Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Awards

About the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Awards

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), held at the end of October and the start of November each year, is one of the longest-running boat shows on the annual yachting calendar. Each year the event attracts more than 100,000 visitors and over 1,000 exhibitors, setting the bar on what is the largest in-water boat show in the world.

Spanning seven locations, FLIBS invites all attending yachts for sale to participate in the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Awards, with nominations from members of the public via a voting tab on the official FLIBS website, which are then passed on to a curated panel who ultimately have the final decision.

With 1,300 boats for sale typically on display each year there is high competition for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Awards.

Each year there are two accolades presented, which are:

• Best of Show
• MRH Innovation & Sustainability

As FLIBS is such a well-established and industry-approved event, the exclusive awards are highly coveted and endure some tough decisions on which yachts truly are the best in show. 

Usually presenting one award per category, organizers of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Awards surprised the industry in 2024 by presenting two Best of Show awards for the first time, with the Mangusta Oceano 44 and the Mag Bay 38 both leaving FLIBS with trophies.

With previous winners of the esteemed award including the Mangusta Oceano 50 in 2022, and the Azimut Grande 36m in 2023, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show award for Best of Show is highly sought after and includes all categories of yachts such as flybridge yachts, motor yachts, and superyachts.

Presented in collaboration with the Marine Research Hub (MRH), the MRH Innovation & Sustainability award honors brands and companies that actively work to lessen the carbon footprint of the yachting industry and promote sustainability.

If you are planning on attending FLIBS now is a great time to start the search for your ideal yacht. Find all the inspiration you need from our comprehensive list of all yachts for sale.