Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Awards

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Awards recognize the best yacht in show based upon style, innovation, design, functionality and appearance.

About the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Awards

The award is announced as part of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), held at the end of October and the start of November each year.

FLIBS is one of the longest-running boat shows in the world, launching in 1959. 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 to participate in the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Awards, with nominations being passed on to a curated panel, from members of the public via a voting tab on the official FLIBS website, who ultimately have the final decision.

Aerial view looking out over Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Awards accolade

With 1,300 boats for sale typically on display each year there is high competition for the best-in-show award. As FLIBS is such a well-established and industry-approved event, the exclusive award is highly coveted and endures some tough decisions on which yacht is truly the best in show.

In 2024 the organizers of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Awards surprised the industry by presenting two best in show awards for the first time, with the Mangusta Oceano 44 and the Mag Bay 38 both leaving FLIBS 2024 with trophies.

Mangusta Oceano 50 underway, surrounded by sea.

Other winners of the esteemed award include the Mangusta Oceano 50 in 2022, and the Azimut Grande 36m in 2023.

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.