FLIBS Just Got the Official Green Light
This year’s show wasn’t officially a “go” until it got the OK from local government officials in both Broward County and the City of Fort Lauderdale. At last week’s Broward County Commission meeting, commissioners gave two-thumbs-up to County Commissioner Betha Henry to approve the show. That was huge. Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, Dean Trantalis said in a statement: “I am extremely pleased that the County Commission gave clear direction today that FLIBS can take place as planned next month. Public health will be protected; Fort Lauderdale has been a leader in addressing COVID-19, and we have worked with the Boat Show to put together a solid plan to ensure it will be held with the utmost safety”.
Stay Safe – Watch the Video
FLIBS organizers have put together a cool three-minute “Know Before You Go” video explaining the safety measures being put in place to keep everyone safe. Everything from paperless ticketing, to temperature checks at the 16 entrances – remember 100.4 degrees and you’re not getting in. And it reiterates no mask, no entry. Worried about strolling around one of those huge exhibition tents? In addition to social-distancing requirements, one-way walking, and hand-washing stations, organizers will be installing huge custom-built air purifiers with UV lights capable of completely disinfecting the air in the tent in less than an hour. Take a look here.
See Stars at the Superyacht Village
Last year it was the jaw-dropping 95m mega yacht Madsummer – available for charter from $1.4 million a week – that headlined the FLIBS Superyacht Village. This year? You’ll have to wait and see. But the Superyacht Village, holding court at Pier Sixty-Six Marina, is back, showcasing some of the world’s most extravagant superyachts. One show-stopper already signed-up is the stunning 180-foot yacht Laurentia from the Dutch yard Heesen. If you’re looking to cruise off into the sunset this winter, she’s available for charter from around $450,000 a week.
Hot Boat of The Week
Luxury yacht maker Ocean Alexander will be using FLIBS to world-debut its stunning new 88-foot Explorer 27 world-girding mini superyacht. While 88 feet is typically quite a few feet short of superyacht status, designers have worked miracles to squeeze-in as much usable interior space as possible. Plus, they’ve added an over-sized extended aft deck with 225-square-feet of space. It’ll accommodate a couple of jet-skis, a jet-ski and a RIB, or use it for a dive platform, for loungers or al fresco dining. While Ocean Alexander adventure yachts have, in the past, been on the conservative side in their styling, this new Explorer 27 – as in 27 meters – is all cool angles, huge windows and taut, muscular lines. Powered by twin MAN 1650hp V12s it’ll have a range of up to 2,100 nautical miles.
Flashback of the Week
Wind the clock back to 1976. Since the first show in 1959, FLIBS had been held at a variety of venues, from Pier 66, to Port Everglades, to the indoor Dania Jai-Alai stadium, to the Municipal Docks of the New River. “But 1976 was a monumental year, marking a new beginning for the event,” says FLIBS historian Forest Johnson. Three key changes were made. First, the show name was changed to Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Second, the date was switched from July to October to coincide with new models coming from manufacturers. And third, the show was moved to its current location at Bahia Mar. That year, 103 exhibitors attended, with highlights including dropping a Mako fishing boat into the resort’s swimming pool, and a circus big-top-style exhibition tent.
The show 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.
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