The Palm Beach International Boat Show reinforced its position among the clutch of global yacht shows with its distinctive approach celebrating its 40th anniversary. This private, polite gathering of yachting aficionados offered both day tickets to view the boat show alongside a two-day Superyacht VIP option to view the exclusive yachts docked at Safe Harbor Rybovich.
Great weather complemented the 747 exhibitors and 413 boats valued at $1.2 billion to earn a high turnout and successful show run from March 22nd through March 27th.
Thursday night, the ISS members event at The Ben kicked off the festivities, along with the Boat International Owner’s Club event and Yatco Social on Friday night. The Worth Avenue Yachts Saturday night crew party was one of many private fetes celebrating this refined show.
Upon special invitation, NAVIS toured the newly remodeled Town of Palm Beach Marina. The addition of 10 superyacht slips along the Bellingham concrete floating docks, six for 200-foot yachts and 4 for those up to 294 feet, define it as the perfect destination for those who prefer the low-key experience over the “see and be seen” culture of the other Florida boat shows. With 84 state-of-the-art superyacht slips, the 250-foot Royal Palm dock joins the Brazilian, Australian, and Peruvian docks in a majestic setting adjacent to a beautiful new public park.
Upgraded shore power, deeper access, large turning fairways, enhanced staffing, high-speed Wifi, top of industry security, and access to exclusive neighboring recreational facilities underscore the marina’s appeal, confirmed by a 90 percent booking rate in the first month, November 2021. Walking distance to Worth Avenue shops, restaurants, and services ensures an incomparable experience. The marina was awarded three Neptunes for their effective branding campaign, “Anchored in the Heart of Palm Beach.”
Also, at the show, NAVIS was privileged to get a closer look at the J Craft 42-foot Torpedo. Inspired by the wooden sports boats of the 1950s and 1960s, the Torpedo looks like an old-school gentleman’s lake boat, but make no mistake. She is outfitted with a very nice menu of new technology. This pretty blend of old-world craftsmanship and high-tech has room for ten sunbathers and four overnight guests at anchor. With a head-turning profile and gorgeous mirror finish varnished wood deck, Torpedo is a product of Sweden boasting a 60 mph top speed powered by Volvo Penta IPS Drives. Currently, the Torpedo has a one year build time for a custom spec US boat.
Also of note at the show was a 1965 classic 24m steel yacht, Caravelle. Designed by Carlo Riva, built by Royal de Vries in the Aalsmeer shipyard, now a Feadship partner, Caravelle was one of seven built sharing that impressive pedigree. Glorious wood cabinetry, brilliant chrome, and handsome built-in furniture hark back to an unhurried time that offered a truly gentle cruising escape. Undergoing refits at Feadship’s Makkum yard in 2017 and 2019, and at Rybovich Palm Beach in 2019 and 2020, she graciously welcomes eight guests in four cabins, in classic style with all the modern necessities.
