Ft Lauderdale International Boat Show 2022
The 2022 edition of FLIBS saw attendee numbers bouncing back at the first globally-attended boat show in the USA. Early indications from brokers and dealers suggest a healthy number of sales, with around 150 superyachts in attendance, and including a combined total of 17 US and world debuts.
The 63rd annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat was a five-day mega event, which welcomed over 100,000 visitors, had over 1,300 yachts on display, and showcased over 1,000 brands at seven locations: that included the Broward County Convention Center, the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, and Pier 66 Marina. Generating more than an estimated US$1.79 billion economic impact for the state of Florida, and an impactful revenue for South Florida’s marine, hospitality, and tourism industries, this year's event made strides in sustainability that have set standards for shows to come.
FLIBS offered guests an immersive experience filled with the latest in boating, marine products, and emerging tech trends. Phil Purcell, CEO/President of the MIASF who owns the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows with Informa Markets, who produces the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show said, “On behalf of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and Informa Markets, we are grateful to the Broward County Convention Center, and all our local community partners for working diligently with our team to deliver a seamless and enjoyable experience for attendees, exhibitors, content creators, industry, and community at large. We look forward to returning next year for the 64th annual show as we continue building on our tradition as the largest in-water boat show in the world.”
The market was predominantly American, but many other nationalities were also represented at the show. In 2021, many European clients were unable to fly in to the USA due to Covid-related restrictions, and the pent-up demand was reflected in higher visitor numbers, busier client schedules and an increased number of debuts. One major difference at this year’s show was the absence of clients from Russia and Ukraine.
For many clients, FLIBS 2022 represented a long-awaited opportunity to view a large number of yachts available for purchase in one place. Charters were another thriving market, with Burgess and Fraser reporting strong interest. Alongside a thriving brokerage market, the new build sector also saw significant success.
Over at The Superyacht Village, several shipyards were represent including Benetti, Heesen, Oceanco, and Lürssen. Sebastiano Fanizza, CCO of Benetti said, “For us, it’s better to be here, as this out-of-the-way location helped attract “quality” clients with a serious interest in purchasing. We want to dedicate our time to the right clients, and this location provides a natural selection,” he said.
Lürssen and the Ahoy Club were co-presenting Coral Ocean, a 73m superyacht fresh from a three-year refit. Designed by the late Jon Bannenberg and originally known as Coral Island, the yacht was one of the shipyard’s largest projects at the time of her launch in 1994, and is “one of the most iconic Lürssen superyachts ever built”, according to the German builder. Following a change of ownership in 2019, Coral Ocean underwent an extensive refit, and Founder and MD of the Ahoy Club, Ian Malouf and his daughter Ellie, graciously hosted a cocktail event onboard for the Superyacht Australia delegation at the show.
Having undergone an amazing €35 million rebuild, m/y Coral Ocean is arguably one of the most opulent and iconic superyachts available for charter. Whether an intimate family charter, or cruising with a larger group, Coral Ocean was designed and developed to offer an unparalleled experience of elegance and sophistication afloat.
FLIBS 2023 will make its return between 25-29 October next year.