Superyachts gather in Fort Lauderdale for 59th FLIBS
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is hosting the world’s largest open-air boat show this week where over 110,000 boating enthusiasts, industry professionals, crew and owners are expected to attend the event which is celebrating its 59th edition this year. Running until Sunday, 4th November at Fort Lauderdale’s Bahia Mar Yachting Centre, FLIBS is a highlight on the annual yachting calendar and for many and signals the end of a busy summer in the Mediterranean and the start of the upcoming Caribbean cruising season as many yachts migrate west across the Atlantic for the winter months. 
Photo: Merijn de Waard / SuperYacht Times
Photo: Merijn de Waard / SuperYacht Times
Spread across seven locations this year, the organising committee claims that over 1,500 boats are on display this year lining six miles of floating docks and covering over 3 million square feet of exhibition space. In addition, over 1,200 exhibitors are taking part in the event this year accounting to over 52 countries from around the world being represented at this global event. 
Photo: Merijn de Waard / SuperYacht Times
Photo: Merijn de Waard / SuperYacht Times
Some of the latest yachts in the fleet are in Fort Lauderdale this week for the show. Abeking & Rasmussen have their two newest additions on display in the forms of the 98-metre Aviva and the 74.5-metre Elandess. The 63-metre Utopia IV is representing Italian builder Rossinavi in Florida this year as the brand keeps breaking further into a growing pool of American clients. Other stand-out yachts include the relatively unknown Heesen 55-metre motor yacht Abbracci and Lürssen’s famous 90-metre Phoenix2.
Photo: Merijn de Waard / SuperYacht Times
Photo: Merijn de Waard / SuperYacht Times
Photo: Merijn de Waard / SuperYacht TimesThe SuperYacht Times team are on site on Fort Lauderdale this week and if you would like to meet up with any of our staff during the show, get in touch at [email protected].
Photo: Merijn de Waard / SuperYacht Times
Photo: Merijn de Waard / SuperYacht Times