FLIBS 2018 draws to a close

By Katia Damborsky 5 November 2018

The 59th edition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS 2018) came to an end yesterday, after five action-packed days of superyacht showcases and exclusive social events in Florida.

As ever, the 2018 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show has proved itself to be a rousing success after throngs of show-attendees, superyachts and exhibitors flocked to Florida for the world’s largest in-water boat show.

Running between October 31 and November 4, the event has hosted over 1,200 boats and attracted both boating enthusiasts and industry professionals who share a passion for life on the water.

Visitors have spent the five days of festivities touring superyachts, attending seminars and rubbing shoulders with fellow show-goers at lively social functions.

Since the show’s kick-off on Wednesday, the team at YachtCharterFleet have been on the ground in Fort Lauderdale to gather exclusive information and tour some of the finest superyachts in attendance.

The talk of the show was undoubtedly the 75m/244ft motor yacht ELANDESS from Abeking & Rasmussen. One of the most recent deliveries in the line-up, she wowed show-attendees with her sleek exterior and fluid lines penned by Harrison Eidsgaard.

After stepping on board when she debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show earlier this year, YachtCharterFleet was pleased to see her on the other side of the Atlantic.

The 85m/279ft motor yacht ARETI was also turning plenty of heads at the show, with her expansive foredeck helipad and Lurssen craftsmanship. A late-comer to the show, she was berthed at Pier Sixty-Six for show-goers to admire her in all of her glory.

Fellow Lurrsen build, the 90m/295ft charter yacht 'Phoenix 2' was also in attendance, standing proudly alongside the 98m/322ft superyacht AVIVA with her eye-catching sky-blue hull.

Other superyachts demanding attention included the freshly-launched 62m/203ft motor yacht ‘Utopia IV’ from Rossinavi and Icon Yachts’ 63m/205ft charter yacht ‘Party Girl’.

Lining the boardwalks, exhibitors were on hand to supply information and showcase their latest projects. Many prestigious shipbuilders were housed in stands along the so-called ‘Superyacht Avenue’, and some of the most cutting-edge models were on display to be admired.

In between perusing the stands, show-attendees attended seminars on topics ranging from underwater photography to the future of the ocean’s coral. Cigar rolling and wine tasting took place every day and the stars of hit reality TV show Below Deck hosted a cocktail masterclass, much to the delight of show-goers.

Attracting both boating enthusiasts and industry professionals, visitors have spent their time touring superyachts, attending seminars and rubbing shoulders with fellow show-goers at lively social functions.

FLIBS 2018 also debuted its first-ever yacht chef competition, which saw four yacht chefs battle it out to be crowned the winner. At the end of the evening, it was Eric Davis, chef of the 35m/116ft charter yacht KIPANY who took home the gold.

With so much to see and do at the show, FLIBS 2018 has once again dazzled show-goers and will ensure that next year’s edition attracts similar numbers of attendees, exhibitors and superyachts.