They don’t call Fort Lauderdale the yachting capital of the world for nothing. The town that boasts more boats and yachts per capita than anywhere else is again preparing to host the largest boat show in the world. The 53rd annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is set to run from October 25-29 from its base at the Radisson Bahia Mar Yachting Center and will spread across five other locations, both on the water and off. A handy network of shuttle buses, riverboats and water taxis will help attendees navigate between the sites and through the expansive waterways of the show. There will be over $2 billion worth of boats and accessories on display, and the show is expected to have a hefty $550 million impact on the South Florida economy.
Open to the public
Over 1000 boats will be on display at the October 2012 show
Open to the public and the trade, the show will encompass over 3 million square feet of display, with 55% of it on the water. A variety of over 1000 boats will be afloat, including ski boats, trawlers, inflatables, sportfishers, high performance boats, and some pretty amazing yachts. The Fort Lauderdale show is known for its large displays of the biggest and most opulent superyachts and this year is no exception, with some to be in excess of 200 feet. Also on display will be a variety of motors, generators, boating electronics, boat lifts and other accessories, as well as exhibits with clothing, art, jewelry, furniture, coolers and pretty much anything boat. Additional activities for the family will include a kids fishing clinic sponsored by Hook the Future, IGFA’s School of Sportfishing, and The Blue Wild Dive Show.
Design Awards to be announced
The winners of the prestigious International Superyacht Society (ISS) 2112 International Design Awards will be announced at the opening night gala October 25th. The awards are based solely on peer review, and honor the best in design, interiors, engineering and the finest in naval architecture. This year there are 29 finalists in six categories. The coveted award is one that designers and builders are always anxious to add to their trophy cases.
