America in the Yachting Calendar Year: The Must-See Boat Shows of the USA

With life slowly returning to a new normal, several boat shows across America are reopening their doors throughout 2022, set to present impressive displays to welcome back the crowds. Renowned for its strong yachting culture, which sees thousands of yachts in its waters each year, America has become a hot-spot for many yacht owners; enticed by the offerings from American shipyards as well as the adventurous yachting lifestyle that the USA presents. As one of the largest markets for superyacht sales, the USA’s leading boat shows are often attended by numerous renowned shipyards, designers, and brokers, providing desirable events for any prospective superyacht owner or yachting enthusiast.

Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show - 16th - 20th February

Last week welcomed the first boat show of the American yachting calendar. This year, the Miami International Boat Show (MIBS) and the Miami Yacht Show were united to become the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show (DBMIBS): creating one of the largest boat shows in the world. Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, the event's organisers estimate the show to have generated a combined annual impact of $1.34 billion on South Florida’s economy. 

This year, several large superyachts were exhibited during the four-day show. Most notably, Damen Yachting showcased the 55m Amels 180, Gene Machine, and 55m Yacht Support YS 5009, Gene Chaser, for the first time as a complete fleet. Owned by accomplished DNA sequencing scientist Dr Jonathon Rothberg, the scientific duo was presented stern-to-stern at the exclusive location of the Island Gardens. Lurssen’s 61m Marguerite and Benettis’ 44.2m Il’ Barbetta were also on display, as well as Oceanfast’s 49.9m Thunder, who is currently listed for sale with IYC. With even more planned for 2023, DBMIBS is certainly one to keep in your calendar for next year, already planned to take place from 15th to 19th February 2023.

Palm Beach International Boat Show - 24th - 27th March 

2022 welcomes the 40th anniversary of the second Florida-based boat show, Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS). According to the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, the 2019 PBIBS recorded over 53,000 attendees. With the 2020 show held virtually, and the 2021 show allowing only a limited number of guests, this year is set to be back, and better than ever. 

Showcasing more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories each year, PBIBS' Safe Harbour Rybovich is due to reveal yachts up to 100 metres in length. Not only a haven for superyacht enthusiasts and potential clients, the show additionally displays a range of sailing boats, fishing boats and lavish pleasure cruisers. With this year's exhibiting superyachts yet to be released, expect to be wowed when the time soon comes.

Newport International Boat Show - 15th - 18th September

Another of America's large boat shows is held on the East Coast in the New England state of Rhode Island. Newport International Boat Show (NIBS) welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, spanning over an impressive 13 acres of docks and marina. Debuting some of the newest sailboats and powerboats on the US market, NIBS is a must-visit for yachting enthusiasts. 

As a superyacht hotspot, Newport has become the Eastern hub for American yachting fans, with its range of marinas and harbours providing a wealth of yacht facilities and services, as well as extensive waterside entertainment. Nestled between New York and Boston, it is the perfect summer location for yachting, and the NIBS has undoubtedly grown year on year to reflect this. Yet to announce their yachting display line-up, Newport International Boat Show will be taking place from 15th to 18th September 2022.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show - 26th - 30th October 

Following record-breaking success for Florida’s economy last year, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) will be taking place this autumn from 26th to 30th October 2022. With a $1.79 billion contribution to Florida’s economy in 2021, the Fort Lauderdale show is deservedly recognised as the largest in-water boat show in the world.  

Stretching across 90 acres, including 300 million square feet of exhibiting space, FLIBS has become one of the most prominent international yacht shows. In 2019, the five-day show saw hundreds of thousands of visitors and over 1,300 boats on display, and is only set to grow further in 2022. With the 2021 FLIBS having taken place only months ago, more details of this year’s show are yet to be announced, but we are certain that the line-up will be an impressive one. 

After a turbulent few years, this year’s American Yachting Calendar once again welcomes some of the largest yacht shows in the world, and we cant wait to see what they will bring to 2022.