The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, said by many to be the world’s biggest boat show, is about to open and we are here in sunny Florida to report on its happening. Big it certainly is! In terms of exhibition space sold there is more than 280,00 square metres of show space spread across both the shore exhibits land and those in the water.
The annual show, held here at the end of each October, is spread across six sites: Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel & Yacht Club, Hyatt Pier 66 Hotel & Marina, Hall of Fame Marina and Las Olas Marina, all in South Florida.
The show, now its 50th year, is known as a place to see both new and used super yachts, with more than 200 on display this year.
The yacht builders and designers tent along with the international yacht builders pavilion are both of interest to those with an association with the super yacht world. Owners, brokers, managers and yacht crew alike mingle at the show which brings together all those involved with super yacht business.
Also expected at the show are hundreds of exhibitors displaying diesel engines, outboard motors, generators, electronics, clothing, artwork, jewellery, fishing tackle and other accessories.
The value of the products on display is said by PR agents for the show to exceed US$3 billion and they claim that the economic impact of the show on the South Florida area is more than $550 million.
This later fact is easy to understand by anyone trying to buy a lemonade in the show ground or seeking to park a car nearby where prices can exceed $60 per day for a compact car!
We hope to publish a short blog at the end of each day in which we will describe the highlights as we see them. Join us in our writing and do feel free to comment or ask questions.