Super-Yachts: the Bigger, the Better

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – From October 30 to November 3, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat celebrated its 60th Anniversary, and one of the most anticipated shows ever. Held at the Bahia Mar Hotel and Yacht Club in Fort Lauderdale Beach, this show not only drew spectators and prospective owners from around world, but, this being the world’s largest in-water vessel show, comes along with other, more personal challenge – whose yacht is bigger, more luxurious and most expensive? Cruising their way across the Atlantic Ocean were a record number of world-class yachts, poised to splash onto the U.S. boating scene making their debut at this year’s show under the critical eyes of yachting aficionados and owners alike. Alongside those experts, another 1,500 boats lined the nearly six miles of docks that housed the notable yacht attendees including Lürssen’s 311-foot Madsummer noted to have stolen the spotlight as the show’s largest mega-yacht, as well as Heesen’s Yacht Vida, coming in at 180 feet. Lexus’ Marquis Lexis 650, a 65-foot yacht drew inspiration from the automobile brand’s car line. The International Super Yacht Society also held their prestigious 2019 Leadership In Design Awards that included naming the stunning Utopia IV built by Rossinavi and designed by Enrico Gobbi first in its class. If, for some reason, you aren’t into the whole yacht scene, there are plenty of other things to see. With the five-day show attracting approximately 110,000 attendees and 1,200 exhibitors from 52 countries, there is something for everyone to explore. Notable exhibits and partners this year included official FLIBS timekeeper Ulysse Nardin, Wispering Angel Rose, Triton Submarines, Delta Private Jets, Ferrari, Lürssen, Marina Coast Peru and Rossinavi. The week was not short on excitement as glamorous parties and social mixers feted all week. The most sought-after ticket was to the Yacht Chef Competition. Limited to a select 600 guests, onlookers watched as young chefs battled it out while sampling mouth-watering cuisine and sipping cocktails. The prestigious yacht chef Danny Davies was crowned winner of the Wine Enthusiast award.