Hull of a time: Inside the 66th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

A $100 million superyacht blending into the crowd? Only in Fort Lauderdale.

The 66th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) has officially dropped anchor in the “Yachting Capital of the World” through Nov. 2. This year, there’s extra pizazz surrounding the world’s largest in-water boat show, thanks to the debut of the newly redeveloped Pier Sixty-Six Hotel and Marina, which are fully occupied by the show. Meanwhile, Pier South is continuing to serve as the home of Superyacht Village.

This year’s show also welcomes the Honours Awards — celebrating the “inspirational people and pioneers of the superyachting world” — which has relocated from Monaco to Fort Lauderdale.

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Along with a chance to “sea” and be seen among a dizzying array of boats, guests won’t want to leave FLIBS without attending a seminar or two at the Broward County Convention Center, on topics running the gamut from docking and safety to women-led panels. The convention center is also hosting the Blue Wild Kids Corner and Don Dingman’s Kids Fishing Clinics.

Adult tickets start at $46 per person for one-day general admission. Guests can choose to donate during checkout to the nonprofit Marine Research Hub.

As always, F&B at the boat bonanza is top-notch, with guests sloshing and noshing at the Goslings Island Bar and a waterfront barge and bar experience by Stella Artois. There’s also the revamped Windward VIP Experience (from $439 per person), featuring epicurean fare, a premium open bar and culinary demonstrations from Chef Dave White of “Below Deck” and “Chopped” and Chef Ryan O’Sullivan of “Hell’s Kitchen.” 

“The five-day event showcases everything from versatile center consoles and sport fishers to luxury motor yachts and some of the largest superyachts on the planet,” said Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows at Informa Markets, of the company’s show, which attracts over 100,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors representing 52 countries. The boat show — which has more than 1,300 vessels on display — drives more than $1.7 billion in annual economic impact and supports tens of thousands of jobs across South Florida. 

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The first major stateside boat show of the season, no other American event introduces more new vessels each year than FLIBS. This year’s notable unveilings including thePrincess 80S and Aquila 46 Yacht. The crème de la crème is the 242-foot Amels Casino Royale — the largest at the show.

Beyond the boats, FLIBS also serves as the launchpad for new marine products and breakthrough technologies, added Doole, such as advanced navigation and propulsion systems, next-generation accessories and onboard comforts. Greener sailing is also top of mind. 

“Sustainability has become one of the defining conversations in the marine industry, with builders rethinking not just propulsion but the entire process of yacht design and construction,” said Doole, who cites the Azimut Seadeck 7 as one of the most illustrative examples of this shift.

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Created to reduce environmental impact without compromising onboard luxury, the Seadeck 7 uses recycled and renewable materials throughout its build, replacing PVC with PET for 30% of its structure, the equivalent of more than 16,000 plastic bottles recycled per vessel.

“Eco-friendly finishes such as FSC-certified woods, recycled eco-leathers, and fabrics made from reclaimed fibers further demonstrate how sustainability can be embedded into every detail,” Doole added, noting that by laminating 40% of the boat’s surface in carbon fiber, the yacht is 30% lighter, significantly reducing fuel consumption. 

The boat also makes use of a newly engineered hull paired with the Volvo Penta IPS propulsion system to yield 30% greater fuel efficiency compared to traditional shaft lines and silent zero-emission “hotel mode” at anchor, as well as boasting RINA Green Plus Platinum certification.

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Oriana Schneps, a yachting social media influencer based in Fort Lauderdale, points to the rise of alternative fuel systems, signaling a major move toward total sustainability in the industry. 

One of the primo examples is the aptly named Breakthrough, Feadship’s 389.8-foot superyacht.

“She’s the first yacht of her size to feature a 3.2 MW hydrogen fuel cell system powered by cryogenic liquid hydrogen at -253°C, enabling emission-free operation for hotel loads and coastal cruising,” said Schneps. “Combined with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion and biofuel-capable generators for extended range, Breakthrough represents a comprehensive approach to eco-conscious luxury.”

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Schneps also singled out Sanlorenzo’s 50Steel, which uses a methanol reformer fuel cell system. 

“This converts methanol into hydrogen to power the yacht’s hotel systems, cutting emissions nearly to zero,” she said.”

Along with eco-mindedness, Doole homed in on catamarans as something to watch in the boating world. They’re one of the fastest growing market sectors. 

“Demand continues to climb as new builders enter the space and expand their lines to meet buyer interest,” he said.

The catamaran boom dovetails with the sustainability movement, too. Proprietary solar panel systems that are seamlessly built into the yacht’s hull, advanced lithium batteries and energy-efficient air conditioning —which allows for long, silent cruising with zero emissions — are being tailored for catamarans.

Of course, sailors just wanna have fun. Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser Yachts in Fort Lauderdale, reported that his company is receiving more requests for beach clubs, spas and open layouts with visually striking, undefined interiors. 

“The beach club, which enables direct access to the water for swimming or water toy takeoff, has evolved into one of the most prized areas on board — a gathering point that brings the entire family together,” said Kurtén.

If all that sounds good to you, book Seakid II, a 197-foot Benetti yacht available for charter with Fraser Greece, offering a spacious volume of 962 GT, plus a beach club, enclosed sundeck for relaxation, a vast array of toys including three SeaBobs, a massage room, a gym and a movie theater. Or, consider Schneps’s recommendation of the Wally WHY100, which boasts “innovative social areas and a beach club that opens directly to her main dining area, creating a fluid connection between interior comfort and exterior environments.”

It’s not only centimillionaires and billionaires entering the yachting arena. Boat builders are seeking to appeal to younger and first-time buyers by prioritizing accessibility and lifestyle.

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“Many are introducing smaller entry-level models that offer the style and luxury of larger vessels while being more affordable to operate and easier to handle,” Doole said, pointing to features like seamless indoor-outdoor layouts, advanced technology with smart controls, and versatile social spaces designed for relaxation and entertaining.

Also on the millennial menu: natural, eco-friendly finishes like organic fabrics and responsibly sourced woods, paired with calming, spa-inspired yoga, meditation and hydrotherapy areas. 

It’s “om on the ocean,” and you’ll need it after a few days of scoping out superyachts and partying at FLIBS. Time to set sail.

Dockside drama: Onboard the yachts making waves at this year’s show

Gene Machine: 180 feet

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Underwater lights? Beach club? A his-and-her bathroom? The hits just keep on coming aboard this Tim Heywood-designed ship, asking roughly $40 million with Damen Yachting.

“Nothing says ‘I have f— you money’ quite like commissioning a mosaic of ‘Finding Nemo’ into the swim platform of your megayacht,” quipped Oriana Schneps, a yachting influencer based in Fort Lauderdale. “Gene Machine carries a unique nautical theme throughout, with every cabin featuring its own distinct design. The master suite includes a private office and an absolutely massive walk-in bathroom, equivalent in size to a luxury starter apartment,” she added. Gene Machine fits 12 guests and 12 crew members (plus the captain) and travels the world alongside her support vessel, Gene Chaser. Chaser is impressive in its own right and carries the yacht’s impressive water toy collection, “but also serves as a floating laboratory where the owner conducts experiments and collaborates with guest scientists.”

Part of builder Amels’s 180 line, superyacht inner circles give a knowing nod at the mention of owner and DNA sequencing scientist Dr. Jonathan Rothberg’s designer baby. Her bespoke details were crafted by Zurich-based landscape architect Enzo Enea. To date, this scientific ship has traveled everywhere from the Bahamas to the Arctic Circle — soaring along at up to 15.5 knots with a range of 4,500 nautical miles. But wherever it is, you’ll want to savor her splendors from the deck Jacuzzi.

Hampshire: 217 feet

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Built by Feadship, Hampshire was launched as Vanish (though the craft certainly does anything but). Currently on the market for just shy of $100 million — and owned by British billionaire Andrew Currie — she shows off with extra-thick teak cap rails (a first for the yacht maker) that cling to the ship’s curves. For added drama, a freestanding staircase is accompanied by a three-story glass wall.

Then there’s the extendable balcony attached to the primary suite and a transom crafted so brilliantly it’s worthy of its own patent. Twin helipads on Hampshire’s aft and bow make sure arrivals always feel first class.

With all of this, you can look forward to cruising at up to 18 knots with a range of up to 5,200 nautical miles.

Casino Royale: 242 feet

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From Damen Yachting’s limited-edition range, the 242 Casino Royale is outfitted with enough opulence to make a certain secret agent swoon. But you’ll have to stop at ogling this beauty: she’s not for sale or charter (and don’t get her confused with a certain similarly named yacht floating around). Why exactly she is on display at all is a slightly cryptic matter.

“Each year, FLIBS has its showstopper, and this time the spotlight is on Casino Royale,” said Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows at Informa Markets. “As the largest yacht currently confirmed, she will command attention on the docks and serve as a centerpiece of the superyacht displays.”

Built in 2018 by Amels and designed by Tim Heywood with interiors by Winch Design, she has a custom color palette, a piano, a steam room, a beauty salon, a gym and Jacuzzi for the use of 12 guests (but not the crew of 19). Her range is 5,000 nautical miles with a maximum speed of 16.5 knots.

Kaiser: 196 feet

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Currently asking $49 million with Fraser Yachts, this boat was crafted with care by Abeking & Rasmussen, the celebrated shipyard in Germany that dates back to 1907. Kick back in any of the six staterooms, which accommodate up to 12 guests, or enjoy R&R on the roomy beach or sauna at water level. Of particular note is the owner’s stateroom, which is composed of a private lounge area, his-and-hers ensuites and expansive vistas.

Of course, you’ll want to peel yourself away from your comfy digs to feast in the formal dining room set beneath a backdrop of dramatic lighting or to grab one of your water toys from the sizable storage space onboard.

Plus, when embarking on your next adventure, rest assured you’ll be doing so with power as Kaiser possesses a 4,500-nautical-mile range at 14 knots. This is how you rule the seas.