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

Latest News

Pearl Yachts to Showcase Pearl 63 at Two UK Boat Shows
Pearl Yachts will debut its new Pearl 63 model in the UK at two May events: the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show (May 9–11, Southampton) and the British Motor Yacht Show (May 15–18, Swanwick Marina). This follows the yacht's global premiere at the 2025 Palma International Boat Show.The Pearl 63 builds on the award-winning Pearl 62 design, offering a 60-foot yacht with family-friendly features. Key specifications include:Aft Cockpit: Opening side balconies and convertible L-shaped sofa seatingSaloon: Family-sized dining table and multifunctional chaise longueFlexible Space: Tender garage (fits Williams MiniJet 280 or SeaDoo Spark) or optional crew cabinAccommodation: Four cabins for eight guests, including a full-beam master suite with private access and panoramic windowsInteriors: Four design themes by Kelly Hoppen InteriorsPerformance: Optional 2 x Volvo Penta IPS 1350 engines for speeds up to 33 knotsIain Smallridge, Managing Director of Pearl Yachts, stated: “We are delighted to bring the Pearl 63 to British shores for the first time, and to do so at two events that represent the heart of UK yachting. These shows may be more intimate than their international counterparts, but they are no less important.”The Pearl 63 targets owner-operators seeking a balance of luxury and practicality. Both UK events provide opportunities for direct client engagement ahead of the model’s 2025 delivery schedule.Pearl Yachts was founded in 1998 and has now become one of the UK’s most prominent shipyards. Every Pearl motor yacht is designed and built by experienced craftsmen. Pearl’s fleet consists of the new Pearl 62, the Pearl 80 and the Pearl 95. All newly launched Pearl Yachts are covered by a unique, comprehensive five-year warranty program.Credits: Pearl Yachts
Winch Design Unveils Interior for Ninth Amels 60 Limited Editions Hull
Winch Design has revealed the interior of the ninth hull in the Amels 60 Limited Editions series, developed in collaboration with Dutch shipyard Amels. Launched in 2019, the Amels 60 offers semi-custom construction with full-custom flexibility, balancing reduced delivery times and personalized design. The exterior was designed by Espen Øino.Winch Design previously handled interiors for Come Together, hull three and hull six 21.12. Come Together received a World Superyacht Award and an ISS Award in 2023.The ninth hull’s interior draws inspiration from the Pacific Islands, with each deck reflecting different natural elements. Materials include wood, stone, plaster, and leather, complemented by marble accents. Carved wood flooring in the beach club reinforces a barefoot-living concept, while curved forms and a soft palette promote relaxed sophistication.The lower deck features warm, earthy tones reminiscent of sand and forests, while the main deck incorporates oceanic blues. A central staircase, inspired by Pacific rainforests, connects the decks and leads to a bridge deck designed to evoke tropical greenery.“We created a refreshing interior derived from the Pacific Islands, with a focus on vegetation, the ocean and the sky,” said Jim Dixon, Managing Partner & Creative Director at Winch Design. “We started with a neutral and natural canvas and created unique features such as a back-lit onyx wall with an internally illuminated sculptural staircase column.”Hull 6009 remains under construction, with delivery scheduled for 2026. The yacht is currently available for purchase, allowing the new owner to finalize select details.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
The Italian Sea Group Advances Outfitting Works on 50m Admiral's Panorama
Outfitting activities are progressing on the 50-meter Admiral Panorama, a Lloyd’s Register-classified yacht developed by The Italian Sea Group. The vessel features clean lines and balanced proportions, combining contemporary aesthetics with functionality. The exterior design was handled by Piredda & Partners, while interiors were developed by the shipyard’s Centro Stile.The yacht spans three decks, emphasizing openness to the exterior through a design that minimizes visual barriers. Large volumes, high ceilings, and panoramic windows enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Natural materials, refined finishes, and strategic lighting contribute to the interior ambiance.Accommodation includes up to seven cabins, configurable to host 12 guests during navigation and up to 18 people, including crew. The main deck houses four guest suites with direct access to the salon and beach area, which includes a 2.85 x 1.8-meter pool surrounded by sunbathing spaces. The forward cabins can be merged into a full-beam suite, serving as an optional second owner’s cabin. The primary owner’s suite, located on the upper deck, features panoramic views and a private terrace with a pool.Salons on the main and upper decks are designed as multifunctional spaces, while the lower deck is dedicated to crew quarters, including cabins for 10 members, a kitchen, and a dining area. Optional layouts allow for additional cabins, a gym, or an entertainment space.A key innovation is the midship engine room ventilation system, a first for a 499 GT yacht, eliminating traditional aft ventilation trunks and improving layout efficiency. Another notable feature is the technical corridor with observation windows for monitoring machinery.The wheelhouse and captain’s cabin are positioned on the sun deck, enhancing navigation visibility while separating operational and leisure areas for greater guest privacy. The yacht is currently under construction, with further updates expected as outfitting continues.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group
55m Solemates Delivered by Heesen
Heesen Yachts celebrates the delivery of Solemates (YN 20655), a fully customized 55-meter steel superyacht, to an experienced owner who has chosen the Dutch shipyard for the second time. This milestone underscores Heesen’s reputation for engineering excellence, build quality, and the flexibility of its speculative build program – enabling clients to personalize proven platforms without compromising on time efficiency.Built on Heesen’s successful 55m Steel design, Solemates combines the proven Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) by Van Oossanen Naval Architects with Omega Architects’ sleek exterior lines. The owner, a seasoned yachtsman, leveraged the platform’s inherent reliability to focus on tailored interior enhancements that reflect a family-oriented approach to cruising.Rupert Connor of Luxury Yacht Group noted: "While the changes from the previous model appear subtle, the cumulative refinements across the entire platform elevate this yacht significantly. Heesen’s commitment to continuous improvement shines through."The owner’s deep yachting expertise and hands-on involvement ensured a streamlined build process. Ralf Oortman, Heesen’s Project Manager, remarked: "Their team’s insight into the client’s lifestyle was invaluable. We collaborated seamlessly to introduce standout features, such as the breathtaking atrium – a true masterpiece that sets Solemates apart."Working alongside Silvia Margutti of Luca Dini Design and Architecture, the owner reimagined the interior with vibrant accents, a redesigned main staircase featuring gold-flaked acrylic panels, and an expanded sundeck hot tub area for social gatherings. Every detail was meticulously crafted to enhance onboard living.Following flawless sea trials in the North Sea, Solemates confirms her robust performance and efficiency. With a 760 GT volume, she offers ample space for extended cruising while maintaining the comfort and reliability expected of a Northern European build.Solemates will be available for exclusive charter through Luxury Yacht Group, with her world premiere set for the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show, where she will headline Heesen’s display.Niels Vaessen, Heesen’s CEO, reflected: "Delivering Solemates to a repeat client is a testament to our craftsmanship and the trust owners place in us. This project exemplifies how we blend efficiency with bespoke luxury – creating yachts that exceed expectations."Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
Amels 80 Hits the Water with Damen Yachting
Damen Yachting has successfully launched the first Amels 80. The vessel is the latest addition to the Amels Limited Editions range.The 80-meter superyacht boasts a gross tonnage of 2,175 GT and features a hybrid propulsion system for reduced emissions and improved cruising efficiency. The vessel can accommodate 14 guests across 7 luxurious suites, supported by a crew of 21. Notable features include a foredeck helipad, a 200-square-meter Sun Deck, a private Owner’s Deck, a 6.5-meter swimming pool, and a Beach Club with spa facilities.The exterior design is the work of renowned superyacht designer Espen Oino, while the interior was created by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design in their first collaboration with Amels. Paul Costerus, Designer Interior at Sinot, commented: “The Amels 80 marks the first collaboration between Sinot and Amels. A project which provided us with the opportunity to develop something truly unique. You will feel at home from the moment you step on board.”The build of the first Amels 80 was managed by Burgess on behalf of the Owner following the yacht’s sale in 2022. Sean Bianchi, Partner and Head of Burgess Technical Services, stated: “We are delighted to see Amels 80, hull number 01 depart her construction dock and enter the commissioning and sea trials phase. This milestone marks the culmination of close collaboration between Damen Yachting, Sinot, and the Owner’s team in crafting a yacht that is truly one of a kind.”Adriaan Roose, Product Design Manager for the Amels 80 series at Damen Yachting, emphasized the balance between customisation and efficiency: “The Amels 80 offered the client many custom options whilst still benefitting from the shortened delivery time. This yacht is the ultimate balance of individuality and efficiency.”The Amels 80 has the following specifications: length overall is 80.00 meters (261 ft), beam overall is 12.50 meters (41 ft), range is 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots, with delivery scheduled for Summer 2025.Rose Damen, Managing Director of Damen Yachting, expressed gratitude for the collaboration: “With today’s launch of the first Amels 80, we have reached another landmark achievement in the history of Amels. I would like to thank our Client and the team at Burgess for entrusting us with this very special build. We are honoured and excited to see the final phase through to delivery.”Damen Yachting is the yachting division of the Damen Shipyards Group. The shipyard builds and refits Amels superyachts, Xplorer luxury expedition yachts (previously known as SeaXplorer) and Yacht Support vessels. Credits: Damen Yachting