66th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

This year’s show held a number of pleasant surprises, many focused around the full reopening of Pier Sixty-Six during the 66th edition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The yachts were the stars of the show, but the stylish new offices and exhibits in and around Pier Sixty-Six pumped it up a notch. Thursday evening proved a very crowded time slot for elegant parties in all of the stunning new superyacht offices with balconies overlooking beautiful yachts on the water. Refreshing, festive, and luxurious, the collection of yachtbuilders on display here really made an impression.

While many of the show’s numbers continue to deliver broad interpretation, the show’s ownership stated that there were more than 100,000 visitors and 818 exhibitors. This year’s show also featured more than 1300 vessels, covered nearly 90,000 acres of exhibit space, and contributed a $1.78 billion economic impact to the state of Florida.

How did the show stack up for exhibitors?

Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows at Informa Markets, confirmed the positive results, “Speaking to our exhibiting brands in the weeks following the show, the feedback on sales at FLIBS 2025 has been extremely strong. By all accounts, one of the best on record. Not surprisingly, the negotiation on a big sale of a superyacht might extend beyond the last day of the show. We’ve heard of several major closings stemming from meetings originating at FLIBS. It wasn’t only the big boats that did well. Sales reporting indicates strength throughout the market.”

Phil Purcell, CEO and President of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, added, “The show fuels over 100,000 jobs and drives more than $800 million in marine product sales over the five days of the event. FLIBS is more than an event; it’s a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, and global recognition of South Florida’s leadership in the marine industry.”

The New Yachts Were Remarkable

Doole confirmed that there were 238 yachts over 80 ft in length actually in the water. The entire Navis team spent several busy days touring them. Try as we may, we couldn’t visit them all, so here are the standouts.

The Baglietto Dom 133-foot hybrid yacht Jules splashed out for the first time in the US market, impressing guests with its open spaces, decks, pools, and posh dining and lounge areas. Exterior by Stefano Vafiadis was complemented by interiors from Leonardo Santi, all executed in Italian design language that translated the luxe messaging perfectly to American eyes, embracing glass from Murano, fabrics and furnishings from brands like Minetti, Foglizzo, Rubelli, and Casamilano. Bellissimo!

Sanlorenzo featured the stunning crossover SX100 with exteriors by Zuccon International featuring strong superstructure lines with reverse-angle windscreen, fold-out terraces alongside the beach club, and open bulwarks. Interiors by Piero Lissoni of Lissoni & Partners featured lots of glazing, cantilever stairways, open companionways, and a loft-like feel. Also in debut mode was the SL 86A.
Additional new yachts of note included the Ferretti Group 28.7-meter Wally Why, the 36-meter Castle Finn from Mulder Shipyard, and the 25.3-meter Palm Beach Falcon.

Going Big

At 74 meters, the magnificent Amels Casino Royale illustrated how meticulous care keeps a yacht looking new. Delivered in 2018, she has four decks and accommodations for 12 guests and 19 crew, with all the amenities like pool, sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, massage room, medical suite, gym, and dance floor.

From The House of Feadship at Pier Sixty-Six, the 66.25-meter Hampshire, the 33.50-meter Graycliffs, and the 26.62-meter Catch show off the full custom capabilities of the brand, highlighting the very different personas of each yacht.

Feadship’s 57.6-meter W made a strong showing with her 2020 Feadship refit on display, making a very positive case for the brand’s division.

The 44.2-meter Pendennis Hemisphere also turned heads as the world’s largest sailing catamaran. Built in 2011, a 2023 refit brought her up to speed, looking marvelous with massive spaces, detailed wood and stone work, exciting tribal and animal patterns accenting dramatic niches, and an extraordinary chase boat.

Other impressive stretches of marine magic included the 60-meter Amels Moonstone, the 60-meter Abeking & Rasmussen Kaiser, the 57.9-meter Trinity Yachts Skyfall, and the 54-meter Overmarine Group Goldeneye.

Checking For Charters

Nobiskrug’s 68.2-meter Sycara V, fresh off a 2024 refit, showed luxurious flex by making the most of large windows and tons of natural light combined with chic contemporary updates. Lots of stone, marble, light woods, and pale palettes work to set a relaxing, comfortable, elegant tone.

Codecasa’s 65-meter Eternity presented her long, lean profile with confidence from a 2022 refit boasting lively interiors and pretty outdoor dining spots. A swimming pool with resistance for laps, a central lift, and accommodations for 14 guests make her a perfect Caribbean charter.

Amels’ 60-meter Entourage was just built in 2023 and features design by the epic Espen Øino. Burdifilek interiors nurture serenity for 12 guests. Full-height windows, pool, steam room, and a bevy of water toys await.
Charters worth a peek include the Abeking & Rasmussen 60-meter Scott Free and the incredible 1975 build, Bravo, by the Stephens Brothers of Stockton, California. Multiple refits have updated Bravo’s style and safety to current standards. She cleverly conceals her age without trying to outdo the younger yachts, maintaining a heritage that says “slow down, enjoy the ride.”

Best In Show

Sanlorenzo’s Bluegame power catamaran, the BGM75, grabbed the best in show title for boats over 60 feet. Needing about half the horsepower of a typical power monohull, the BGM75 is a modern, elegant, spacious, sustainable dreamboat from Zuccon International with stylish interiors by Piero Lissoni. Take note: synchronized stabilizers, one in each hull, deliver an ultra-smooth ride. Big on views through full-height windows and clean design with drop-down balconies aside the beach club impart the feel of a 100-foot yacht by comparison. A cat that cruises like a monohull, this winner is well thought through and quite clever in tucking things in efficiently and effortlessly.