The Palm Beach International Boat Show, held this year from March 25-29, 2026, is on an upward trajectory, continuing to deliver an informative, pleasant experience for those engaged in the yachting lifestyle. In the 200+ foot category, the show featured ten yachts, with more than 100 vessels exceeding 80 feet. The show, owned by MIAPBC, the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, and produced and managed by Informa Markets, reported “strong sales activity” due to record inventory and high-value transactions, generating more than a $1.05 billion economic impact to the state of Florida.
NAVIS enjoyed the privilege of greeting both old and new friends at the show’s many press events, touring several of the show’s most exciting yachts. The recurring theme from the yacht builders and charter groups confirmed that America remained an important market for the industry, tempered by caution regarding uncertainty surrounding some markets.
Show Standouts
Selection of the most important yachts at the show is subject to personal preference, but the 38-meter Baglietto Enterprise ticked the boxes for NAVIS. From the striking paint and exterior lines to the glass-sided spa, fold-out beach club, and shallow draft, she is just begging to explore Bahamian waters.
Overmarine’s Mangusta GranSport 54 with its “upper deck-and-a-half” layout was as gorgeous in profile as she was in function. Glazing along the sides of the superstructure entertains glorious horizon views from both inside and out. The aluminum hull and superstructure of She’s A 10 Too, as she is named, upholds the Mangusta trait of speed, owning a max of 30 knots and a cruising speed of 20.
Fraser Yachts had several interesting yachts on display, including the 60-meter Abeking & Rasmussen Kaiser. Delivered in 2011, she looks every bit the stylish contemporary empress, fully living up to her “timeless” Bannenberg & Rowell interiors.
Truly exceptional.
An additional Fraser classic, the 43-meter sailing yacht Columbia was not on display in the show but was available for viewing in the area. A replica of the 1923 Gloucester fishing schooner, this 2014 build is faithful to the original but substitutes modern materials, an engine room, and staterooms built by Eastern Shipbuilding from the original design by William Sterling Burgess. She gathers a crowd, looking magnificent as she is doing 17 knots under sail.
The 74-meter Amels Casino Royale, from their Limited Editions, is one of the most successful of the series. In Tim Heywood exterior style, Casino Royale has full-height windows, a 6.5-meter infinity pool, an oh-so-delightful owner’s deck, and a huge party space. Interiors by Winch Design are the icing on the cake.
A second yacht named Casino Royale, this time from Tankoa, proved worthy of attention. A 72-meter traditional yacht styled by Margherita Casprini with exterior design by Francesco Paszkowski Design, Casino Royale features an infinity pool, touch-and-go helipad, oversized owner’s suite with private deck and jacuzzi, a skylounge baby grand piano, and an over-the-top crew of dedicated professionals.
The most appealing reveal in the tender/lake boat category has to go to Hinckley Yachts Picnic Boat 45. Precision, innovation, and hand craftsmanship over 98 years make it impressive, as does going to a 35-knot plane immediately, with a joystick and a 12” draft. True joy.
Out and About At The Show
Damen Yachts Managing Director Rose Damen was joined on stage by Commercial Director Jan van Hogerwou, Yacht Captain Jonathan Kielty, and Design Manager for Xplorer and Yacht Support Enrique Tintore. Rose Damen confirmed that the shipyard had two Amels 80s, eight 60s, and two full custom projects in the works, emphasizing that the feedback loop from clients and crew provided insight for future builds, adding that regulations force them to be disciplined and create high-value products. Van Hogerwou confirmed that U.S. owners accounted for 85 percent of the business.
An Interview with Managing Partner and Chief Executive of Burgess Yachts, Monaco, Jonathan Beckett gave NAVIS his perspective on where the superyacht market is headed. On a very positive note, Beckett stated Burgess will expand enormously, allowing that the firm’s brilliant partnership with Ancient Capital of New York will likely see some change and consolidation. Beckett noted that America, which once accounted for only 25 percent of Burgess’s business, now stands at about 65 percent.
Benetti and Bilgin Updates
With the announcement of the American debut of B. Neos at their Palm Beach Press Event, Benetti demonstrated how fun and functional a 40-meter yacht can be. The Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design draws balance and proportion from sailing yachts, melding that with the comfort and luxury of a motor yacht. Interiors by FB Architettura’s Francesca Muzio give a warm, textured, livable feeling of comfort. Hybrid technology makes it silent and free from exhaust and vibration. Full integration of on-board technology systems uses advances like Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence to give real-time guidance and resolve issues quickly.
Benetti, looking to strengthen its presence in the American market, put Benjamin Croucher in charge of North America and Giorgio Sarti in charge of LATAM, also presented the B.Now, 50-meter Mine Games while debuting the Oasis 40-meter Liv Love, in addition to announcing that they will launch 21 custom yachts in the coming year.
Bilgin chose Palm Beach to unveil the builder’s largest project to date at their press event, in the presence of the new owner. The 82-meter Project Bond, sold to experienced yacht owner John Staluppi, noted that he has named more than a dozen of his yachts after the immensely popular James Bond films.
Tours of CRN Amor à Vida and Lürssen Rocinante
Leading the pack for Ferretti at the Palm Beach show, the 67-meter CRN Amor à Vida was one of a fleet of six yachts selected to display the breadth of Ferretti’s range. Amor à Vida is the first CRN superyacht designed with hybrid propulsion. Designed by Nuvolari Lenard with interiors by Valentina Zannier, the yacht spans six decks, one of which is dedicated solely to the owner. Ferretti also brought a Riva 130 Bellissima, a stunning Pershing GTX 116, a wallywhy200, and a Custom Line
Saetta 120 to underscore the many facets of the brand.
A tour of the 78.4-meter Lürssen masterpiece Rocinante gave NAVIS a tour of the largest yacht at the show. Presented for sale by Y.CO, a ten-month 2024 refit at Lürssen revealed pristine condition. Every bit a Lürssen with meticulous craftsmanship, exquisite materials, and luxury amenities, Rocinante is equipped with a helideck and refueling capabilities able to land an EC135, a hospital, a gym with a fold-down balcony, a hammam, jacuzzi, and Jetstream pool.
An Organized, Well-Attended Show With Time For Fun
Expanded to a five-day format, the Palm Beach show allowed time for business, celebration, socializing, and fun. Busy but informative, well-attended with 55,000+ visitors, 1,000 boats, and 600+ exhibitors, it even featured a captain and crew pickleball tournament on a floating court.
“What really stood out this year was the energy across the entire show,” said Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows at Informa Markets, continuing, Between the superyacht displays and the expanded programming, it created a more dynamic experience that kept people engaged from start to finish. That balance of business and entertainment is what continues to bring people back to Palm Beach.”
Photos: Informa Markets, Benetti Media, Amels Yachts Media, Damen Yachts Media | Words: KL Turner