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.
Spanish marina operator Ocibar has entered its first international venture by acquiring a 25% stake in Marina d'Arechi, a major Italian marina located in Salerno. The facility, developed and operated by the Gallozzi Group, offers 950 berths for vessels from 10 to 100 meters, along with winter storage and maintenance services.Antonio Zaforteza, CEO of Ocibar, stated: “Marina d’Arechi is one of the great examples of success in marina development in the Mediterranean and still has significant growth potential. Our alliance will further enhance this marina and integrate it into a unique value proposition for its customers and those of the various Ocibar marinas.”Ocibar, which manages marinas in Tarragona, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Valencia, sees the investment as part of its Mediterranean expansion strategy. The Gallozzi Group, active in shipping and port operations since 1952, welcomed the partnership.Agostino Gallozzi, CEO of the Gallozzi Group and Marina d’Arechi, said: “We had contemplated expanding the shareholder base of Marina d’Arechi and are very happy to have Ocibar joining us with a 25 per cent participation, based on shared values and principles of business ethics. Our partnership will propel Marina d’Arechi into a new phase of development.”Planned upgrades include berth expansion, infrastructure improvements, and the construction of a hotel to support Salerno's tourism initiatives.Credits: Marina d'Arechi
April 18, 2025
GB Marine Group, the parent company of Grand Banks and Palm Beach Motor Yachts, has named Lynn Fischer as its new Global Chief Marketing Officer. The appointment follows recent expansions, including a 114,000-square-foot factory upgrade, and aligns with the company’s focus on brand growth and owner services.Fischer, previously Chief Marketing Officer at private aviation firm Vista, brings experience in luxury and premium brand strategy. In her new role, she will oversee marketing, brand development, and customer engagement for GB Marine Group’s yacht brands.Lynn Fischer“GB Marine Group is not only a heritage builder – celebrating nearly 70 years of Grand Banks Yachts and 30 years of Palm Beach Motor Yachts – it's a company at the forefront of next-generation yachting,” said Fischer. “From its ocean racing-inspired manufacturing approach that redefines performance and fuel efficiency, to its use of advanced technology and materials, GB Marine Group is pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the water.”CEO Mark Richards stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Lynn to the GB Marine Group. Her deep expertise in building aspirational brands and delivering personalized client experiences will be instrumental as we bring even more exciting new products to market, expand our global footprint, and evolve our factory-direct strategy.”Fischer’s responsibilities will include brand strategy, digital marketing, global campaigns, and enhancing owner experience programs. The move comes as the company prepares new product launches and expands its factory-direct sales model."GB Marine Group owns and operates three premium yacht brands: Grand Banks, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, and Eastbay YachtsCredits: GB Marine Group
April 18, 2025
Itama has introduced the Itama 54, a new 16.44-meter open cruiser designed to enhance onboard comfort and living space while retaining the brand’s signature style. The model, presented at boot Düsseldorf, marks Itama’s return to the 50 to 59-foot segment.Developed by the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee and the Group’s Engineering Department, with exterior and interior design by Tommaso De Luca, the Itama 54 features a streamlined aesthetic with functional innovations. The exterior includes a forward sun pad integrated into the deck and a redesigned transom that provides 1,800 liters of storage for water toys. Access to the bow has been relocated to the starboard side for improved convenience.The deck layout prioritizes comfort, with a large aft sun pad and a dual-cockpit design. The main cockpit includes a convertible dining area, while a second cockpit behind the windscreen offers a sheltered relaxation space. Both are served by a portside bar unit. The helm station features an ergonomic seat and a floating dashboard.Below deck, the Itama 54 accommodates two cabins, two bathrooms, a galley, and a dinette. The master cabin includes a central bed with storage, while the guest cabin offers a choice between a queen-size bed or bunk beds. Interior materials include wood, leather, and fabric, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. Side glazing runs the length of the hull, contributing to a modern silhouette.The yacht is powered by twin MAN i6-730 engines (730 HP) as standard, delivering a top speed of 33 knots and a cruising speed of 28 knots. An optional upgrade to MAN i6-850 engines (850 HP) increases performance to 37 knots top speed and 33 knots cruising speed (preliminary data).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
April 18, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons announces the establishment of its fourteenth office in Viareggio, Italy. This strategic move underscores the company's ongoing dedication to maintaining leadership in yacht construction and design.Located within one of Europe's premier yacht-building hubs, the new facility will focus on new-build sales, refitting services, and comprehensive project management. It symbolizes Camper & Nicholsons' evolving approach to yacht design, aiming to set new benchmarks for creative innovation and superior craftsmanship.According to Paolo Casani, CEO of Camper & Nicholsons, “The rising demand for new builds and project management necessitated establishing a specialized presence to enhance client service delivery. The Viareggio office provides an advanced structure guiding owners throughout all stages of yacht creation, from concept to completion.”Led by Daniela Duck, Managing Director of Camper & Nicholsons Italy, the office aims to cater to the expanding market for customized yacht solutions. Beyond conventional sales and project oversight, the Viareggio branch envisions becoming an inspirational space where clients engage directly in the design process, shaping their visions collaboratively with experts.Additionally, Camper & Nicholsons is pioneering novel digital tools to streamline and elevate the design phase further. This innovative initiative reinforces the company's reputation for pushing boundaries in yacht engineering and aesthetics.With its latest venture, Camper & Nicholsons seeks to usher in a transformative period for yacht development, blending tradition with modern technology. The firm welcomes stakeholders and enthusiasts alike to join in creating the next wave of exceptional vessels.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
April 17, 2025
U-Boat Worx's submarines aboard Viking and Seabourn expedition vessels are transforming marine exploration, enabling unprecedented discoveries and advancements in oceanography. Powered by state-of-the-art technology, these submersibles facilitate detailed observations and data collection in previously unreachable marine habitats.Recent highlights include the rare documentation of the giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea) in Antarctica, marking the first publication of such findings by a cruise line. Other achievements encompass exploratory dives in the Great Lakes, leading to extensive surveys of historic shipwrecks. Most notably, Seabourn Pursuit located the long-lost Titania, a German supply vessel, which had remained undiscovered for over a century.Equipped with sophisticated instruments capable of diving to 300-meter depths, these submarines enable researchers to assess marine biodiversity, evaluate climate change effects, and monitor delicate ecosystems. Their presence aboard Viking and Seabourn ships underscores the synergy between luxury travel and scientific progress, setting a precedent for environmentally conscious exploration.Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, emphasized, "Every voyage provides opportunities for scientific discovery… Our expedition vessels and scientists have already contributed to research that might not have been possible otherwise." Similarly, Robin West, VP and GM of Expeditions at Seabourn, highlighted the company's dedication to pioneering exploration: "These experiences are a testament to the spirit of expedition... taking guests to places where no other human has ever ventured."By integrating luxury with scientific rigor, Viking and Seabourn exemplify how maritime exploration can yield valuable insights, enhancing global awareness of marine ecosystems and advancing efforts toward sustainable conservation.Founded in 2005, U-Boat Worx leads the global market in designing and manufacturing submersibles for private, research, and cruise industries. With over 60 operational units worldwide, the company prioritizes safety, performance, and comfort, continuously innovating underwater exploration technologies.Credits: U-Boat Worx
April 17, 2025