Miami’s scenic waterways harbor hundreds of yachts of all types and sizes, including the in-water showcase that stretches along Collins Avenue, known as the Yacht & Brokerage Show.

First of the winter season are the Miami boat shows, coinciding with Presidents’ Day weekend. Each year Miami becomes home to all things boating with two important shows running concurrently, the Miami International Boat Show, owned and operated by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, and the Yacht & Brokerage Show, owned by the Florida Yacht Brokers Association and operated by Show Management. What this means to visitors is that most of the waterfront and marinas around Miami and Miami Beach fill up with a wide array of craft of all sizes and types. For visitors interested in navigating the different venues in other than private or chauffeured cars, shuttles connect the different sites. The shows take place February 16 to 20, 2012.

24th annual Yacht & Brokerage Show
Where: Along Collins Avenue, between 41st and 51st streets on Miami Beach
Admission: free
Hours: Thursday, Feb. 16, to Sunday, Feb. 19: 10 am to 7 pm
Monday, Feb. 20: 10 am to 6 pm

Progressive Miami International Boat Show
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center
Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center
MiaMarina at Bayside
Hours: Thursday, Feb. 16: 10 am to 6 pm
Friday, Feb. 17, to Sunday, Feb. 19: 10 am to 8 pm
Monday, Feb. 20: 10 am to 6 pm
Admission: (one ticket valid for all locations)
Friday, Feb. 17, to Monday, Feb. 20:
Adults: $18 per day
Children 15 and under: free
Thursday, Feb. 16 (preview day): Adults, $35
Multi-day passes available: $80 per adult for five days
See m.miamiboatshow.com for more info

Read in our digital edition.

Miami, The Latin flavor
Miami has established itself as the US capital of the Americas. According to the latest census, Miami residents originating from Colombia, Venezuela and Peru have increased twofold since the start of the millennium. Brazil, meanwhile, is the United States’ biggest foreign investor, with much of the business being conducted right here in Miami. Additionally, an estimated 40 percent of all US exports to Latin and South America pass through Florida, according to the Beacon Council, a semi-private institution dedicated to local economic development. It is little wonder that the Miami winter boat shows have a Latin flavor. European builders debuting models in Miami do so to reach an increasingly international crowd. Builders such as Azimut-Benetti, Ferretti, Sunseeker and many more, which are active on markets south of the United States, conduct business in Miami with clients from as far as Brazil.

What to expect this year?
For more than 20 years, the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show has featured both new boats and a large section of brokerage yachts, providing an extraordinary showcase stretching for 1.5 mile along the scenic Indian Creek Waterway. The show features great diversity, from center consoles to fishing boats to megayachts new and pre-owned from American and international builders. In order to help visitors navigate this 500-boat display, organizers have launched a handy application for smart phones. MyBoatShow, available from the Apple and Android stores, is free and easy to use, and likely will save you a few precious steps as you search for a specific exhibitor or boat.

While MIBS features few megayachts, Florida’s oldest boat show has great diversity, with sailboats and catamarans at the marina at Bayside; smaller powerboats, performance craft and electronics at the Convention Center; and motoryachts at the Sea Isle Marina where Marlow Marine has a large display.

In addition to Megayacht Row, introduced last year, the new-build showcase and the fishing section, the Yacht & Brokerage Show now includes Trawler Island, a whole new section dedicated to long-distance cruisers. This show within the show (located at the showcase’s northern end, next to Hatteras) will regroup boats from Kadey-Krogen, Fleming, Grand Banks, Nordhavn, Outer Reef, Selene Ocean Trawlers and more.

Miami Debuts

This year again, the Miami events will see the boat show debut of several models, and the Yacht & Brokerage Show may see its largest yacht to date

Benetti Diamonds are Forever
As we went to press, Azimut-Benetti was committed to displaying on Miami Beach one of its most recent custom yachts—the 180-foot (61-meter) Benetti Diamonds Are Forever. Built and launched at Benetti’s Livorno shipyard in Tuscany, Diamonds Are Forever is yacht- and James Bond-enthusiast John Staluppi’s newest acquisition. With styling and naval architecture by Benetti, the transatlantic yacht features an extra private and panoramic deck above the flybridge and top-notch equipment, including a Schottel Pump-Jet propulsion system and dynamic positioning. Top speed is 16 knots and cruising speed is about 15. At 12 knots, the yacht has a range of 4,800 nautical miles. An elevator services all decks, and the spacious interior, with an Evan K. Marshall décor, comprises six suites, including two panoramic master suites. The expansive outer decks have room for a touch-and-go helipad.
Location: Yacht & Brokerage Show, ramp 30

Sanlorenzo SL94
This newly designed flybridge from Sanlorenzo, built in composite at the shipyard’s Ameglia facility near La Spezia, already generated a flurry of appreciative reviews. Restrained in its styling, it is elegant and timeless. Designer Francesco Paszkowski worked with Sanlorenzo on finding a balance among large windows for optimal views, a large hardtop for shade and dynamic lines suitable for this speedy flybridge yacht. Custom features abound. Owners can, for instance, choose the layout of the spacious flybridge. Nice, especially for a yacht this size, is the large garage, able to accommodate a tender of up to 14.7 feet (4.5 meters) with its built-in launch mechanism. The main deck is spacious enough for a large salon totally independent of the dining room and the galley. A classic accommodations layout positions a generous owner’s suite amidships and a VIP cabin forward. Various engine options are available, including twin 1,890-hp CAT C32 ACERTs that ensure a top speed of 27 knots and a 25-knot cruising speed, or two 2,100-hp MTU 16V engines for a top speed of 29 knots.
Location: Yacht & Brokerage Show, Ramp 26

Monte Carlo Yachts 76
We first saw this refreshingly innovative flybridge yacht in Cannes in 2010, where Monte Carlo Yachts made its world debut with the first MCY 76, Georgia. It followed suit in 2011 with a smaller model, the MCY 65. This recently established brand, styled and built in Italy, belongs to a large French group with deep roots in the US market—Groupe Beneteau. Indeed, as whole, this boating giant will make a big show in Miami. But Monte Carlo Yachts has its own distinctive personality within the multifaceted group as a luxury yacht brand. At the helm of Monte Carlo Yachts is former Azimut-Benetti executive Carla Demaria whose development plans called for a US debut in 2011/2012. The yacht slated to appear in Miami features a different layout and includes an ondeck galley (instead of the galley down below seen on European models). Nuvolari-Lenard created the distinctive styling of this 75-foot 7-inch (23-meter) yacht, emphasized by a novel color scheme. The yacht is speedy, with a top speed of 32 knots and a cruising speed of 27 knots (the hull, built in composite, was tank tested by Seaway). The foredeck is one of the yacht’s attractive features with a complete salon/dining area.
Location: Yacht & Brokerage Show, Ramp 36

70 Sunreef Power Damrak II
This is the latest iteration of Polish catamaran builder Sunreef’s popular 70-foot power cat, launched in 2008. Inspired by French sailor Laurent Bourgnon, who built his own to cruise the world with his family, the 70 Sunreef Power cat has proved a nice success. Launched in May 2011, Damrak II is hull No. 6 of the composite series but the first to be equipped solely with energy-efficient, long-lasting LED lights that can be dimmed for ambient lighting. The cat also carries solar panels for supplemental energy. Yet it has more bells and whistles than the original, named Jumbo, which was designed specifically for fuel-sipping economy for the owner’s planned circumnavigation. While gifted for long-distance cruising, Damrak II is well suited to its mission as a fun private and charter yacht with a Jacuzzi on the sun deck, a Jet Ski, scuba gear and a Seabob, as well as swim platforms with ladders. Inside, the yacht also has full entertainment capabilities with TV screens in all four cabins and a Bose audio sound system, plus attractive décor in Canaletto walnut wood and cream Alcantara. The owner’s cabin, with separate entrance, has a king-size bed, desk, sofa, wardrobes, private wine cellar, a spacious bathroom and, last but not least, panoramic views. The sun deck features a cocktail bar, barbecue and dining area. Its 800-hp MAN engines give it a 25-knot top speed if needed, but guests will enjoy its long-range ability at lower speeds (3,000 nautical miles at 11.5 knots and up to 10,000 nautical miles at 8 knots).
Location: Yacht & Brokerage Show

Princess V72
Princess Yachts first introduced this model in the United Kingdom. This, the first V72 shown in the United States, was built for a repeat customer who previously had a Princess 62 flybridge yacht. Built in composite using infusion technology at the Princess yard in the UK, the Princess V72 is a stylish and classic express yacht with a speed range of 34 to 37 knots, according to engine options and power. The main deck features an open layout with large windows and moonroof. Accommodations belowdecks include a full-beam master stateroom with large portholes and a seating area, a VIP forward and a guest cabin. Automatic doors lead out to a spacious entertainment and dining area aft. A comfortable sun pad conceals the entrance to a garage able to hold a small tender. The swim platform has a hydraulic mechanism to facilitate launch and retrieval of a second tender or Jet Ski. No two V72s are exactly the same, as Princess, represented in the United States by Viking Sport Cruisers, is willing to customize.
Location: Yacht & Brokerage Show, ramp 34

Marquis 630 Sport Yacht
It’s been a little while since Marquis introduced a new model, and based on the brand’s track record, this 66-foot yacht (including swim platform) will be worth a detour. Designed by the world-renowned Nuvolari-Lenard, the new Marquis, built in composite in Wisconsin by Marquis’ experienced craftsmen, promises to have style. Wraparound windows and wing-like appendages add to the sporty nature of this flybridge yacht. A new hullform combined with twin diesel engines and pod drives offers maneuverability and performance from the integrated lower helm. The design favors easy flow with few steps, bulkheads or narrow hallways. A spacious entertainment area on the aft deck overlooks the swim platform. Overnight accommodations include three or four cabins, according to the owner’s preference. In either case, the master stateroom is a full-beam cabin with good headroom and two generous portholes. A low-profile flybridge, logically laid out with distinct areas for navigation and entertaining, comes equipped with an optional carbon fiber top for shade.
Location: Yacht & Brokerage Show, ramp 28

Viking 66 Enclosed Bridge
Viking of New Jersey introduces the enclosed bridge version of the Viking 66 Convertible that debuted at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Both versions feature a four-stateroom layout to take along friends and family. For creature comfort, the 66 also has a fully equipped galley with granite counter, dinette and lounge area with huge TV screen. The fishing area features a large cockpit and observation mezzanine with built-in storage for everything from tackle to beer. Various power options are available. The base engine package consists of twin 1,550-hp MAN V12 diesel engines. At the top end, with maximum engine power, this sportfishing warrior can reach 40 knots.
Location: Yacht & Brokerage Show, ramp 8

Marlow Marine 61E
Marlow Marine, which last year launched its impressive new flagship, the 97E in Miami, this year returns to with several new boats, including a brand-new layout for its 61E, dubbed 61E MK2. No two Marlow yachts are identical, except in the approach to construction and finish. Built in composite, using resin infusion and vacuum sandwich construction, the yacht has strut keels for better sea tracking (founder David Marlow says the struts act much like feathers on an arrow). This redesigned version features two large staterooms, a master and a VIP separated by a private foyer. While perfect for an owner-operator, the yacht still includes a crew cabin, which expands options on how to use the boat.
Location: Sea Isle Marina, Miami Boat Show

Cheoy Lee Alpha 76 Express
A completely new look for Cheoy Lee, the Alpha 76 drew quite a bit of attention in Fort Lauderdale. This express is a radical departure from Cheoy Lee’s other lines. It has eye-catching features such as large windows that change color at the flick of a switch. This feature is usually reserved for a few interior windows, for instance in a glass panel separating a bedroom from a bathroom. Here, all the upper windows (except the windshield, of course) can be changed from clear to opaque or to different color schemes. An integrated glass bridge centralizes all navigation and safety functions and overlooks the open galley below. The interior by Luiz de Basto, who worked closely with the Cheoy Lee shipyard and exterior designer and naval architect Michael Peters, features anigre wood, brushed steel and leather accentuating an attractive mix of curves and straight lines. Both the aft area with Jacuzzi and the foredeck area feature large spaces for entertainment and lounging. The basic engine package on this modified V-hull built in composite consists of twin 1,550-hp MAN engines coupled with ZF gearboxes.
Location: Yacht & Brokerage Show

Sunseeker Manhattan 73
Sunseeker, represented in Miami by local dealer Nautikos, will feature the new Manhattan 73 along with other recent models exemplifying a broad cross section of British builder Sunseeker’s lines (please also see the article on Sunseeker featured in this issue). A broad beam that’s carried lower in the hull increased the Manhattan 73’s interior volume, enabling a third full-size double stateroom on the lower deck (instead of a bunk room), plus plenty more headroom throughout. The single-level main salon yields a vast entertainment space, especially with the galley-down configuration. The extended flybridge provides extra shade for an expanded entertainment area below. The yacht also offers a good-size crew cabin. Sunseeker offers various custom options and a range of power packages.
Location: Yacht & Brokerage Show, ramp 33

Azimut Yachts
As is customary, Azimut Yachts will feature a full array of its flybridge line. Among the newer models is the Azimut 40 Flybridge, designed by Stefano Righini and Carlo Galeazzi. On the smaller end of the Azimut flybridge line, this new model condenses creativity, innovative design and technological solutions into one very attractive package. The yacht’s sweeping lines are the same that characterize the entire Azimut production. Elliptical windows allow profuse light into the interior and hull, and deckhouse lines help optimize space and quality of life on board. The bow shape (trapezoidal), for example, makes the owner’s suite very spacious. The accommodations include a twin cabin with en suite bathroom, and an extra bed is available in the salon. With twin Cummins QSB 5.9 engines, the yacht reaches a maximum speed of 31 knots at half load. The Azimut 40 also offers the pleasure of yachting through its simplicity of use; it is equipped with a joystick for easy docking and easy handling—a system that improves responsiveness in turns.
Location: Yacht & Brokerage Show, ramp 31 & 32