Inside Look at the 2013 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
For the 54th year, Fort Lauderdale hosts the largest in-water boat show in the world. Running from October 31 to November 4, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show attracts hundreds of thousands of yachtsmen, fishermen and marine enthusiasts to its six locations that cover more than three million square feet. For Yachts International, the highlight is always yachts of a certain dimension—those vessels of more substantial length and beam, custom-built or customizable, exceptional in every way. As with most years, we know we won’t be disappointed. This year’s show offers a rich selection of larger yachts for us—and you—to see.
At press time, rumor had it, the largest yacht will come from Germany. No details have been released, but if she arrives, this 242-foot (73.8-meter) yacht is not to be missed. Turkish builder Vicem will be bringing two new builds this year: a 151-foot (46-meter) model from the company’s Vulcan line and a 107 Cruiser. From Benetti we’ll see the 143-foot (43.6-meter) Checkmate, hull number 15 in its Vision line. Other highlights include new flagships from Sanlorenzo, Ferretti and Ocean Alexander, as well as a special build from Moonen for a repeat client with a passion for the underwater world. Overall, this year’s show looks like a winner.
“We are committed to continuously enhancing the show experience for guests and exhibitors,” says Dane Graziano, senior vice president and COO of Show Management. “This year’s new attractions are designed to bring more fun and more choices to all people visiting the show.”
For anglers, the Convention Center location will now include a Sailfish Pavilion and the Florida Sportsman Interactive Seminar Pond. Other attractions at the show include a personal submarine, a flying car and an exotic automobile display.
All attractions and show locations can be easily located through MyBoatShow, the show’s free smartphone app, downloadable from the iTunes or Android stores.
WHEN
Thursday, Oct. 31 (Prime Time Preview): 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 1: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 2: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 3: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 4: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ADMISSION
Adults: $20 online, $22 at show
Children (ages 6–15): $5 online, $7 at show
Children (under 6): Free
Prime Time Preview (Thursday, Oct. 31): $36 online, $38 at show
Two-Day Ticket: $38 online, $40 at show
Tickets (cash only, but ATMs are nearby) are also available from the box office at the following locations on the days of the show: Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Las Olas Marina, Las Olas Riverfront (downtown Fort Lauderdale) and Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. There are no ticket sales at the Hall of Fame Marina, The Sails or the Fort Lauderdale Hilton Marina.
IMPORTANT
No pets allowed. The only pets we can allow are guide dogs or other licensed, working dogs (service animals).
Photo ID is required for a visit to the convention center.
SHOW LOCATIONS
Bahia Mar Yachting Center: 801 Seabreeze Blvd.
Hall of Fame Marina: 1 Hall of Fame Dr.
Las Olas Marina: 240 E. Las Olas Circle
Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center: 1950 Eisenhower Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale Hilton: 1881 SE 17th St.
The Sails Marina: 2150 SE 17th St.
Why buy a yacht in Fort Lauderdale this year?
Insider tips from Veteran broker Frank Grzeszczak
The Fort Lauderdale boat show is widely recognized as the world’s largest and most active show. As this year’s show approaches, the industry in general is in a significantly more active state than years past. With this in mind, there are still great deals to be made with aggressive sellers and shipyards. As the demand continues to grow and the well-priced inventory diminishes, the market will once again begin to firm up, similar to where the industry was five years ago. The 2013 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show represents an opportunity for a prospective buyer to view an abundance of well-priced and quality inventory, to compare and ultimately to make the best deal possible in a market that is steadily improving.
Frank Grzeszczak, a yacht consultant at IYC, has more than 25 years of experience and is committed to providing the best level of service available to his clients at any given day or time. iyc.com; 954 522 2323
Yachts to see:
Vicem’s Double Debut | Benetti Checkmate | Moonen Sofia
Mondo Marine Nameless | Westport 130 | Sanlorenzo SD122 Alchemist Too | Trinity 120 Finish Line
Horizon RP110 Andrea VI | Ferretti 960 | Hargrave 101RPH
Lazzara Sport Yacht 95 | Ocean Alexander 90 Motor Yacht | Pershing 62 | Outer Reef 720
