With its opulent canals and waterways, state-of-the-art marinas, and miles of pristine beaches, Miami’s neighbor to the north, Fort Lauderdale, is the undisputed global capital of yachting. And in a few weeks, the spotlight will shine even brighter as more than 1,200 top-of-the-line superyachts and boats of all sizes are showcased in the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Set on the marinas between downtown Fort Lauderdale and the beautiful Atlantic, the largest boat show in the world returns for its 59th installment from October 31 to November 4. Along with the industry’s newest watercraft – including several worldwide debuts – mariners and yachting enthusiasts can explore everything from exotic cars to nautical-themed lifestyle products while partaking in exceptional cuisine and entertainment.
To elevate the experience even further, Acqualina Resort & Spa and private charter company Mercury Jets have teamed up this year to unveil the ultimate luxury package: Fly & Sea.
“We are looking forward to what this enhanced experience will do for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and the community at large,” says David Gitman, Executive Director of Mercury Jets. The white-glove, on-demand charter company offers a variety of light, midsize, and heavy jets with no upfront costs or membership fees.
Through the partnership, the unparalleled Fly & Sea experience includes five VIP tickets to FLIBS, a roundtrip flight from any New York City airport to Fort Lauderdale with Mercury Jets, an SUV Cadillac Escalade transfer to and from the airport and boat show, a three-night stay in a three-bedroom oceanfront suite at Acqualina, and a $250 voucher to the acclaimed Il Mulino New York.
Along with exploring rows of elegant yachts and exhibits from more than 30 countries, here are four ways to make the most of your time at South Florida’s most famous boating event:
Yacht and Boat Debuts
For yachters, fishermen, and design lovers, the pinnacle of FLIBS may be the reveal of this year’s most anticipated vessels. Ocean Alexander will be unveiling the first yacht in a new Revolution series, the 90r. The 90-foot tri-deck motoryacht features a stunning indoor skylounge on the flybridge’s upper deck and is made by the same Taiwanese boatbuilder whose Veloce 54 was a Best of the Best production yacht honoree in 2007.
From Sunseeker, you can expect the new 74 Sport Yacht with a dynamic look and hydraulic, drop-away cockpit doors that bring the outside in. And HMY, one of the world’s largest yacht dealer and brokerage firms, is poised to show the Okean 55’ Sport – which stays true to the Okean style while elevating the open design to new levels.
With complimentary water taxi access included for VIPs, the highlights of the show are at your fingertips.
Photo: Forest Johnson, courtesy Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
The Windward VIP Club
With your VIP ticket, the Windward VIP Club awaits at the Hall of Fame Marina – located steps from Superyacht Avenue and the luxury automobile displays. An enclave for South Florida’s elite, the club features a premium open bar, gourmet hors d’oeuvres throughout the day and evening, and daily wine tastings, vodka tastings, and cigar rolling experiences. After dark, make time to attend intimate club events hosted by Ulysse Nardin, the Official Timekeeper for FLIBS.
Photo: Forest Johnson, courtesy Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
The Height of Yacht Cuisine
Discover the world’s leading yacht chefs at the Yacht Chef Competition at Pier Sixty-Six. The evening begins with a cocktail hour followed by an elegant beachside barbecue featuring tastings from luxury food purveyors. While you dine, watch chefs from the show’s registered vessels compete head-to-head for the Wine Enthusiast Award for Best Yacht Chef. The event will be emceed by celebrity host Ingrid Hoffman.
Expert Seminars
Throughout the weekend, renowned captains, professors, and celebrities will lead seminars spanning marine interests from fishing to underwater photography.
Head to The International Gamefish Association School of Sportfishing for classes like Sailfish Tips from Tournament Pros. In The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo, experts will speak about watersports including free diving and spearfishing while a wide range of artists show high-end pieces in the Marine Art Display. And on the Coral Reef Stage, speakers from local Florida universities will spearhead discussions like Dr. Michael Studivan’s Coral Reef Exploration.
Photo: Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
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For more information or to purchase the Fly & Sea package, please call 954-359-0111.
Featured Photo: Forest Johnson, courtesy Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show