As Monaco Concludes, Lauderdale Gears Up For World’s Biggest Boat Show
Just like people, boat shows have personalities. Monaco is powerful and confident. Cannes is casually chic. Miami is fast and furious. Palm Beach is old money conservative. Dubai is over-the-top lavish abundance. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the bright star that bubbles with enthusiasm, always smiling with broad appeal. There is good reason for that.
This big show has something for everyone. Whether focused on a sumptuous superyacht that sleeps 12, a simple flats fishing skiff, or a pleasant day focused on boat wishes and people watching, FLIBS is an enjoyable experience where boating dreams are born, nurtured, and fulfilled for a large number of the 100,000+ attendees.
Fort Lauderdale Facts And FiguresThe 65th edition of the show takes place this year from October 30 to November 3. The largest in-water boat show in the world, last year's total economic impact of the show reached $1.79 billion. The show generates $709.7 million in estimated sales by Florida companies, and $85.8 million in state and local taxes.
Rufus James, Airport Manager for the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport , expects show-related flights to bump normal numbers by 20-25 percent, as they have in past shows. That means between 500 and 700 flights per day, originating from all around the globe.
Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, the show is produced by Informa Markets. FLIBS is massive, spread over seven locations, from the Broward Convention Center to the Superyacht Village, the newly redone Pier 66, and several other nearby marinas, linked by water taxis, shuttles, and private cars for hire.
Sites And Sights Of FLIBSA FLIBS map from the app is essential, as the docks are tight and wayfinding can be a challenge. Download the FLIBS app on a mobile device or pick up the print version at the entry.
The main entrance to the show is adjacent to the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale hotel and marina on Seabreeze Boulevard. Planning an early entry to the show will ensure shorter lines. A wander through exhibit halls or food courts leads to the docks where the first sight of all these boats is mind boggling. Preplanning a route is extremely helpful.
The Las Olas and the Hall of Fame Marinas both embrace a plethora of boats. Most are in-water, some, along with personal watercraft, water toys, and other fun diversions, are on land. It is one of the busiest areas of the show.
The Windward VIP Club at the Hall of Fame Marina offers membership for the show in this upscale gathering spot. A Windward VIP pass gives bearers early access to the show as well as choices of premium open bar cocktails, live music, gourmet food, private restrooms, and luxury pop-up activations.
Around The ShowAttendees flying into Orlando, Palm Beach, or Miami can hop on the Brightline light rail to shuttle buses at the rail station in Fort Lauderdale to get to the show. Traffic can be truly gridlocked, and this can be a viable option.
The Broward County Convention Center and Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, easily accessed by water taxi from the Bahia Mar area, are a short, usually pleasant, ride piloted by local captains that offer amusing anecdotes and history, and gets there quick. Golf carts and shuttle buses are other options. Hint: if water taxi lines are long, consider the shuttle bus.
The Convention Center is another big entry point, leading to stands featuring a range of toys, accessories, boats, and presentation areas. Visit the Blue Wild Kids' Zone, The Angler's Lounge, and numerous dining and relaxation areas.
Pier 66 Marina and the Superyacht Village sit on the west side of the Stranahan River, both north and south of the 17th St. Bridge respectively. Yes, they are next to each other but are separate stops on the water taxi.
The hotel, marina, and dining options at Pier 66 have been undergoing a huge remodel. An iconic Fort Lauderdale landmark, the rooftop restaurant is a fabulous dining location. Scheduled to reopen this fall, it is hoped they will be a participant in the show. The marina will definitely have boats on display and is worth a visit.
The Superyacht Village is a nice respite from the madding crowds at the show. This is where the superyachts live, with a hub that serves cocktails and a good, but limited, food menu. These superyachts are majestic and gorgeous, and the stands are manned by brilliant staff with excellent superyacht knowledge.
Around TownGreat breakfasts can be found at Nanou French Bakery and Cafe on Las Olas near the show, or The Floridian or Ann's Florist and Coffee Bar on Las Olas near downtown. For a low key vibe and secluded on-water location but excellent all day brunch, head to Cafe Bastille, 704 SE 1st Street.
Later day fare for everyone who loves seafood can be hunted down at the long-standing FLIBS and local favorites Shooters Waterfront, The Boatyard, Coconuts, and Southport Raw Bar. If these high profile spots are prohibitively busy, not to worry.
With a hotel stay or a purchased membership, The Pillars Hotel offers exceptional fine dining in an intimate, waterfront setting. Also a nice outdoor, low key repast, The Wine Garden serves a fine branzino and a bevy of great pasta dishes, in addition to a solid wine list, all tucked in at 608 Breakers Avenue, a block to the west from The Four Seasons and W hotels. Excellent hand made to order pasta and Mediterranean dishes at Dal Contadino Trattoria prove worth the drive to Oakland Park. Maass at The Four Seasons offers notably delicious brunch and stunning chef's tasting menus. Casa Sensei delights with Japanese Latin fusion menus in a surprisingly secluded spot on Las Olas delivering excellent fare, lovely service, and a nice wine list, all waterside.
For a variety of galleries, jewelers, distinctive boutiques, and brand name clothing, an evening stroll along Las Olas Boulevard is vibrant and engaging. There is a plethora of beachwear and sandals, but also some exquisite shopping and beautifully curated stock at Deborah James, Pina Boutique for fine European women's clothing, and Maus & Hoffman for men and women from brands like Brioni, Hiltl, and Solemare.
Boats on display will be listed soon to be covered in a follow up . Specific details for special events are also forthcoming, as is this year's show map.
