The world’s biggest boat show.
The 2025 edition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show—already the largest in the world—unfurled with a heightened sense of sophistication thanks to the long-awaited debut of the reimagined Pier Sixty-Six resort and marina. The numbers told an impressive story: more than 100,000 visitors, 1,300 vessels, and 1,000+ exhibitors representing over 50 countries spread across 90 acres of curated marine excellence. With 146 yachts for sale totaling $1.9 billion, projected marine product sales of $800 million, and a staggering $1.78 billion economic impact for the state of Florida, the show once again confirmed its position as the epicenter of the global boating world.
From gleaming superyachts and adrenaline-ready sportfishing boats to next-gen catamarans, tenders, and advanced marine tech, the show celebrated every nuance of the boating lifestyle—family-friendly, sun-soaked, and endlessly aspirational.
Pier Sixty-Six: The queen returns
The undisputed star of this year’s event was the fully unveiled Pier Sixty-Six, rising proudly at the edge of the Superyacht Village like a newly crowned monarch. With its blend of residential towers, dining concepts, commercial spaces, hotel accommodations, and an ultramodern marina designed for the world’s most exceptional vessels, the property has been reborn as Fort Lauderdale’s new luxury nucleus.
A host of premier international shipyards have chosen Pier Sixty-Six to anchor their brand-new Americas headquarters—further cementing its influence. Lürssen Americas, the U.S. headquarters of the legendary German superyacht builder, now offering full-service build, refit, and management capabilities; Azimut|Benetti Group, the Italian powerhouse inaugurates its new Americas hub overlooking the marina and Sanlorenzo Yachts, the Italian luxury shipyard christens its new American base, also showcasing its Nautor Swan sailing brand.
The Marina Promenade—nearly fully leased by elite industry players—has instantly become one of the most prestigious addresses in global yachting. Visitors to Fort Lauderdale can now enjoy the 325-room Pier Sixty-Six Hotel, its contemporary coastal aesthetic, and the revived Pier Top, a legendary revolving lounge with 360-degree views of the Intracoastal waterway. Nearby, the Pier Sixty-Six Residences offer 88 ultra-luxury homes where owners can descend from penthouse to yacht in moments.
Honoring ocean guardians
Fort Lauderdale hosted The Honours Awards for the first time, celebrating exceptional contributions to ocean and yachting stewardship—all three honorees were women of remarkable impact: Angela Abshier, founder, Sail to Shelter (USA); Francisca Cortés Solari, founder, Fundación MERI (Chile); and Rosie O’Donnell, project lead, Yachts for Science (UK). Each received The Bowspirit Award during an elegant gala at the Pier Sixty-Six ballroom.
The International Seakeepers Society Annual Founders Gala, themed “colorful island chic,” followed with another evening of celebration. This year’s Seakeeper of the Year was awarded posthumously to Jimmy Buffet, honored with a special performance by Mac McAnally and Eric Darken. Artist Laura Shape unveiled her lionfish-based Seakeeper Award piece, Protector of the Blue, merging art with ecological activism. The coveted Best of Show Awards honored the Valhalla 55 Sport (under 60 ft) and Bluegame BGM75 (over 60 ft) for exceptional innovation and design.
A taste of luxury: New experiences & elevated hospitality
This year introduced the new Windward Cabana Club, where top chefs— including Chef Dave White and Chef Ryan O’Sullivan—offered a world-class culinary journey. High-end real estate firms also elevated their presence: Sotheby’s International Realty transformed the Windward Lounge; Douglas Elliman unveiled its nautical-chic Elliman Yacht Club; and St. Regis Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale welcomed guests to its elegant Captain’s Quarters Lounge. Visitors were also invited to donate during ticket purchase to support Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts in Jamaica—proving that luxury and philanthropy often sail side by side.
Worldly destinations come to Fort Lauderdale
Boating destinations showcased their most alluring offerings. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism promoted the archipelago’s boating-friendly islands, while Ki’ama Bahamas partnered with Revolution Marine Group to present its environmentally conscious Club Residences and the solar-enabled Revolution Edition Oceanwalker 60. Marina Bahía Golfito in Costa Rica hosted a “Pura Vida Evening” at W Fort Lauderdale, highlighting its premier marine lifestyle destination. For those seeking deeper industry insight, SuperYacht Times hosted three days of thought-leading seminars featuring designers, executives, and owners shaping the future of luxury yachting.
Superyacht Village: Where the elite come to play
The show’s most exclusive enclave, Superyacht Village, dazzled with the largest vessels and most exotic supercars. Guests explored the immersive “Blackhole Experience” art installation by Age of Union between yacht tours and champagne toasts. Yellow water taxis whisked attendees through the scenic Intracoastal Waterway—Fort Lauderdale at its most cinematic.
Crowds gravitated to the hand-crafted wooden beauty from J-Craft, but the vessel that truly commanded attention was Hampshire—a 217.4-foot Feadship masterpiece listed at just under $100 million. With its striking lines and flawless craftsmanship, Hampshire embodied the pinnacle of superyacht perfection with a global traveler pedigree.
Sanlorenzo: A bubbly afternoon at sea
Sanlorenzo curated an intimate press experience showcasing three U.S. premieres—SL86A, SX100, and SP92 all developed in collaboration with Zuccon International Project with interiors for the American market by Marty Lowe —alongside the American debut of the Bluegame BGM75 multihull. Each demonstrated the brand’s devotion to design innovation, personalization, and sustainability. A Sanlorenzo tender transported guests to the Superyacht Village for the official opening of the new Sanlorenzo Americas headquarters at Pier Sixty-Six, designed by Piero Lissoni.
Chairman & CEO Massimo Perotti shared insights on the company’s soaring growth—nearly $1 billion in global sales, with $200 million from the Americas—and its commitment to “made-to-measure” yacht building and sustainable innovation in partnership with Siemens to achieve their “Road to 2030” goals. The afternoon concluded aboard the SL96A with Italian bubbles, refined bites, and sunset views over the marina.
Azimut|Benetti: Italian elegance, American ambition
Azimut|Benetti also selected the boat show as the perfect stage to inaugurate their new Americas headquarters. CEO Marco Valle noted that the U.S. represents nearly a third of the global recreational boating market and is essential to their strategy for expansion into Central and South America. The alfresco celebration overlooking the marina drew a celebratory international crowd. Immediately after the show, the company unveiled its pioneering new technology: WATCHIT Eye, the first AI-powered collision-avoidance system designed specifically for yachts.
Despite a soggy opening day soaked in torrential rain, the skies soon cleared and the docks filled with thousands of casually dressed enthusiasts—flip-flops, shorts, and baseball caps everywhere. But appearances can deceive. Among the crowds were countless American billionaires, quietly stepping aboard nine-figure vessels. The message was unmistakable: America is the world’s most powerful boating market—and it’s still growing.
The 67th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show returns from October 28th to November 1st, 2026. Arrive the Floridian way: take the Brightline from Miami or Palm Beach, hop onto the show’s complimentary shuttles, glide aboard a water taxi, and enjoy scenic waterways with a cold drink in hand. No traffic, no stress—just pure South Florida indulgence.
Hope Gainer
