Making its return for the 61st edition, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) 2020 has been fighting the odds to put on a show which not only complies with new hygiene laws but also gives the industry some breathing room in an unprecedented time.
Making a statement as the first international yachting event to go ahead since the start of the global coronavirus pandemic, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is the perfect event for prospective buyers to get up close to some luxurious yachts and speak to brokers about them.
With the 2020 edition scheduled to run from 28 October to 1 November, FLIBS has become the premier yachting event for boating enthusiasts, even during a global pandemic.
But it isn’t just the balmy Florida climate and stunning beachfront location that make FLIBS one of the hottest dates in the yachting calendar. Spread across six miles of floating decks and seven locations, a wide range of boats will be showcased including superyachts, tenders, sailing yachts, cabin cruisers, express cruisers and inflatables.
Despite its size, the excellent inter-show transport system means it is easy to move around the seven locations with ease, so you can see everything the show has to offer.
COVID-19, Know Before You Go
With the COVID-19 pandemic remaining under vigilant watch around the globe, organisers of the show, Informa, have worked to create a COVID-secure environment, making multiple adjustments to the usual layout and execution of the event.
To help disperse crowds and maintain social distancing there are now a total of 14 entrances to the show, each of which have been widened as per government guidance.
Each entrance will also be running temperature checks on each visitor using a contactless thermo imaging system, anyone registering a temperature of 100.4F or above will be denied entry to help combat the virus.
FLIBS have also created a short video to walk all intending visitors through the changes which have been implemented for the 61st edition.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show - Location, location
Each year the latest boats and yachts, of all sizes, can be seen at the show - along with a medley of other marine products and accessories.
Although the numbers may be lower due to ongoing travel restrictions around the globe, FLIBS are still offering a substantial selection of the best yachts for sale throughout the various pinpointed locations.
Bahia Mar Yachting Center
The Bahia Mar Yachting Center, with its admirable selection of in-water displays and tents of land based exhibitors, is always the hub of the show.
Take in everything from sportfishing boats to motoryachts or head over to the face dock where you can see the larger superyachts in attendance.
Step into the Superyacht Pavilion and American Pavilion where you can meet premium boat builders and equipment manufacturers to talk about your boating needs.
There is plenty more you can see at the Yachting Center:
- Engine Tent - See the biggest diesels and speak to experts about putting more power into your boat.
- Land Area Displays - Home to a collection of consoles and runabouts, along with a selection of tenders and equipment - and also some COVID friendly pop-up restaurants.
- Boating Accessories Tents - Grab anything to do with boating here, from shoes and clothing to jewelry and shades.
- Marine Equipment Tent - Anything from paint to deck hardware and safety gear can be found here - and much more in between!
- Electronics Tent - Stay up to date with the ever changing pulse of marine electronics and see the latest developments in the industry, and get a glimpse of what might be to come in the next few years.
Pier 66 Marina
Home to the Superyacht Village, hop on the shuttle bus or grab a complimentary taxi to Pier 66 Marina - the place to go to speak to top experts in the yachting industry about some of the finest brokerage yachts on display.
There's also a selection of places for food and refreshments around the marina, all of which have the necessary regulations in place to help control the risk of coronavirus.
Las Olas Marina
Even more new and brokerage superyachts can be found at Las Olas Marina - a haven for production boats.
Speak to your broker and arrange an appointment with the show organizers to see some of these magnificent vessels up close.
Other areas
The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is home to even more boats - including opportunities to buy a tender, plus displays of fishing boats, bowriders and runabouts.
Whilst the Sailfish Pavilion hosts tents and open air displays, along with demonstrations from experts on water sports.
What else can you expect?
The Superyacht Village
Introduced at the 2019 FLIBS event, the Superyacht Village proved to be a huge success. It is an exclusive marina and on-land area that showcases some of the most amazing yachts in the world, all of which are in excess of 300 feet.
Some of the top brokerage houses will be in attendance at this 3.5 acre site, along with other luxury toys including helicopters, submarines and prestige cars.
The site is well served by the shuttle bus service and water tenders as well as on-site parking.
The Windward VIP Club
The Windward VIP Club is the most luxurious way to enjoy the show and includes access to exclusive experiences and events run by the show's sponsors.
A climate-controlled Windward VIP Club lounge in the heart of the superyacht section acts as an ideal base throughout the duration of the show, where you can relax and plan your day whilst enjoying an open bar and gourmet food.
Extra additions for the 2020 edition include a two hour early entry in to the show, before opening to the public. Giving you enough time to see the highlights of the show at your leisure.
Advisory measures are in place in conjunction with COVID-19 regulations, meaning there may be queues around busier areas of the show, plus amendments to the way food and drinks are served.
Tickets
A variety of tickets are available for the show and can be purchased online before you arrive at the show.
Both one-day and two-day general admission tickets are available. There are discounted rates for children aged 6-to-15 and children under the age of 6 are allowed in for free.
Prime Time Previews are available for the first day of the show, and for the most comfortable experience of all you can get a Windward VIP ticket.
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