The 58th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show achieved a 7% increase in attendance and a 4% growth in the number of boats on display over the past year, paying off to Informa that owns and manages the event since March 2017, according to the Group's public statements.
«Informa's investments in the show delivered a superior visitor experience to previous shows,» emphasized Andrew Doole, manager of Informa Exhibitions' division, adding that «excellent weather, a robust economy, realigned marketing efforts and a huge selection of new product offerings» ensured daily flow to the docks and exhibits.
After purchasing FLIBS in March this year, along with four other US-based yacht shows operated by Yachting Promotions, for a total of $133 million, Informa faced many challenges, some of them unexpected. Thus, the previewed investment in the show's infrastructure rose due to the impact of Hurricane Irma that hit the coastal area of South Florida in September.
«Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show went really well, the latter particularly impressive given the limited amount of time we had to pull the event together after the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma,» concluded the Group's finance director, Gareth Wright.
Although a concrete amount hasn't been disclosed yet, it is known that the Group's investment spanned every aspect of the show's experience, from multi-channel advertising to improved management of hotel reservations.
On the technical side, this included new plastic and fiberglass floating docks, new electrical equipment and trucks, as well as improved wayfinding graphics and signage for easier navigation and product location.
Innovations contributed to the enhanced show's appeal to the visitors, an impression confirmed by FLIBS participants, such as Ocean Alexander marketing executive, Sally Dolesky, who pointed out the following:
«We were very pleased with the traffic at this year's show and the feeling of optimism among our brokers and clients. New docks, clear dock-marking for those trying to find their way through an incredibly large location, and increased variety of food and beverage options all added to the enjoyment of our guests at the show.»
Overall, FLIBS drew a worldwide audience, with nearly 105.000 buyers, sellers, and browsers among them. Customers had a larger selection of vessels to choose from, given the total increase of 4% in the number of boats on display, a 9% rise in new boats under 100 feet – approximately 30 meters – and a 10% growth in pre-owned boats over 100 feet, according to the evaluations presented by the event's managerial team.
When translated into financial terms, this year's FLIBS success also went «beyond expectations», clearly says Informa PLC trading update of November 9, released ahead of the 2017 annual report. The goal for international expansion and scale, set by the Group's Exhibitions' division, led to a revenue growth of 9,2% over the past 10 months.
Each November 3 million square feet of space across seven different Fort Lauderdale locations in the city of Florida are transformed into hubs for the key industry players from across the globe. The recent acquisition by Informa, the parent company of the Monaco Yacht Show, marked a new chapter in FLIBS history, making it part of a near monopoly in yacht show industry.
Italian yacht builder Apreamare will make its first appearance at the Venice Boat Show from May 29 to June 2, 2025, alongside exclusive Northern Italy dealer Pedetti Yacht Sales. The event, held at Venice's historic Arsenale, will feature 270 exhibitors and 300 boats, with Apreamare showcasing its new Gozzo 38 Cabin model.The Gozzo 38 Cabin, designed by Cataldo Aprea and Marco Casali in collaboration with engineer Umberto Tagliavini, expands on the open Gozzo 35 with enhanced interior space and weather protection. The 11.45-meter yacht features a deckhouse for improved habitability, a 4-panel glass door connecting the cockpit to the dinette, and a layout with two cabins and a 2-meter headroom bathroom. The guest cabin includes a 140-centimeter-wide bed, exceeding standard dimensions for its class.Exterior amenities include a convertible cockpit table, L-shaped seating for six, and an extended beach platform. Propulsion options comprise twin Volvo Penta D4-270 DPI or D4-320 DPI sterndrives, or a traditional Volvo Penta D4-320 shaft configuration.The participation highlights Apreamare's focus on Northern Italy's market, where demand for its Sorrentine Gozzo designs continues to grow. The Venice Boat Show marks the first public exhibition of the Gozzo 38 Cabin, positioned between the Gozzo 35 and flagship Gozzo 45 in Apreamare's lineup.The history of the shipyard starts in 1849, when Giovanni Aprea started to handbuild rowing and sailing boats used for fishing in Sorrento, basing his craft on the shape and form of the traditional “gozzo sorrentino”. Now the shipyard range includes the Apreamare and Maestro yachts.Credits: Apreamar
May 12, 2025
GX Superyachts has unveiled interior details of its debut 42-meter model, the GX42 Raised Pilot House, designed for family-focused ownership with delivery scheduled for 2026. The yacht features an organic-inspired interior by Marco Casali and hybrid propulsion for efficient operation.The Raised Pilot House configuration allocates the main deck to a full-beam owner’s suite with private foredeck terrace, walk-in wardrobe, and office space. The lower deck accommodates a VIP suite with fold-down balcony and three flexible guest cabins, including a children’s cabin with Pullman berth. Social areas include a 10-person dining space on the main deck and an upper deck with hot tub, bar, and lounging areas.Owner Vladimir Zinchenko stated: "The debut GX42 shows what is possible, while remaining true to the principles of Responsible Yachting. For a boat with a slim, efficient hull, the volume is phenomenal."Casali’s design employs walnut wood paneling, white leather, and Italian fabrics, with curved edges throughout to enhance a relaxed ambiance. Lighting by Ultra Luce and artwork from the owner’s collection complete the aesthetic."This is no showboat for flexing the muscles," said Casali. "We worked closely with the owners to realise their priorities for a family friendly design that favours extended periods on board."The GX42 represents the first released details of GX Superyachts’ new line, emphasizing sustainable materials and long-range cruising capabilities.Credits: GX Superyachts
May 12, 2025
Feadship has unveiled Project 824, a 100-meter fully custom superyacht that represents the latest advancement in technical refinement and architectural design. The vessel, designed by Jamsen with naval architecture by Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects, features a diesel-electric propulsion system with ABB pod drives for efficient and low-vibration operation.As the second-largest yacht constructed at Feadship's Kaag facility – following the 101.50-meter Symphony delivered in 2015 – Project 824 combines scale with innovative engineering. The yacht's steel hull and aluminum superstructure measure 100.00 meters in length, with a 13.60-meter beam and a loaded draught of 4.10 meters.Liagre is responsible for the interior design, though specific details remain undisclosed. The project underscores Feadship's continued focus on large-scale, custom superyacht construction. No delivery date or owner details have been released."Project 824 stands out through a combination of scale, innovation, and detail," Feadship stated in the announcement. The yacht is currently undergoing final outfitting at the Kaag shipyard.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
May 12, 2025
The Italian Sea Group has launched the 72-meter Admiral Armani megayacht, marking the first vessel designed in collaboration with Giorgio Armani. The ceremony took place at the company's Marina di Carrara facility, attended by representatives from the Armani Group, local authorities, and project team members.This yacht represents the first of two projects fully designed by Giorgio Armani, featuring distinctive exterior styling and interior design by Armani/Casa. The collaboration with The Italian Sea Group's Centro Stile combines minimalist aesthetics with advanced naval engineering.Key design elements include geometric volumes with curved surfaces, satin aluminum and steel detailing, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The upper decks incorporate open-air lounges and a helicopter landing area. Interior materials feature Black Marquinia marble, golden Calacatta, and Canaletto walnut, complemented by custom lighting and fabrics."This yacht represents the confluence of Giorgio Armani's poetic elegance and The Italian Sea Group's technical excellence," said Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group.The Admiral Armani 72m will make its official debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2025. The vessel measures 72 meters in length and represents a new direction in luxury yacht design through the Armani collaboration. Technical specifications and performance details were not disclosed in the announcement.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: Giuliano Sargentini/The Italian Sea Group
May 7, 2025
Silent Yachts has announced its 24-meter flagship solar-electric catamaran, the SY80, is approaching completion. The Italian builder recently launched two SY62 3-Deck Open models and one SY62 3-Deck Closed variant from its Fano shipyard as part of its plan to deliver 10 yachts in 2025.The SY80 will be available in three customizable configurations: 2-Deck, 3-Deck Open, and 3-Deck Closed. The model retains the sustainable features of Silent Yachts' smaller vessels while offering increased volume, accommodating up to 12 guests. Key features include an open layout, spacious staterooms, and ample storage for water toys."We can accommodate a very high number of different configurations, making the yacht of your dreams into a lived reality," said Silent Yachts CEO Fabrizio Iarrera. Owners can opt for an on-deck master suite or an open-plan salon with the master cabin below deck.Performance specifications include a top speed of 12 knots, cruising speeds of 7-8 knots, and battery capacities of 522 kWh or 696 kWh. The solar array peaks at 22.4 kWp, supporting near-zero-emission operation.The SY80 2-Deck variant will debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival (September 9-14), with sea trials expected in the coming weeks.Silent-Yachts is producing the world’s first fully solar-sustainable oceangoing production catamaran yachts. They are powered exclusively by solar energy and capable of cruising up to 100 miles per day. In 2009, founders Heike and Michael Köhler, who have spent 6,000 days cruising more than 75,000 miles all around the world, launched the Solarwave 46, the first fully self-sufficient blue-water catamaran after years of testing solar-powered propulsion, and they have been building boats ever since. Credits: Silent-Yachts
May 7, 2025