Prepare to be captivated by the nautical extravaganza as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) 2023 embarks on its journey from October 25th to 29th in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the yachting capital of the world, this premier boating event, owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and produced by Informa Markets, promises an unparalleled showcase of experiences, innovations, and luxury across seven locations, including the renowned Bahia Mar Yachting Center and the Broward County Convention Center (BCCC).
FLIBS 2023 beckons guests to delve into a sensory voyage where cutting-edge design, state-of-the-art technology, and sustainable initiatives converge to redefine the future of boating, as expressed by Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows with Informa Markets. With a legacy spanning over six decades and contributing over $1.79 billion to the state's annual economy, FLIBS continues to set new standards for excellence, emerging as an unrivaled platform for marine enthusiasts, industry professionals, and luxury aficionados.
"The marine industry and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show have long been integral to our region's prosperity," notes Phil Purcell, CEO/President of the MIASF. As evident in MIASF's recent industry report, the industry's robust growth during the pandemic has significantly impacted local employment, generating approximately 141,860 jobs across South Florida. The industry's current surge, marked by a 20% increase in the value of boats since 2019 and a noticeable uptick in boat sales, paints a promising picture for sustained success.
Here are the boats that can’t be missed:
Alloy
Sanlorenzo
Crafted in collaboration with the Zuccon International Project studio, this yacht stands out with its groundbreaking spatial design, particularly in the owner's cabin, which spans three levels, creating a private apartment-like ambiance. Alloy's remarkable attributes include an expansive owner's cabin, a lounge on the mezzanine level, and a versatile upper deck that can serve as a study, gym, or relaxation area. The upper deck extends into a spacious outdoor zone, complete with a sundeck, a hot tub, and a lounge area, providing an unmatched seascape experience.
Oasis 34m
Benetti
Designed with exterior flair by the British studio RWD and interior finesse by New York-based architects Bonetti/Kozerski, the Benetti Oasis 34m closely follows the design principles of its larger counterpart, the Oasis 40m. Mirroring its big sister, the yacht wholeheartedly embraces a commitment to relaxed socializing, expansive views, and a profound connection with the sea. At the core of this concept lies Benetti's innovative 'Oasis Deck.' Central to this design is a captivating infinity pool, gracefully positioned at the lower center of the transom, accentuated by a glass aft bulkhead. Surrounding the pool's forward edge are sunbeds, leading to a spacious open cockpit with retractable bulwarks. The seamless interaction of this area with the saloon adds to the overall gratification of the design.
Ferretti Yachts 1000 SkyDeck
The SkyDeck edition of Ferretti Yachts 1000, a huge success story for the Forlì-based shipyard, features an upper deck redesigned to create an enclosed, sheltered space that can be enjoyed year-round and conveys the breathtaking feeling of being able to touch the sky. The result is a second lounge for the owner and guests to enjoy in any weather and whatever the time of year or day, perfectly coordinated with the interiors.
Sirena 78
Sirena Yachts
Sirena 78 was designed by Cor D. Rover and German Frers. She provides options for a tri-deck yacht, a conventional two-deck flybridge boat with a hard top, or a hybrid of the two. The yacht can accommodate eight guests across four cabins. A full-beam, amidships master stateroom with a private bath and dressing area located on the lower deck, as well as VIP stateroom has the double bed at an angle to capitalize on the deck area.
Y95
Princess
Princess Y95 seamlessly embodies the design language of the new generation Princess models, showcasing the elegant and sculpted exterior lines influenced by Pininfarina and Olesinski. Notably, it draws inspiration from the forthcoming X95 model. Following a traditional layout, the Y95 features five cabins. The main set of beams is cleverly directed forward on the main deck, while the lower deck boasts another VIP cabin with full width, accompanied by two twin and double cabins, comfortably accommodating a total of 10 guests.
In terms of performance, the Y95 is powered by two Man V12 engines, delivering a remarkable top speed of 26 knots. Enhancing fuel efficiency and seaworthiness, the wave-piercing nose is a notable feature of this sophisticated vessel.
Phantom 65
Fairline
Fairline Phantom 65 finds its place between the Fairline Squadron 68 and the Fairline Targa 65 GTO. Despite being 4 feet shorter and five tonnes lighter than the Squadron 68, the Phantom remarkably accommodates the same three- or four-cabin layout below decks, along with a crew cabin and tender garage. At first glance, the Phantom appears to provide a bit more across the board compared to the Targa, all while maintaining a sportier and more manageable profile than the Squadron.
Magellano 60
Azimut
The design of the Azimut Magellano 60 presents a departure from the avant-garde cutouts and angular hulls seen in the Italian yard’s Fly, S, and Verve lines. Instead of a starkly modern aesthetic, this vessel exudes a more classical and understated charm, fitting perfectly as the new starting point for the Magellano line's four-model range. The external form boasts a clean, stripped-down linearity, and the trim exudes a modest confidence, giving the boat a timeless quality. The monochrome hull and the airy upper deck contribute to a surprisingly low profile for a 60-meter flybridge cruiser.
80 Sunreef Power Eco
Sunreef Yachts
The US debut of an innovative electric luxury catamaran 80 Sunreef Power Eco Sól. Leveraging Sunreef Yachts' in-house developed green technology, Sól incorporates composite-integrated solar panels seamlessly built into the yacht’s hulls, bimini roof, and superstructure. The catamaran is equipped with custom-engineered battery banks featuring Sunreef Yachts Eco batteries, boasting a density less than 5.2 kg per kWh. These batteries are nearly 30% lighter than the average systems commonly used in the yachting world. Sól, with its four-cabin layout, offers accommodation for eight guests in a serene interior filled with ample natural light and vibrant finishing materials.
Credits: FLIBS; Yacht Harbour archive
Damen Yachting has confirmed the sale of a new 53-meter Yacht Support vessel from its Yacht Support range. The vessel, currently under construction at the company's facility in Antalya, Turkey, is scheduled for delivery in Spring 2026. This announcement follows the recent sale and delivery of the YS53 Emotional, which will be displayed at the Monaco Yacht Show.The YS53 model is designed to provide logistical support for main vessels, with facilities for additional crew, water toys, and helicopter operations. Its features include an expansive open main deck aft area equipped with a 15-tonne crane for handling submersibles, large tenders, and other heavy equipment. The vessel measures 53 meters with a gross tonnage of 499 and can accommodate 8 guests, 10 crew members, and a captain. The exterior design, interior design, and naval architecture were all developed by Damen Yachting.Jan van Hogerwou, Sales Director North America at Damen Yachting, stated: “This YS53 is the perfect addition to the Owner’s existing fleet and provides the extension of facilities the Owner is looking to achieve with the addition of a support vessel. We would like to thank Stuart Larsen for his collaboration throughout this project. We look forward to the remaining build period as we prepare for delivery in Spring next year."The next available delivery slot for a YS53 model is Spring 2028.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting
September 15, 2025
Numarine has introduced a new explorer yacht model, the 27XP, at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The 27-meter yacht replaces the 26XP model, of which 30 units have been sold.The yacht's exterior design and interiors are by Can Yalman, with naval architecture by Umberto Tagliavini. Two layout options are available: one with five cabins and another with four cabins. The five-cabin configuration includes a main deck VIP cabin, a full-beam master suite below deck, and three additional VIP suites. The four-cabin option moves the wheelhouse to the main deck.The 27XP features an open kitchen concept and enlarged outdoor areas. The flybridge is larger than on the previous model. A raised bow lounge is also included.Twin MAN 560 engines provide a top speed of 13.5 knots and a cruising speed of 10 knots. The yacht has a maximum range of 2,200 nautical miles at 8 knots. An optional enclosed, glass flydeck helm station is available.Ömer Malaz, Founder and Chairman of Numarine, stated: “After keeping our cards close to our chests for a little while as we worked on refining the design, we are thrilled to unveil our latest model, the Numarine 27XP. Longer, roomier and more versatile than her predecessor, she introduces new levels of comfort, light and openness, while still keeping the rugged explorer spirit which defines our XP series. She sets a new standard of elegance and capability in the explorer yacht class.”Numarine, a European high-performance motor-yacht shipyard headquartered in Istanbul, offers a range of yachts from 19 to 45 meters.Credits: Numarine
September 15, 2025
Benetti has presented at Cannes the Oasis 42M, a 42-meter yacht and a new model within its Oasis series. The design focuses on expanding exterior living areas and integrating sustainable engineering that has received a 3-star Sea Index rating.The yacht's primary feature is an aft deck measuring 100 square meters, which includes an 8.3-square-meter pool with a retractable enclosure. The sundeck measures 17.3 meters in length, which Benetti states is the largest in the 40-45 meter yacht segment. An additional lounge area is located on the foredeck.The interior design was developed in collaboration with bonetti/kozerski architecture. The main deck contains a salon, dining area, galley, and a forward area that can be configured as a gym, spa, or cinema. This space includes a drop-down terrace. The upper deck is dedicated to a 50-square-meter owner's apartment with a private 40-square-meter terrace.Enrico Bonetti from bonetti/kozerski architecture stated: “In our first yacht with Benetti on the Oasis 40M we were excited to bring a fresh eye to the design of a boat that ended up being a ground-breaking step toward a more dynamic and relaxed yachting experience. We are very proud that now, with the Oasis 42M, we have a chance to create a true evolution of that concept. The focus is still on an open and fluid plan, unexpected and consistent materials that gradually progress toward a more refined and tactile quality of details, the deeper you enter the boat.”The exterior design by RWD features curved lines. Mark Gardner, Director of Exterior Design at RWD, said: “The Oasis 42M is an evolution, not a revolution. Its softer, pebble-like lines create a yacht that feels sleek, natural, and enduringly elegant.”The yacht utilizes a data-driven engineering package to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. A hybrid Siemens E-Mode system is available as an option. A garage can store a 6.25-meter tender and other water toys.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the storied Italian shipyard specialized in luxury yachts. Every yacht is unique, developed around its owner. Benetti designs, builds and sells vessels in fibreglass from 34 to 44 meters and boats in steel and aluminium from 37 to more than 100 meters. The range is made up of eight categories: Class, Motopanfilo, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now, B.Neos, B.Loft and Custom. By anticipating evolving lifestyles at sea, Benetti has introduced the Oasis family.Credits: Benetti
September 15, 2025
The second Wallywind110 sailing yacht will premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 following private viewings in Sardinia and Monaco. The 33.5-meter vessel represents the sistership to the previously delivered Galma, featuring identical carbon fiber construction with customized interior modifications.Key distinctions from the first hull include a sand-grey hull finish and revised interior layout with flexible cabin configurations. The fourth cabin incorporates convertible bedding that transitions between twin and double arrangements through a sliding mechanism. An office area replaces the bar setup found on the previous vessel.Naval architecture by Judel/Vrolijk & Co. incorporates a telescopic keel adjustable between 4.5 and 6.95 meters depth. The sloop rig configuration utilizes Hall Spars carbon mast and North Sails 3Di sails providing 660 square meters of upwind area. Downwind sail capacity reaches 1,283 square meters.Interior design by Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi features lighter-toned oak cabinetry and reconfigured carbon fiber flooring patterns. The main saloon maintains raised seating with deep hull windows despite the vessel's exterior profile. Accommodations include an owner's suite forward, VIP cabin, and two convertible guest cabins aft.Construction efficiency improved compared to the first hull, with the yard completing the project ahead of schedule. The yacht will be displayed alongside other Ferretti Group products at the festival, which runs from September 9-14. The Wallywind110 remains the largest sailing yacht presented at the 2025 Cannes event.The vessel demonstrates Wally's continued focus on performance cruising yachts combining carbon fiber construction with customizable interior arrangements. The company maintains production facilities in Italy alongside other Ferretti Group brands.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: Gilles Martin-Raget/Ferretti Group
September 12, 2025
Sunseeker has presented a new 40-meter model at the Cannes Yachting Festival. The design marks the first collaboration between Sunseeker and Italian designer Francesco Paszkowski.The yacht features a curved superstructure, tapered glazing, and two-tone exterior styling. Key elements include an extended aft deck with multiple lounge areas and a forward plunge pool convertible to seating when drained. Full technical specifications and interior layouts remain undisclosed pending further announcements.Sunseeker CEO Andrea Frabetti stated: "This collaboration embodies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of superyacht design, delivering our clients exceptional craftsmanship, style and innovation."Francesco Paszkowski added: "Together, we aim to create designs that resonate with discerning yacht owners worldwide, combining elegance, performance and comfort."The 40-meter model represents Sunseeker's continued expansion into the larger yacht segment, following previous launches in the 30-35 meter range. The company maintains production facilities in Poole, UK, where construction of the new model will occur alongside existing product lines.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Sunseeker
September 12, 2025