The 62nd edition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is now just two weeks away, with hundreds of boats set to once again sparkle under the Florida sun.
Running from 27 October to 31 October, the event traditionally showcases more world and U.S. debuts than any other boat show in the Americas, but, with inbound travel restrictions in place until after the show, there may be more of a home-market feel this year.
A lower European production yacht turnout will certainly throw more of a spotlight on home builders and the superyacht brokerage community.
We will look at some of the best production models debuting or headlining the show, whilst we have also prepared a separate focus on the large brokerage and superyacht fleets.
Horizon E81
The Horizon E81, is the yard’s latest addition to what might be its most popular range, the flybridge-focused E-Series. The 25.32m (83ft) yacht combines the sleek E-Series superstructure with a beamy hull for a high-volume design. Highlights include an expansive open bridge deck, an enclosed skylounge configuration and an open plan interior with a large salon with a galley and country kitchen.
Nordhavn 80
The first hull of the Nordhavn 80 is making her world debut at FLIBS, and the 25m (82ft) model has a sleek modern look and the interior volume of a much larger boat. The flybridge space, in particular, is a step up from other similarly sized Nordhavn’s with ample space for a spa, sunbathing spots, a barbeque area and plenty of spots for relaxation and socializing. Touted as “Nordhavn’s answer to a petite superyacht” the N80 can accommodate eight guests across four cabins.
Ocean Alexander 35R
The 35R is the new flagship in Ocean Alexander’s Revolution series, usurping the 30R as the largest model in the range. With a beam of over 7.5m and a Gross Tonnage of just under 300, the yard claim the 33.53m (110ft) model has interior space akin to that you might find on a 50m (164ft) model. Five cabins accommodate up to ten guests, with a full-beam Owner’s cabin forward on the main deck taking center stage. Elsewhere there is a full-width sky lounge and extended beach club.
Princess Y72
Making her US debut, the Y72 is one of seven yachts Princess are showcasing at FLIBS. The 21.77m (71ft) motor yacht has a lot in common with her bigger sisters the Y78, Y85 and Y92, namely a flexible and sociable layout, expansive full-length hull windows and plenty of space onboard. The Y72 is most definitely designed for outdoor living and features an optional extended hardtop with an electric opening louvered roof section or glass panel, offering two seating area and an aft sunpad.
Sunseeker 65 Sport Yacht
Like the Princess Y72, the 20.5m (67.2ft) Sunseeker 65 Sport Yacht is making her US debut at FLIBS and her futuristic design and sleek SkyHelm are sure to turn some heads. With an aggressive sport profile and top speed of 35 knots, Sunseeker has likened the experience of using the 65 Sport Yacht to “driving a high-performance convertible supercar” and it is easy to see why.
What to expect at FLIBS 2021
FLIBS will look to continue to cement its reputation as one of the world’s top yacht shows, with around 1,500 boats of all sizes expected to be on display across six miles of floating decks.
Once again the dedicated Superyacht Village, introduced in 2019, will play host to the show's most spectacular superyachts and travelling between the seven locations that make up the show will be easy thanks to extensive shuttle bus and water taxi services.
With billions of dollars worth of products on display at the show across 275,000 square meters (3million sq. ft) of exhibition space it can be difficult to know where to start at FLIBS, plan your visit by reading our guide to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2021. Or to do some research before you visit our comprehensive YachtBuyer reviews section or our YachtBuyer Head to Head comparison section.
Alternatively to for an overview of the entire market you can use YachtBuyer’s advanced search filters to view all new and pre-owned yachts for sale.
