The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2023 Round Up

Wednesday the 25th of October marked the beginning of yet another edition of the world-renowned FLIBS. This year’s Florida-based show set new records with unprecedented attendance, as thousands of visitors, exhibitors, and industry experts gathered in the picturesque Fort Lauderdale for five days. 

Holding the title of being the largest in-water boat show in the world, spread across an incredible 90 acres of both water and land-based exhibits, FLIBS brings together boat enthusiasts, industry professionals, and luxury seekers for a week of awe-inspiring discovery in America.

Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and produced by Informa Markets, the show spans seven locations including the Broward County Convention Center, the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the Hall Of Fame Marina, the Las Olas Marina, 17th Street Yacht Basin, Pier 66 Marina, and the Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South, each one offering an unforgettable array of unique experiences and showcases. 

Renowned for unveiling cutting-edge marine technology, this year was no exception. Innovations such as advanced propulsion systems, eco-friendly materials, and state-of-the-art navigation and safety equipment were showcased to visitors, of course, alongside a diverse collection of new and standout vessels.

From superyachts to sportfishing boats, FLIBS 2023 featured an impressive array of boats and yachts. In the Superyacht Village, Tankoa Yachts’ 72m M/Y CASINO ROYALE claimed the title of the largest yacht on display, alongside other magnificent vessels such as Heesen Yachts’ spectacular 49.9m M/Y OCEAN Z and Benetti’s B.Yond 37M NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN. At the Hall Of Fame Marina, Lürssen’s 61m M/Y MARGUERITE, and Palmer Johnson’s 51m HELIOS 2 were just two of the many standout vessels on display, not far from Ferretti Group’s remarkable Face Dock showcase, which presented a vast stand and numerous new builds including the eye-catching wallywhy150. 

Not only highlighting the achievements, innovations and cutting-edge designs and creations of the boating and yachting industry, this annual show is recognised year after year for the remarkable economic impact that it has on the state of Florida. 

A significant economic driver, last year’s show injected over $1.79 billion dollars in economic output through show purchases and expenditures, substantially boosting the hospitality, service, and tourism industries in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas, supported by the Florida Panthers Foundation as beneficiary.

The growth in attendance and undoubted boost in the economic impact this year only highlights the unwavering passion and commitment to the maritime world, alongside the resilience and strength of the industry despite previous setbacks.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, with its record-breaking attendance, remarkable innovations, and star-studded showcases, remains an event of global significance in the yachting world. 

As the sun set on yet another successful year, the 2023 FLIBS left an indelible mark on the industry and all those who attended, proving once again that FLIBS is an icon for the maritime community. We for one certainly can't wait for next year.