her extended flybridge includes a seating area with teak dining table and forward L-shaped seats that convert to a sunpad when required. At the touch of a button, the F45’s unique, electrically-sliding transom seating arrangement extends the length of the cockpit area to deliver unrivalled main deck space for a 45-foot yacht.
Below deck, a full beam owner’s cabin complemented by a forward ensuite cabin awaits and exceeds your accommodation expectations belying her sleek proportions. Powered by Volvo IPS 600’s and reaching a top speed of 31 knots, the F45 is a breathtakingly beautiful craft.
Together with its elegant full-length hull windows, striking resolved surfacing, and unusual design detail, the F45 establishes itself as the pinnacle of small flybridge yachts.
V50
The all-new V50 features Princess’ latest dynamic exterior design, voluminous space and the exceptional performance synonymous with their V Class range.
Flexibility is offered in abundance starting with the option of an enclosed or open main deck configuration with L-shaped seating or a sunpad aft leading to the spacious saloon and helm seating.
Innovative flexibility continues to the well-appointed lower deck saloon which can be used as an entertaining space or optionally converted to a double berth. There is the added option of specifying this area with a third cabin.
The full beam master stateroom is an inviting sanctuary whilst the forward cabin enjoys the option of scissor berths.
Y85
The all-new Y85 is a triumph of contemporary design. Her elegant sweeping profile houses an interior sanctuary that resets the benchmark for modern living.
Her flybridge is an irresistible invitation to al fresco entertainment with a large dining area opposite a well-equipped wet bar further complemented by a large aft sunpad.
With twin MAN V12 engines propelling her to a top speed of 33 knots, she flies past her contemporaries without looking back. An expansive single-level main deck provides ample entertaining space with a flexible galley arrangement.
Three separate seating areas ensure the utmost privacy for guests with the crew able to move discretely around the yacht. Below deck, up to eight guests are accommodated across four beautifully appointed en suite cabins.
V78
With a bold exterior concealing a spacious interior, the all-new Princess V78 is the flagship of Princess’ V Class range.
Central access from the hydraulic bathing platform leads you between twin sunbeds to a configurable cockpit then onwards to her well-equipped galley, dining area and saloon.
Her foredeck features innovative seating with sunpads which can be converted to create additional aft facing seats. Her cavernous main deck saloon opens up through an electric roof above, or seamlessly to the outside through full length side windows.
Below deck, eight guests enjoy four large en suite cabins, all bathed in natural light from her contemporary hull windows and a further twin cabin aft for occasional guests or crew.
With twin MAN V12 engines taking you up to 39 knots, she is power performing with elegance in our finest V Class experience.
Viking Yachts
Viking will display five world preview at the FLIBS.
38 Open Billfish
The 38 Open Billfish comes ready for battle with a laminated mounting plate in the deck for a fighting chair or a rocket launcher (a cockpit table is also offered).
Other fishability features include in-deck insulated fish boxes port and starboard, a walk-through transom door and lift gate, a bait freezer with upper tray, a transom fish box and live well, rod holders, tackle storage and fresh and raw-water wash downs.
46 BF
The 46 BF will excel as either an owner/operator or captained Viking.
Offering simplicity and ease of maintenance, she’s a ready-to-go fishing machine equipped for inshore and offshore missions as well as a versatile cruising boat with reliable inboard diesel power.
V-33, 37, 41
The V-33 is an ideal choice for owners looking to get into their first Viking-built boat and experience all of its inherent benefits.
The same robust standard equipment list and nearly all of the options for the V-37 and V-41 are available on this twin-outboard, high-performance center console.
Like her larger siblings, the V-33 possesses big-boat technology. High-tech features include joystick helm control with GPS station-keeping (with any engine package), a bow thruster and gyroscope stabilization.
The appeal of the flagship V-41 is strong and simple: She’s the best big center console on the market, answering the call with high-level fishability, speed, range and overall performance. This triple – or quad-powered offshore runner is poised to take the reins as the leading high-performance 40-plus-foot center console on the market.
