While back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton pummeled Florida’s west coast in recent weeks, Fort Lauderdale on the east side escaped unscathed. Which means that this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) will kick off its five-day run starting Wednesday, October 30.
Celebrating its 65th anniversary, the world’s largest in-water boating extravaganza will again be located in seven venues, showcasing more than 1,300 new boats, more than 20 yachts over 165 feet, along with the many hundreds of marine products and services. Around 100,000 visitors and 1,000 exhibitors are expected to attend.
The show also features a new-look Superyacht Village centered around the re-opening of the $1 billion Pier Sixty-Six complex with its landmark, spire-topped tower. The complex is on 32 waterfront acres along the Intracoastal Waterway, with a renovated 325-room hotel, luxury condos, high-end restaurants, and, of course, miles of show docks.
The focus, though, remains on boats, with everything from Jet Skis to Superyachts. Here are 13 showstoppers you don’t want to miss.
