Arguably the main yacht show in the United States, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2019 is set to start on the 30th of October and last for a total of 5 days. In 2017, the parent company of the Monaco Yacht Show, spent $133 million to acquire a portfolio of shows, which included FLIBS, which celebrates its 60th edition this year.
This year, visitors will find nearly 1,200 boats on display across seven different locations in Florida, not to mention around 1,000 exhibitors. That all will transform the Fort Lauderdale city into a hive of on-water activity. The show’s locations will cover:
- The Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel & Yachting Centre
- Hall of Fame Marina
- Las Olas Municipal Marina
- Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
- Sails Marina
- Pier 66 Marina (Superyacht Village)
- The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Centre.
A new feature of this year’s layout, The Superyacht Village will be unveiled for the first time. Located along Pier 66, the newly opened 3.5-acre space will be capable of hosting yachts of up to 121 metres in LOA.
Yacht Harbour takes a look at the largest yachts on display at the upcoming show.
Charter in winter: from $1,400,000 p/w
The largest superyacht on the show, the 95-metre superyacht Madsummer is set to make her international debut at FLIBS after a recent delivery to her owner, a repeat client with Lürssen. First known as Project Fiji it took nearly 2,5 years to build her under supervision of the owner’s captain and brokerage company Moran Yacht & Ship.
With a 14-metre beam, the exterior profile of Madsummer comes from a British designer Harrison Eidsgaard maintaining sleek and elegant lines within impressive volumes. The interior design aimed at up to 20 guests across 10 suites comes from drawing boards by Laura Sessa.
The vessel's main trademarks are the 12-metre swimming pool and Jacuzzi laid on the aft deck, protected with glass bulwarks. Spacious beach club and spa zone with a sea terrace on the lower deck also belong on the list of Madsummer’s special features. The bow is equipped with a helipad, while the sun deck aft features hidden crane in the bulwark, able to handle an aeroboat.
The superyacht is available for charter in the Mediterranean in summer period and in Caribbean/Bahamas in winter.
Builder: Amels (2016)
LOA: 83m
Charter in winter: from approx. $ 1,353,400 p/w
The largest Amels superyacht to date, Here Comes The Sun became her Russian owner's 4th superyacht named after The Beatles' song. The superyacht features exterior design by Tim Heywood and interior style by Winch Design.
Amongst her main features are a 5.5-metre swimming pool aft of the main deck, an extensive 87-square-metre beach club area located right underneath with a sitting area, sauna and gym. Other amenities also include a cinema room and a large Jacuzzi on the sundeck.
As for the accommodation, there are 8 guest cabins on board and space for 27 crew. The six-decks yacht comprises 900 square metres of outside deck space and a garage capable of storing four jet skis and two 11m tenders.
Meanwhile, the superyacht generated one of the highest charter revenues during the summer 2017, estimated at €9-9.5 million.
#3. Excellence
Builder: Abeking & Rasmussen (2019)
LOA: 80m
Charter in winter: from $ 1,100,000 p/w
Photo: Dutch Yachting
The vessel is believed to be owned by Herb Chambers, American billionaire and the owner of a network of six dozen dealerships in Massachusetts. He is also famous for his collection of exotic cars. The automotive dealership mogul estimated at $1.5 billion by Forbes.
The sixth largest vessel of Abeking & Rasmussen, Excellence features both exteriors and interiors developed by the UK-based design studio Winch Design. Her framework relies on the same technical platform as the 81-metre Grace (ex. Kibo), featuring a 12.6- metre beam and a maximum draught of 3.5 metres.
Key exterior trademark of Excellence is her striking and angular reverse bow, offering a silhouette comparable to a spaceship. Her exterior lines draw the eye to the bridge and owner’s decks surrounded by curved floor-to-ceiling mirrored glass, blurring the distinction between the upper deck and the panoramic skylounge.
With accommodation capacity for 14 guests, Excellence offers a swimming pool and platform, as well as Jacuzzi and sprawling beach club and impressive limousine tenders.
#4. Vida
Builder: Heesen (2019)
LOA: 55m
Delivered in May 2019, Vida represents the third project in Heesen FDHF steel class series. With muscular exterior outline by Frank Laupman, Omega Architects, one of the distinctive hallmarks of the vessel’s layout are french windows designed to get the most of the natural light on-board.
Vida is also the first yacht in Heesen fleet to comply with the latest emissions regulations, thanks to a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that reduces NOx in exhaust emissions.
As to interior concept, the owner commissioned Be Design Associates, a design bureau based in Florida, for whom Vida became the first new-build yacht project. The yacht’s interior volume amounts to 740 GT, with the accommodation provided to 12 guests within five cabins on the lower deck and a 80-squere-metre master suite forward on the main deck.
Vida’s owner, experienced American yachtsman and sport fisherman, worked closely with the shipyard’s engineers to customise his new yacht and make her the mothership of his sport fishing fleet. Thus, Vida can refuel and recharge the owner’s Bayliss 60 and Bayliss 68 sportfish yachts, enabling the guests and the owners to spend several days offshore without returning to the base.
#5. Solo
Builder: Tankoa (2018)
LOA: 72m
Charter in winter: from approx. $ 665,600 p/w
The yacht was launched in August 2018, making her international debut at the Monaco Yacht Show the same year.
Designed by Francesco Paszkowski in collaboration with Margherita Casprini, Solo’s interiors represent blend of contemporary and timeless air. Her spacious main and upper salons provide relaxation zones with large plush seating areas, along with a dazzling baby grand piano and numerous entertainment options.
The yacht’s six staterooms can accommodate up to 12 guests, including a spacious VIP, two doubles and two twins. The master suite is fitted with a private terrace complete with sunpads and a Jacuzzi with panoramic views. On the skylounge aft, there is a swimming pool and a private dance floor, which easily converts to a touch-and-go helipad.
Solo’s beach club, meanwhile, represents a spacious and welcoming space with sofa, bar, TV, oversized glass walled gym with fold-out terrace, bathroom, sauna (also fitted with its own fold-out terrace) and hammam.
#6. Baba's
Builder: HSY Yachts (2019)
LOA: 56m
The brand new 56-metre superyacht represents a debut of the Turkish builder HSY Yachts on the international arena. The builder's flagship, Baba's was commissioned by an American customer.
The superyacht features exteriors by Unique Yacht Design, the studio working closely with another Turkish builder Bilgin Yachts on their two 80-metre projects. The yard’s in-house team has handled her naval architecture and interior design meanwhile.
This tri-deck yacht features a 10,4-metre beam, building up interior volume of 800 GT spread over three decks. Baba's has been constructed of a steel hull and aluminum superstructure.
The yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests within 6 cabins including a main-deck full-beam owner’s cabin, an upper deck VIP near the captain’s cabin. 4 guest cabins as long as 6 cabins for up to 11 crew members are laid on the lower deck.
#7. Broadwater
Builder: Feadship (2000)
LOA: 50.3
Charter in winter: from $245,000 p/w plus expenses
Broadwater was launched under the name Blue Moon in 2000, as the world’s first all-aluminium yacht over 500 GT. She features designs by Donald Starkey, along with naval architecture by Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects.
The 50-metre yacht features a beam of 9,5 meters and a draft of 2,5 meters. With her aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure, she bears gross tonnage of 692 tons. Broadwater's maximum accommodation capacity is 12 guests in 6 cabins.
The yacht completed an all-encompassing refit in 2017. The modifications included a completely new interior design refit by Adam Voorhees for a six-stateroom layout. In June, she was spotted at Feadship yard in Amsterdam, for pre-season deck and engineering works, according to Feadship.
Her maximum speed of 17 knots and cruising speed of 14 knots are provided with Caterpillar engines of 1500 hp each.
Royal Hakvoort has signed a construction contract for a 70.1-meter superyacht, designated Project YN258. The vessel, designed for long-range cruising, will be the largest project in the shipyard's history in terms of both length and gross tonnage.Construction will begin immediately at the shipyard's facility in Monnickendam, the Netherlands, with delivery scheduled for 2029. The project involves an all-Dutch team, with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design responsible for the design and Diana Yacht Design providing the naval architecture. The sale was brokered by 26 North Yachts, with Arrow Monaco acting as the owner's project management company.The yacht will have a beam of 11.6 meters and a gross tonnage of 1,513. Accommodation is planned for up to 14 guests in seven cabins, including two owners' suites – one located on the bridge deck and another occupying the entire owners' deck. Crew quarters will accommodate 20 staff and include a mess hall, a dedicated gym, and technical spaces designed for accessibility on long voyages.Reported features include a touch-and-go helipad, a sports court, and a swimming pool, with a layout emphasizing a balance between indoor and outdoor areas.Royal Hakvoort is a family-owned shipyard. She was founded by Albert Kizn Hakvoort in 1919. The yard is based in the historic Dutch village of Monnickendam. The shipyard is able to guarantee best in class quality for custom built motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 65m in length.Credits: Royal Hakvoort
September 23, 2025
German marine glass manufacturer Yachtglass and Italian manufacturer Hard Glass have established a joint venture named Ocean Glass. The companies will continue to operate independently while using the new entity to develop markets and provide glazing solutions to shipyards internationally.The joint venture will be officially introduced at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show at Stand DS 57 in Darse Sud. Both companies have previously supplied custom glass for yachts, including vessels exceeding 120 meters in length.Silvia Buck, CEO of Yachtglass, stated: “This strategic partnership merges German engineering precision with Italian design expertise. Together, we’re poised to deliver custom, high-specification glass solutions for the most sophisticated superyachts on the market. We’re particularly focused on expanding our presence in Turkey, the Middle East, and Asia - regions where demand for premium European craftsmanship continues to grow.”Fiorenzo Furlan, president of Hard Glass, added: “Ocean Glass represents the fusion of uncompromising quality and refined aesthetics at sea. Our new venture is committed to delivering marine glass systems that meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and design. Partnering with Yachtglass allows us to scale our vision and set new benchmarks for the industry.”The formation of Ocean Glass occurs as demand increases for large-scale glazing solutions on superyachts, where exteriors often incorporate hundreds of square meters of custom glass. The venture aims to combine German engineering and Italian design capabilities to serve emerging shipbuilding regions.Credits: Ocean Glass
September 23, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has listed the 23.86-meter expedition yacht Vanguard for sale at $3,980,000. Yacht Broker Mike Finnegan is representing the vessel, which was delivered by Naval Yachts in 2023.The XPM 78 platform yacht is designed for long-range cruising with a focus on efficiency and system integration. Vanguard recently completed a 7,000-nautical-mile voyage along the U.S. Atlantic Coast and into Greenland's High Arctic waters, conducted with two ice pilots onboard.Propulsion is provided by a diesel-electric Praxis hybrid system with an integrated energy management network. The yacht cruises at 9 knots with a reported fuel consumption of 3.5 liters per nautical mile, providing a range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles. Technical features include an ice-reinforced hull, DMS Magnus Master stabilizers, and a commercial-grade dynamic positioning system.The interior, designed by Arista Marine, follows an open-plan layout with the galley, helm, and salon located on the main deck. Finishes include pale timbers with dark contrast elements. The helm station is equipped with dual high-back chairs and a multi-display dashboard.Accommodation is provided for six guests in three en-suite staterooms, with a convertible salon that can accommodate two additional guests. The full-beam owner's cabin contains a king-sized berth and lounge seating.Exterior areas are configured for operational functionality, featuring a tender crane and storage on the aft main deck with L-shaped guest seating. The flybridge helm seats two persons, with dual stairways leading to the swim platform. All exterior spaces are designed for low maintenance and expedition readiness.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
September 23, 2025
Luca Dini Design & Architecture has entered into an agreement with Albania’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy to explore the development of a national maritime strategy. The initiative aims to position Albania as a sustainable yachting hub in the Mediterranean.The proposed strategy involves creating a network of interconnected marinas designed to share resources and infrastructure rather than compete. The approach intends to improve logistical efficiency, support regional economic growth, and reduce environmental impact. Albania’s geographic position near established yachting destinations such as Greece and Montenegro, along with its undeveloped coastline, is seen as a foundation for attracting seasonal boaters and superyachts.The project envisions the development of service facilities including repair yards, refit stations, and fueling areas to meet international standards and accommodate larger vessels. The plan emphasizes adopting sustainability principles in new marina construction and diversifying specializations across different locations to reduce congestion and environmental pressure. Intermodal transport connections with road and rail networks are also part of the proposed strategy to link coastal and inland regions.The concept aligns with European Union initiatives such as the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), focusing on integration with continental trade and logistics systems. Luca Dini Design & Architecture will contribute expertise in architecture, yacht design, and master planning to the project. The firm indicated that the next 15 years represent a critical period for Albania to establish itself as a competitive maritime destination through coordinated planning.Credits: Luca Dini Design & Architecture
September 22, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons has listed the sailing yacht Imagine for sale at €17,800,000, with VAT paid. The 44.18-meter vessel is represented by Sales Advisor Maël Fiolet and was available for viewings at anchor during the Monaco Yacht Show, which opened on September 18.Built in 2010 by Alloy Yachts to a design by Ed Dubois, Imagine remains under its original ownership. The yacht was designed for worldwide cruising and has never been chartered. It complies with LY2 regulations and completed its Lloyd’s 15-year survey in 2025 alongside an extensive refit. In 2011, the yacht received the Best Sailing Yacht award at the World Superyacht Awards.The yacht accommodates nine guests in four cabins. The full-beam master suite is located aft and includes an en suite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, study, and vanity area. Additional accommodation consists of one double guest cabin, one twin cabin with a Pullman berth, and a fourth cabin configured as a single with a Pullman. The main saloon sofa can convert into two additional bunks if required.The interior offers 242 square meters of living space finished with white oak joinery, Loro Piana fabrics, and alpaca carpets. The raised salon features panoramic windows and a split-level arrangement with a lounge area to port and a navigation station to starboard. Custom features include an automated sliding companionway door, opening portholes in the master suite, underfloor freezers, and a firearms safe for Arctic voyages.Deck areas include a forward cockpit with dining space and sunpads, a boom awning for shade, and a foredeck tender well that converts to a heated spa pool. A crow's nest is positioned on the mast for observation.The yacht is equipped with a 61.9-meter Southern Spars mast, carbon fiber rigging, and a furling boom. The sail plan includes 895 square meters of upwind sail area managed by captive winches built by Alloy Yachts. A lifting keel allows operation in both shallow waters and open ocean conditions. All sails have been upgraded over time, with a new North Sails jib installed in 2025.Power is provided by a single Caterpillar C18 engine. The yacht carries a diesel-powered tender, which eliminates the need for separate refueling arrangements. The vessel is maintained for serious cruising with systems designed for extended autonomous voyages.Credits: Alloy Yachts
September 22, 2025