In anticipation of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 28 to November 1) here are five things to know this week.
A Single-Minded Focus on Safety
With just over five weeks to go before FLIBS 2020 opens its turnstiles, we asked Andrew Doole, president of show organizer Informa Markets US Boat Shows that one burning question: How safe will the show be for visitors? “Since the inception of the pandemic last spring, we’ve been focused single-mindedly on creating a plan that would ensure everyone who attends the show can do so safely and with real confidence. That plan is firmly in place, and has the full backing of Broward County Commission and the City of Fort Lauderdale. With our AllSecure safety initiative and by following the Global Biorisk Advisory Council deep-cleaning standards, plus a host of other safety measures listed on our website, we’re doing everything earthly possible to ensure the safety of our guests”.
Get a Room – At a Discount
Got out-of-town friends coming for the show? FLIBS has partnered with leading hotel booking group OnPeak to offer some amazing deals on Fort Lauderdale hotels during the show. The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort dropped its rate by $70 a night, while the Hyatt Place at the 17th Street Cruise Port slashed its nightly rate by $140. Stay right at the show site at the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale DoubleTree by Hilton and the nightly rate has been cut by $30, plus there’s not the usual four-night minimum. OnPeak specializes in hotel bookings for major events. They also offer special discount codes for air travel. To see what’s available, go to www.flibs.com
Hot Boat of The Week
One of the true FLIBS 2020 show-stoppers is going to be the exquisite new 82-foot Magellano 25 Metri mini-superyacht from Italy’s Azimut Yachts. Built from carbon fiber and GRP, the yacht has come off the drawing board of edgy British designer Ken Freivokh. One of its coolest features is the fully-glazed superstructure that floods this stealthy-gray yacht with light; Freivokh said he wanted to create the feeling of a “penthouse overlooking the sea”. That and the stunning interior from Italian artist and architect Vincenzo De Cortis with lots of brushed Verde Alpi marble, dark walnut and retro polished brass. There’s room below decks for 10 guests in five cabins with a huge owner’s cabin with its own walk-in closet. Power comes from twin MAN 1,400-hp V12 diesels giving a top speed of 24 knots. All for around $6.0 million.
A Majestic Best of Show
In the words of Arnold, She’ll Be Baaack! In case you missed last year’s FLIBS Best of Show winner, the spectacular 140-foot Majesty 140 superyacht, it’ll be making a return appearance. Dubai-based Majesty Yachts couldn’t resist bringing her back so as to showcase their handiwork, drum-up a little business, and maybe find a buyer – she’s currently on the market for $18.5 million with Fraser Yachts. The superyacht caught the attention of FLIBS judges last year for its bold exterior, GRP and carbon fiber construction and stunning Cristiano Gatto interior. Powered by a couple of MTU 2,600-hp V16s, she has an impressive top speed of 20 knots and can cruise for 3,600 nautical miles on a tank.
Flashback of the Week
Rewind to the swinging ’60s. There was no internet, no on-line advertising. So the FLIBS organizers had to get creative when it came to attracting boat lovers to “come on down” to Fort Lauderdale for the show. One oddball way of spreading the word was to use a motoryacht – we’re thinking it’s a DeFever or Hatteras – with “Follow me to Ft. Lauderdale” banners and posters along the topsides. Seems the classy flybridge yacht would cruise back and forth along the Intracoastal waterway between Lauderdale and New England, stopping at marinas and cities along the way to spread the word.
FLIBS 2020 will run from Wednesday October 28 through Sunday November 1. One-day general admission tickets from Thursday through Sunday cost $35, with Wednesday afternoon Prime Time Preview tickets costing $55. To purchase go to www.flibs.com.
Facebook Comments