After getting the final go-ahead from Broward County Commission last month, the worlds' largest in-water boat show is preparing to welcome a great lineup of new models and a shining fleet of superyachts to the so-called Yachting Capital of the World, with enhanced security and safety measures in place across the event.
Scheduled to run from 28 October to 1 November, FLIBS is now on track to become the first international yachting event to take place in 2020. It aims to support the yachting industry and the local economy.
The decision by Broward County Commission was based on the provision the show must put in enhanced security measures for its attendees. More than 80% of the show takes place in open-air outdoor spaces, spanning almost 90 acres across multiple sites.
"FLIBS is a major economic driver for the marine industry and the surrounding community,” said Informa president Andrew Doole in a statement. “We recognize the importance of the show and have spoken with key stakeholders, customers and local government officials, and the resounding response has been in support of moving forward with the outdoor event this fall.
"We have worked diligently to develop a plan so that every person who attends the show can do so with confidence."
FLIBS 2020 and COVID-19
Looking more than a little bit different to previous shows, COVID-19 has altered the 61st edition on a large scale, but the organisers, Informa, have remained firm that they will put on a show which will ' run according to official government and local authority guidance inthe first instance, as well as any venue or location-specific regulations'.
Working across the board to develop an 'industry-wide AllSecure standard', there are 10 key committments which are in place for the US show in order for it to comply with all hygiene and safety laws in regards to controlling coronavirus.
The 10 committments are as follows;
- Enhanced cleaning - to include regular disinfection and increased measures in high contact areas such as restrooms, door handles and catering areas.
- Personal hygiene - multiple areas for hand washing and cleansing gels, all under close monitoring.
- Non-contact registration - bookable events with online registration available.
- No physical contact - exchanging business cards and other material discouraged and no hand shakes.
- Social distancing - all lines will be closely monitored, and one way systems managed to avoid large groups gathering.
- Food stations - enhanced hygiene measures in place and small buffets replaced by pre-packaged food along with disposable cutlery.
- PPE - all visitors to wear a face mask on entry to the event, all staff and exhibitors also to wear additional PPE as by government advice.
- First aid - trained first aiders will be on site at every location, visitors feeling unwell are asked not to attend the event.
- Screening - screening measures for COVID-19 may be used throughout the event including temperature checks, a quarantine area is also on-site.
- Trace and contact - Informa will work alongside local authorities if needed to contact visitors and exhibitors.
New models attending the show
While this year's line-up will be smaller in line with ongoing international travel restrictions, FLIBS has a selection of US debuts and new models attending the stands.
Some of the new yachts making their US debut at the show include the Beneteau Gran Turismo 32, Princess Y78 and the Azimut Magellano 25 Metri.
Moving around the show, many other new models will be available for close-up viewing by appointments, plus a couple of world debuts from Ocean Alexander and the Outer Reef Yachts 620 Trident.
One show, seven locations
Connected by a range of complimentary modes of transport such as water taxis, FLIBS spans over seven individual locations which are;
- The Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel & Yachting Center
- Hall of Fame Marina
- Las Olas Municipal Marina
- Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
- Sails Marina
- Pier 66 Marina (Superyacht Village)
- The Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center
Tickets to the show allow access to all seven exhibition areas, and to make even more of the event, tickets bought in association with the Windward VIP Club allow visitors to enter the show two hours before public entry.
Windward VIPs also have exclusive access to a VIP lounge with premium food and an open bar.
Superyacht village
Introduced on to the scene in 2019, the prestigious Superyacht Village made a grand entrance to the FLIBS scene and she's back to showcase another fine selection of some of the most iconic superyachts ever built.
Set in an area of 3.5 acres by the Pier Sixty-Six Hotel and Marina’s Pier South property, the attraction showcases a wide range of brand new superyachts, in addition to a selection of premium water toys and prestige cars.
The show had a triumphant 60th edition last year, with a record 265 superyachts attending and a total of $2.1b on display in superyachts for sale.
Every year, the show exhibits a vast array of the industry’s latest boats and yachts of all sizes, worldwide debuts, plus a medley of marine products.
FLIBS
Toys and tenders
FLIBS offers everything a prospective yacht buyer might need, including the opportunity to buy a tender.
Tenders and toys also have their own exhibition with some of the top names showcasing their latest innovations and products. Some tender manufacturers attending FLIBS 2020 include Novurania, Cruisers Yachts and Williams Jet Tenders.
A selection of RIBs, chase boats and open models will be showcased throughout the duration of the event, in addition to an adrenaline-pumping selection of water toys to skim you across the water at high speed.
If you are planning on attending the 2020 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, check with your local government guidelines for any travel restrictions before attending.
To take a look at what you can expect at the show, view the complete line-up of yachts and models attending FLIBS 2020.
