The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest in-the-water show in the world, starts Wednesday, Oct. 25, and runs through Sunday, Oct. 29.
Now in its 64th year, the show is larger than ever, covering 90 acres and three million square feet of exhibit space. Last year, more than 100,000 people came to the show; more are expected this year, with more than 1,300 boats on display and 1,000 exhibitors. The show’s economic impact throughout the state is said to be some $1.79 billion.
The show now stretches across seven locations, but it’s still centered around the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, just across from the beach. The other locations: Las Olas Marina, Hall of Fame Marina, Pier 66 Marina, SuperYacht Village at Pier 66 South, Broward County Convention Center, and 17th street Yacht Basin. A network of water taxis and shuttle buses connects the various venues.
Fort Lauderdale calls itself the yachting capital of the world, and the show has an international air. This year the show will feature the U.S. debut of many yachts built overseas, including the Sirena 78 from Turkey, the WallyWhy 150 from Monaco and Italy, and the Fairline 65 Phantom from the UK.
The show’s boats range from inflatables with outboards to superyachts with helipads. Personal helicopters, and submarines, are among the shows over-the-top exhibitors; there are even world-class cars on display, including Ferraris and Bentleys
If you’re hungry or thirsty, more than 100 food and bar concessions are scattered throughout the show. For special activities, Nautical Ventures runs an AquaZone showing innovative water sports products in the Convention Center, where there’s also a Kids Corner with face painting and marine arts and crafts, and kids fishing clinics with Captain Don Dingman. Seminars will be given throughout the show by organizations including the Marine Research Hub, FWC Officers, and the Ocean Rescue Alliance.
The easiest way to move around the show is to park at one of the 3,000 spaces at the Convention Center and then catch a shuttle bus or water taxi to the other locations. People coming from Miami, Orlando or Palm Beach can use the Brightline express train to the Fort Lauderdale station and then get the free shuttle bus to the Riverside Hotel.
The show hours: Wednesday, noon to 7 p.m.; Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
No tickets are sold at the show; you need to buy them in advance at www.flibs.com. Adult tickets are $64 on Wednesday, and $42 on Thursday through Sunday. Tickets for children from 6 to 15 are $16 a day. Children under 6 are free.
If you want to get away from the crowds, the Windward VIP Club provides an exclusive retreat at the Bahia Mar location. It offers a premium open bar, gourmet foot, restrooms, music, access to the show one hour early, and free water taxi service to all the show locations. A one-day ticket costs $398.
Read more at http://flibs.com and see the video below:
