Forth Lauderdale, Florida – 11/2/2020
Representing the first major marine event to take place since April, the 61st Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, (FLIBS) the largest in-water boat show in the world, gathered locals and visitors alike from Oct. 28 – Nov. 1 to attend the five-day outdoor show with hundreds of exhibitors and boats on display across nearly 90 acres and six city sites. With Informa’s comprehensive AllSecure health and safety standards in place, FLIBS showcased a safety-first boat show experience with a multitude of show enhancements and new guidelines enforced throughout the show. These measures included mandatory face coverings and social distancing, a contactless ticketing system, added and expanded entrances, widened docks, ongoing cleaning of all areas before, during and after each day’s events, plus numerous hand sanitizing stations and CDC signage posted throughout the event.
This year’s show was a testament to the pent-up demand to get out on the water drawing quality buyers ready to purchase and anxious to get outdoors to see new products, meet with brokers, manufacturers, and marine suppliers they have not been able to meet with this year. As boating has gained popularity since March with record-setting boat sales in the U.S., early reports from FLIBS’ exhibitors show the continued trend, with many reporting numerous sales, quality buyers and new prospects.
“FLIBS has been a huge success for us, especially considering the challenging circumstances, and has exceeded our expectations in sales activity and attendance,” said Pat Healey, Viking Yachts President, and CEO. “In the first three days, we sold more than a dozen boats between Viking and Valhalla Boatworks, including two 92s and a 68. Our new product has done extremely well, with two Viking 54s and Valhalla 46s selling as well. Informa has done a tremendous job keeping the event safe and fun for everyone. FLIBS is an extremely important part of the industry and we support it 100 percent.”
“Our numbers are all incredibly positive, attendance of the first two days of the show was actually up 12% vs 2019,” said Federico Ferrante, President Azimut-Benetti Americas. “Overall attendance was down only 20%, which given the circumstances is an achievement. Last, but surely not least, we contracted 16 units at the show, which is only slightly less than our average FLIBS!”
“Even though this is a scaled-down event, it has proven to be one of the best shows for HMY in a long time,” said Tim Derrico, Director of Sales, HMY Yachts. “While the crowd has been moderate, most people are yacht owners or buyers. We have contracted more yachts than expected.”
“The first three days at FLIBS have far surpassed our expectations. Informa’s communication and safety protocols has ensured attendees feel safe to attend,” said Sally Doleski of Alexander Marine and Ocean Alexander. “The clients who have visited our booth and toured our products have been highly qualified buyers, and the ability to debut our newest yacht models to serious buyers is priceless. We have two contacts and deposits from the show so far, including a sale to a new client who we would have not met if we did not participate in the show this year.”
“From the start of set-up, the tone of the show was undoubtedly different, but it was clear to me that the Informa team was intent on ensuring a safe environment for all exhibitors and attendees,” said James Noble, Vice President and Marketing Director, Princess Yachts Americas. “All of this was extremely positive, and even above and beyond expectations. We have seen outstanding sales success and activity as a result of the show. As of Saturday, we had seven yachts under contract, and a number of strong leads to follow up on that we believe will result in outstanding sales results. Even better, there is a sense of urgency in the activity that you would not normally see during a major election year.”
“FLIBS 2020 will be one show that none of us in the marine industry will ever forget – and not just because of the masks and the hand sanitizer – but also the busy docks, the contracts that came in when nobody expected it, and an overwhelming sense of community,” said Bob Denison, Denison Yachting. “Our brokers, marketing team, and support staff all had a fun and safe boat show. We sold more boats and yachts than we expected. From day one to day five, the docks were buzzing. The show made life here in South Florida feel sort of normal again. As a local kid, I don’t remember an October here in Fort Lauderdale without the boat show. The entire Denison family is grateful that the show took place. Not only was it a good event for the city at large, it was meaningful to thousands of small business like ours.”
“FLIBS delivered steady traffic of qualified buyers,” said McKenzie Johnstone of MJM Yachts. “This was a strong show in challenging circumstances. We sold several boats during the show and will close several more in the weeks following. We extend our appreciation to Informa for putting the show together in a safe and effective manner for exhibitors and attendees.”
“We saw more customers in our booth than we expected,” said Robert Nye, Sales and Brand Manager for Aviara Boats. “The traffic isn’t as high, but there is a much higher percentage of buyers truly looking to buy a boat and we were able to spend more quality time with buyers. Organizers have done a great job preparing for the event.”
“The show has massively exceeded expectations with higher than anticipated boat sales,” said John Caballero, Sales and Marketing Director for Sea Vee Boats. “The attendees were much more qualified this year than in years past.”
“The AquaZone at FLIBS has been huge for us to demonstrate our product live in the water and has captured the attention of all and brought buyers to our booth,” said Rudi Miklosvary, General Manager of US, FLITEBOARD. “The quality of attendees has improved from last year; we saw more real buyers and less folks coming to simply look. We expect to meet or exceed our number of units sold over last year. We are also very impressed with the contactless ticketing, COVID protocols and adherence to mask wearing at the event and are grateful that we’re able to do the event in a safe and responsible way. The onsite cleaning has been exceptional.”
Attendees were also impressed with the product at FLIBS as well as the safety protocols.
“I always go to a boat show with intent to buy boats and I bought two boats at the show. I bought a 32 meter Ocean Alexander and a smaller outboard Ocean Alexander 45 feet,” said John Staluppi, auto magnate and boating enthusiast. “I knew the show organizers were trying to be as careful as possible. I knew I was coming, but I felt better once I arrived and saw everything, I felt really good about it.”
Additionally, early reports from local business leaders have also demonstrated the show’s economic impact for the hospitality industry and area businesses. In 2019, FLIBS generated an economic impact of $1.3 billion to the state of Florida and more than 8,000 full-time jobs were associated with the show.
“We are so pleased that FLIBS took place this year,” said Tim Petrillo, CEO and Co-Founder of The Restaurant People, which owns 12 restaurants in the area. “While it was not as big as previous years, it was by far our best week since we were allowed to re-open due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Seeing our businesses get back to somewhat normalized levels gives our entire team hope that there is light at the end of this very dark tunnel we have been thrust into. I am grateful that FLIBS pushed forward to host the event this year, when almost all other events have cancelled until next year. Their leadership shows that these types of events can be executed in a safe, responsible manner and will pave the way for other events to be hosted in our destination…which our tourism industry desperately needs during this very challenging time.”
“Our occupancy at the hotel on opening day was approximately 80 percent,” said James D. Tate, CEO of Tate Capital, which owns the Bahia Mar Resort Hotel & Marina (along with the Rok family). “The following two days (Thursday and Friday) was over 96 percent and Saturday was approximately 80 percent. Prior to FLIBS, our average weekly occupancy was approximately 31 percent.”
FLIBS kicked off the 61st show with an inaugural ribbon cutting ceremony featuring speeches by Andrew Doole, President of Informa Markets U.S Boat Shows, Phil Purcell, CEO/President of Marine Industries Association of South Florida, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Steven Glassman, Broward County Mayor Dale Holness, and Stacy Ritter, President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
An additional highlight of this year’s FLIBS included the return of NBC Sports Group, who filmed a one-hour network special which aired on Sunday, Nov.1 at 4:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Network, on demand via NBC Sports and NBC Sports YouTube. The special reached over 90 million U.S. households and covered behind-the-scenes and insider’s view of the 61st annual show highlighting FLIBS’ magnitude, extraordinary vessels, debuts, technical innovations and performance reviews as well as the luxurious lifestyle attractions. The segment also provided an inside look at Viking Yacht’s 54 Convertible, which was crowned the 3rd annual Best of Show winner.
FLIBS 2021 will take place from October 27-31, 2021.
Despite Smaller Crowds, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Lures Serious Buyers. With Covid-19 defining the show’s rules, exhibitors were surprised by the crowd’s level of enthusiasm. Many contracts for new yachts were signed on opening day. – Robb Report
An Italian Beauty
By The Boating Chronicle | ToD – 10/29/2020
Monte Carlo Yachts launched the second model of the Skylounge collection: the new MCY 76 Skylounge. The Collection represents a totally new and different way of experiencing life onboard. Conceived for those who love to cruise in comfort all year round, it meets different needs featuring a wide additional volume offered by the enclosed Flybridge, without sacrificing the multiple exterior areas. Such a concept has been designed and manufactured by an Italian shipyard for the first time.
The latest MCY’ creation triggers authentic elegance and a timeless feel, which can now be experienced on another level.
“Volumes, light, and harmony are the hallmark of the MCY 76 Skylounge”, say Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard. “We worked on designing a boat able to offer a new cruising experience with extreme levels of comfort and safety on board, to be enjoyed all year round. We are proud to say that the new MCY’ model perfectly matches these ambitious goals, representing the right place for those looking to escape for unique and exclusive moments.” Having one of its major strengths in the multiple exterior areas, the new MCY’ creation displays a wide and versatile bow lounge area with sun pads and dining tables, where to relax and enjoy time with friends and family in complete safety and privacy.
As the first model of the Skylounge Collection, the new MCY 76 Skylounge boasts a spacious enclosed Flybridge that emphasizes the level of well-being on board to be enjoyed in every season. This area incorporates the sole helm station, fully-equipped with top-edge technological elements. Such added volume becomes a second saloon with a large, customizable entertainment area perfect for relaxing moments, that can also be turned into the owner’s private studio with an inspiring 360-degree view over the horizon. The enclosed Flybridge structure is made in Carbon Fibre, a lightweight material characterized by high strength and exceptional durability. Another gem of this area are the large and openable Skylights, that allow owners and guests to gaze up at the sky while cruising.
“The levels of comfort and privacy on board the new MCY 76 Skylounge are maximized, thanks to the versatile layouts and the different possible uses of both the main deck and the upper deck saloon,” says Sergio Loiacono, MCY’ Sales and Marketing Director. “With the second model of the Collection we are continuing our path of innovation, introducing a new concept of onboard experience, able to match the desires of freedom and well-being of owners worldwide.”
Beneteau’s new debuts are on display
By The Boating Chronicle | ToD – 10/28/2020
Antares 11, a length overall of 36’7”, the new flagship of the Antares fleet takes the lead in the outboard family cruiser category. With the quintessential hallmark of the Antares range whose qualities have stood the test of time for 40 years, this wonderful family cruising powerboat focuses on comfort and space utilization, as well as safety and innovation.
She can be used for multiple boating programs, making her ideal for a wide range of fun and leisure activities. With powerful outboard engines reaching speeds up to 2 x 300 hp and a well-protected hull she ensures excellent performance.
Gran Turismo 32, to provide a perfect transition from a day boat to an express cruiser, the Gran Turismo 32 makes use of the Flyer 32 deck plan, while retaining the panache of the Gran Turismo line. She marries the spirit of a large open boat with that of a spacious comfortable hardtop, giving her owners the benefits of a day boat on an express cruiser! Below deck, she has two double berths and real shower space with an independent head compartment, making nights onboard a pleasure. Bathed in natural light from the long hull windows, the main central cabin and the mid-cabin make full use of the full beam of the vessel. Offered with a choice between outboard and inboard engines reaching up to 700 HP, she promises peak speeds of 35 knots.
The New Highfield Boats SPORT RIB Collection Makes Official Debut
By The Boating Chronicle | ToD – 10/28/2020
Highfield Boats, the world’s leading manufacturer of aluminum Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBS) and tenders, announced the official North American debut of the Highfield SPORT RIB Collection at the show. The new Highfield SPORT 360, 460 and 560 are on display at the Highfield Boats USA/Nautical Ventures Booth, Blue Zone Land 1008. Look for Highfield Boats’ innovative new Folding Transom option, which makes Highfield RIBs even easier to store onboard, at the booth as well.
Representing the next generation of design and construction technology for Highfield Boats, the new SPORT Collection comprises 11 aluminum-hulled, outboard-powered RIB models ranging from 9’10” to 26′ (3 to 8 meters). Designed with Italian-inspired styling and outfitted with a host of upgrade features and materials, these sleek, stable and seaworthy RIBs make ideal tenders for luxury power and sailing yachts. The larger models also serve as versatile day boats, launching a host of adventures on the water.
Also on display at the Highfield Boats/Nautical Ventures stand is the new Highfield Folding Transom, now available for its RIBs from 10’ to 11’2”. Engineered to let the transom and outboard fold neatly forward into the cockpit, the Folding Transom makes it easy for owners to store their tender in the onboard “garage” with the engine in place.
