The organizers are describing the 56th annual edition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show as the biggest and best yet. The expectations going in were sky-high and the show more than lived up to them. After five days of meeting, sales and exhibits the FLIBS 2015 closed. It attracted about 100,000 people.
The world's biggest in-water boat show had more boats at docks than ever - up 4 percent from last year to top 1,500. Five yachts this year topped 200 feet each, said Efrem "Skip" Zimbalist III, president of Fort Lauderdale's Show Management, which organizes the event.
"Every year, it gets better and better, and this year was really awesome," said Kathy Nitabach, vice president of Bradford Marine group of Fort Lauderdale, which sells boats and operates repair yards.
The crowds were attracted by debuts of many new yachts. With Europe and other world markets weak this year and the U.S. market stronger, many manufacturers came to Fort Lauderdale with strong lineups.
James Nobel, Vice President & Marketing Director of Princess Yachts America, told us: "Overall, FLIBS 2015 was very successful for Princess yachts. Despite the warmer than average temperatures, attendance was strong over the course of the show. We premiered the 88 Motor Yacht and Princess V48 OPEN alongside nine other models in our display on the Bahia Mar Yachting Center Face Dock. We saw a number of our current customers in attendance, and sales were strong during the show, with some very good leads that we believe will result in additional sales as a result of the show. We very much appreciate all of the efforts that Show Management, the media, the Marine Industries Association, and the city do to keep this event successful each and every year".
The show turned out to be a success not only for Princess Yachts but also for other major players in the industry. Timothy Hamilton, Director of Feadship America, was content with this year's FLIBS, adding that the show has become increasingly more active in the past three years. "I think most people were very happy with the activities. We had a few serious meetings with clients, developing new relations as well as maintaining existing ones." He elaborated that his company builds five yachts per year, and plans to sell two of those in the US.
Dutch yacht shipyard, Heesen Yachts has described it as "the best FLIBS ever". 'We had a new stand location, on the front, and we have our new offices on 17th street with Thom Conboy as sales director for the Americas. On Friday 6th we had a press conference to present Project Nina and Project Nova", - said Sara Gioanola, PR & Press Office Manager.
The show was a success as well as for superyacht brokerage agency, Edmiston Yachts. Jamie Edmiston, CEO of Edmiston Yachts told us "The show was a success for us. We exhibited the 50m Perini Navi SILENCIO and the 59m Oceanco HELIOS. Both yachts were very well received and we had offers on both which was encouraging."
Seven venues stretched over 3 million square feet of exhibition space featuring more than $4 billion in boats, equipment, accessories and marine art.
A job fair for the marine industry linked to the show also was larger this year than the year before. According to organizers, the fair drew some 300 people, up from about 200 in 2014.
For yacht brokers, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the highlight of the year on the US market. According to Peter Quintal, who works for Denison Yacht Sales, "you can make half a year's salary at the boat show".
In all, the annual boat show brings the Fort Lauderdale area an economic impact greater than a Super Bowl. The last impact study completed in 2007 estimated the benefit to the area at roughly $500 million. A Super Bowl generally runs in the $400 million range, Zimbalist said.
The world's biggest in-water boat show had more boats at docks than ever - up 4 percent from last year to top 1,500. Five yachts this year topped 200 feet each, said Efrem "Skip" Zimbalist III, president of Fort Lauderdale's Show Management, which organizes the event.
"Every year, it gets better and better, and this year was really awesome," said Kathy Nitabach, vice president of Bradford Marine group of Fort Lauderdale, which sells boats and operates repair yards.
The crowds were attracted by debuts of many new yachts. With Europe and other world markets weak this year and the U.S. market stronger, many manufacturers came to Fort Lauderdale with strong lineups.
James Nobel, Vice President & Marketing Director of Princess Yachts America, told us: "Overall, FLIBS 2015 was very successful for Princess yachts. Despite the warmer than average temperatures, attendance was strong over the course of the show. We premiered the 88 Motor Yacht and Princess V48 OPEN alongside nine other models in our display on the Bahia Mar Yachting Center Face Dock. We saw a number of our current customers in attendance, and sales were strong during the show, with some very good leads that we believe will result in additional sales as a result of the show. We very much appreciate all of the efforts that Show Management, the media, the Marine Industries Association, and the city do to keep this event successful each and every year".
The show turned out to be a success not only for Princess Yachts but also for other major players in the industry. Timothy Hamilton, Director of Feadship America, was content with this year's FLIBS, adding that the show has become increasingly more active in the past three years. "I think most people were very happy with the activities. We had a few serious meetings with clients, developing new relations as well as maintaining existing ones." He elaborated that his company builds five yachts per year, and plans to sell two of those in the US.
Dutch yacht shipyard, Heesen Yachts has described it as "the best FLIBS ever". 'We had a new stand location, on the front, and we have our new offices on 17th street with Thom Conboy as sales director for the Americas. On Friday 6th we had a press conference to present Project Nina and Project Nova", - said Sara Gioanola, PR & Press Office Manager.
The show was a success as well as for superyacht brokerage agency, Edmiston Yachts. Jamie Edmiston, CEO of Edmiston Yachts told us "The show was a success for us. We exhibited the 50m Perini Navi SILENCIO and the 59m Oceanco HELIOS. Both yachts were very well received and we had offers on both which was encouraging."
Seven venues stretched over 3 million square feet of exhibition space featuring more than $4 billion in boats, equipment, accessories and marine art.
A job fair for the marine industry linked to the show also was larger this year than the year before. According to organizers, the fair drew some 300 people, up from about 200 in 2014.
For yacht brokers, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the highlight of the year on the US market. According to Peter Quintal, who works for Denison Yacht Sales, "you can make half a year's salary at the boat show".
In all, the annual boat show brings the Fort Lauderdale area an economic impact greater than a Super Bowl. The last impact study completed in 2007 estimated the benefit to the area at roughly $500 million. A Super Bowl generally runs in the $400 million range, Zimbalist said.
Italian builder Extra Yachts has launched the first 28-meter X90 Fast motor yacht, with plans to display the vessel at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The GRP-built yacht, sold through broker Kristina Falkone of Aberton Yachts, features exterior and interior design by Hot Lab with naval engineering by the shipyard.The X90 Fast offers 86 square meters of exterior deck space across three cockpit levels - a dining area for 8-10 guests, lounge seating, and a waterside sunbathing platform. Interior spaces include four guest cabins with the master suite positioned amidships to utilize the 7.1-meter beam. Crew accommodations consist of two cabins forward.Powered by triple Volvo Penta IPS1350 engines (1,000hp each), the yacht reaches a top speed of 30 knots with a cruising speed of 24 knots. At 12 knots, the range extends to 1,000 nautical miles. Design features include concealed hull windows, an open galley with retractable windows separating the salon from the aft deck, and dedicated crew passageways to minimize guest area disruptions.The X90 Fast will be shown alongside other Extra Yachts models at Cannes from September 9-14, 2025. The launch marks the shipyard's continued expansion of its performance-oriented X Series, which currently ranges from 76 to 130 feet. Extra Yachts specializes in the development of yachts with a strong personality. Its distinctive lines are combined in a variety of motor yacht models ranging from 76' to 130' and a 30-meter motor catamaran. Developed thanks to the advanced technical experience of ISA Yachts, Extra offers customers all the advantages of being part of the Palumbo Superyachts network.Credits: Extra Yachts
July 15, 2025
Wally has completed construction of the second wallywind110 sailing yacht, scheduled for its world premiere in late August in Costa Smeralda. The 33.5-meter vessel shares the same judel/vrolijk & co-designed performance hull and carbon construction as its sistership Galma, while introducing several custom modifications.Key updates include a sand-grey hull color scheme, lighter interior finishes, and a reconfigured lower salon with a multifunctional workspace replacing the bar area. The VIP cabin now features a sliding bed system converting between single and double configurations. Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi maintained the exterior and interior design continuity with the first unit, preserving the wallywind series' signature elements: dedicated helm stations, integrated swim platform, and expansive guest areas.Performance features include a telescopic keel (adjustable from 4.5 to 6.95 meters), twin rudders, and a carbon rigging system from Hall Spars with North Sails. The yacht's construction benefited from lessons learned during the first hull's production, allowing Wally to optimize the build process.No charter or ownership details have been disclosed for the new vessel, which joins Wally's growing fleet of performance sailing yachts. The Monaco-based brand, now part of Ferretti Group, continues production of its wallywind series alongside motoryacht projects at its facilities in Forlì, Italy.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
July 15, 2025
The 70-meter full-custom superyacht Project Thunderball is progressing through construction at CRN's Ancona facility, with delivery scheduled for 2026. Designed by Vripack with naval architecture focused on sailing yacht-inspired efficiency, the aluminum and steel vessel will serve as both a luxury yacht and support vessel for the owner's existing sailing yacht.With an 11-meter beam and 1,100 gross tonnage, Project Thunderball features five decks accommodating 12 guests and 15 crew. The design departs from conventional motor yacht aesthetics, incorporating a sharp bow entry and curved bilges reminiscent of sailing yachts - a direct request from the owner, an experienced regatta competitor. Vripack's co-creative director Marnix Hoekstra noted the hull's efficiency eliminated the need for a bulbous bow, with tank testing confirming unusually low resistance.The exterior design centers on a continuous shear line creating streamlined proportions, complemented by a top-deck winter garden enclosure. Custom elements include an oversized swim platform and vertically aligned window mullions influencing interior layouts. Project management firm Y.CO reports the build has progressed efficiently through collaboration between Vripack, CRN, and Nauta Design, the latter responsible for interior and exterior furniture."Seeing the project advance through key milestones demonstrates the effectiveness of this technical partnership," stated Donna Green, Y.CO's Head of New Build Projects. The yacht's construction began following the owner's 2018 commission, with Vripack describing the design process as an intensive collaboration with the highly involved client.Upon completion, Project Thunderball will join CRN's portfolio of 70-90 meter custom superyachts. The Ancona shipyard currently has four additional projects in construction, ranging from 60 to 85 meters. No exact delivery date or projected cruising itinerary has been disclosed for the Thunderball project.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Vripack
July 15, 2025
Columbus Yachts has delivered the 47-meter Atlantique series superyacht M/Y Acqua Chiara, now available for charter through Fraser Yachts. The steel-hulled vessel with aluminum superstructure measures 9.1 meters in beam with a 2.4-meter draft and 499 gross tonnage. Designed by Hot Lab with naval architecture by Columbus Yachts, the yacht features twin 1,350hp engines delivering a maximum speed of 15.5 knots and transatlantic range of 3,400 nautical miles at 12 knots.The exterior profile showcases Columbus' signature explorer styling with three-tiered stern areas including a covered dining space, pool lounge with fold-out balconies, and swim platform positioned just 50cm above water level. Interior spaces blend classic and contemporary elements with white parquet flooring, natural oak ceilings, and specialized finishes including Vetrite glass panels and geometric Sicis mosaics. The main salon features custom white upholstered sofas with blue accents, Fendi armchairs, and a 75-inch TV integrated into Stopsol glass.Owner accommodations on the main deck include a full-beam suite with Galaxy blue glass walls, leather-clad furnishings, and Bonaldo lighting. The en-suite bathroom combines white marble with silver mosaic detailing and includes both a tub and hammam shower system. Four additional guest cabins comprise two king-size and two twin cabins, all with private marble bathrooms featuring Sicis mosaic work. Crew quarters accommodate eight staff in four cabins forward, with the captain's cabin adjacent to the wheelhouse.Upper deck spaces include a swimming pool area convertible to an open-air cinema, formal dining for twelve with Viabizzuno chandelier, and a forward lounge with full-height windows creating terrace-like sea views. The sundeck offers a central relaxation area with console seating aft and sunpad with bar forward. Storage solutions include a starboard garage for the 5-meter tender and portside garage housing a rescue tender and two jet skis.M/Y Acqua Chiara represents the third delivery in Columbus' Atlantique series, following previous 40m and 43m models. The yacht is currently available for Mediterranean charters through Fraser Yachts, though specific rates remain undisclosed. Specializing in semi-custom and full-custom builds (37m–120m), Columbus offers four lines: Atlantique, Crossover, Sport, and Classic. Its flagship 80m Dragon exemplifies its craftsmanship. As part of Palumbo Superyachts, the brand provides end-to-end owner support alongside sister yards ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and Extra Yachts.Credits: Columbus Yachts
July 14, 2025
Monaco-based Dynamiq presented five new superyacht concepts ranging from 41 to 55 meters during a private event at Maison Moghadam on July 3, 2025. The showcase, titled "Five Senses. Five Superyachts," featured designs from three studios: Mark Berryman Design, H2 Yacht Design, and Sturge & Toth.Global 550Mark Berryman Design introduced three interior concepts:GTT 135 (41m): A Mediterranean/Bahamas cruiser with natural oak, stone flooring, and seagrass panelingGlobal 450 (45m): An explorer yacht featuring light oak joinery and transformable furnitureGlobal 550 (55m): A long-range explorer with smoked oak, marble finishes, and bronze accentsGlobal 450H2 Yacht Design previewed interiors for the GTT 180 Heritage, a 55-meter aluminum neo-classic superyacht scheduled for full debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show. The design incorporates calacatta gold marble, shagreen leather, and custom bronze detailing, with furnishings from American brands Baker and Holly Hunt.GTT 180 HeritageSturge & Toth presented a new 45-meter exterior concept under Dynamiq's GST line, featuring a double-balcony master suite and convertible pool area. The design evolves Dynamiq's existing platform with what the designers describe as "timeless elegance."Sturge & Toth delivered a compelling presentation that invited guests into their creative processConstruction will occur at Dynamiq's Antalya facility, which features a 2,000-ton syncrolift and collaborates with European subcontractors. The yard specializes in builds up to 65 meters with hybrid propulsion options.Event attendees received a private tour of Maison Moghadam's material collections, highlighting Dynamiq's partnership with Monaco-based luxury suppliers. No construction timelines or pricing were disclosed for the new concepts.Mark Berryman, Ben-Julian Toth, Gianluca Sist, Toby Sturge and Dynamiq Founder Sergey DobroserdovDynamiq CEO Sergei Dobroserdov noted the presentations demonstrate the shipyard's "expanding design capabilities across multiple yachting segments." The company currently has four superyachts under construction at its Turkish facility.Dynamiq was founded in 2014 by experienced yacht broker and designer Sergei Dobroserdov. Dynamiq is the first company in the superyacht industry to introduce an online configurator, allowing the yacht to be easily and transparently customized down to the last detail. Dynamiq unveiled its first launch at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show.Credits: Dynamiq
July 14, 2025