The insider’s guide: All you need to know about FLIBS 2019

Where is FLIBS 2019 taking place?

The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show takes place in seven show locations across the city. The main entrance is the Bahia Mar Yachting Centre, located on 801 Seabreeze Blvd.

The complete list of locations of FLIBS 2019 is as follows;

• Bahia Mar Yachting Center
• Hall of Fame Marina
• Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center /Sailfish Pavilion
• Pier 66 Marina
• Las Olas Marina
• SuperYacht Village at Pier 66 South
• Fort Lauderdale Hilton Marina

FLIBS 2019 will open its doors between 10am - 7pm, Thursday to Saturday. It will close at 6pm on Sunday and there will be a primetime preview on Wednesday between 12pm and 7pm.

How do I get around at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show?

A water taxi service is the best way to navigate each of the show locations and see everything that’s on display. The service runs from 8.30am to 8.30pm and costs $12 for an all-day ticket. There is a pick-up and drop-off point at every show location in FLIBS.

There is also a shuttle bus service, with three round-loop routes available to take you around the show.

Where is the new Superyacht Village at FLIBS 2019?

The Superyacht Village is brand new for 2019, and will be located on Pier 66 Hotel and Marina at the new Pier South property. It sits adjacent to the southeast corner of the 17th Street Causeway in Bridge. 

The location is one of the few in Fort Lauderdale that can accommodate yachts measuring up to 400ft (121 metres).

The Superyacht Village is brand new for 2019, and will be located on Pier 66 Hotel and Marina at the new Pier South property.

For the duration of the show, the Superyacht Village will benefit from a dedicated on-land exhibition area with top shipyards showing off their latest projects and interacting with show-goers.

Feadship, Oceanco, Lurssen and Abeking & Rasmussen will be present at the Superyacht Village, alongside a range of accessories on display, including helicopters, personal submarines, prestige cars and water gadgets.

There will also be a restaurant, wine tastings, pop-up fashion exhibits and a range of seminars to ensure plenty to keep show-goers busy over the course of the show. 

What is the official FLIBS 2019 superyacht lineup?

Every year, the shining stars of the FLIBS fleet are the superyachts.

Every year, the shining stars of the FLIBS fleet are the superyachts. 

So far, 245 yachts measuring over 78ft (23.7m) have confirmed their attendance at the boat show. The lineup comprises 119 debuts, with an average overall length of 35.7m- although these numbers are set to change over the coming days.

The largest yacht at FLIBS 2019 will be 312ft (95m) motor yacht MADSUMMER. One of the most recent launches from Lurssen, she will be showing off her Harrison Eidsgaard exteriors and colourful Laura Sessa interiors for show-goers at the Superyacht Village.

245 yachts measuring over 78ft (23.7m) have confirmed their attendance at the boat show.

She will be berthed alongside Amels’ 272ft (83m) motor yacht ‘Here Comes the Sun’ and Tankoa’s 236ft (72m) charter yacht SOLO, which is making her US debut.

The 262ft (80m) charter yacht EXCELLENCE is another one to look out for at the show. Her award-winning exterior design is unmissable- it features an angular reverse bow and curved lines complete with large portions of mirrored glass which blur her hull and superstructure.

Her futuristic profile is complimented by contemporary, light-drenched interiors; see inside superyacht EXCELLENCE.

What is there to do at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show?

Alongside the on-the-water action, there will be plenty to keep show-goers entertained on land, with 3 million square feet of dedicated exhibition space across the show. 

Attendees can spend the days hitting the boardwalks, perusing the selection of maritime and luxury goods on offer. 

The FLIBS Yacht Chef Competition will be back on November 1 this year after a successful first edition last year. Hosted at the Superyacht Village, the contest will see eight yacht chefs battle it out to be crowned with the Wine Enthusiast Award for Best Chef.

As ever, a range of seminars will be on the schedule this year at FLIBS, including fishing clinics for younger participants and informative talks about ocean preservation and the future of Florida's coral reefs. 

Those looking for fun meanwhile, should not miss the Aquazone, which is where all the most recent toys, tenders and nautical gadgets will be on display. There will also be athletes and performers demonstrating how they work.

Where should I eat during the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show?

During the show, most attendees will head for Coconuts at 429 Seabreeze Boulevard. It’s a prime setting for socialising with show-goers, soaking up the views over the water and enjoying superb seafood.

Don’t want to leave the show for lunch? No problem- head to the Anglers’ Lounge in the Broward County Convention Centre for Key West-style tapas and panoramas over the boat show. 

For evening dining, opt for Chima Steakhouse on Las Olas Boulevard. Brazillian-style beef is the order of the day here, but a variety of fresh and tasty salads promise something for everyone.

If you want to make the most out of your experience at the 2019 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, consider attending with a yacht charter broker; they will be able to guide you and help make your show experience as smooth and seamless as possible. 

You can view the complete lineup of luxury yachts at FLIBS 2019.