Perfect pastime to collect.
The start of 2023 saw a continued strong interest in boating in South Florida from greater Miami to the Palm Beach areas. Many newcomers became boat owners during the Pandemic as it was one of the only outdoor recreational activities people could participate in. The enthusiasm has not slowed down since. In fact, marinas are all full with waiting lists to moor new boats.
Miami International Boat Show & Art Wynwood
This increased interest in boating has driven many new boaters to the annual South Florida Boat Shows. First up in mid-February was the annual Miami show called Miami International Boat Show with the appropriate tagline, “Discover Boating”. The past couple of years, this boat show has occurred simultaneously with Art Wynwood, a relatively new art fair in Miami. The art tents are set up adjacent to the boat show entrance making it convenient for attendees to check out both the art and boats. The show organizers even created a dual entry pass making it easy to experience both art and the boating lifestyle together.
The Miami International Boat Show generates big business for the recreational boating industry. The on-land portion of the show takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center and Pride Park. The in-water components of the show take place at Herald Plaza, Venetian Marina, Museum Park Marina, and Yacht Haven Grande Miami. With these multiple boat show sites between both Miami and Miami Beach, moving from one to another is made easy with water taxi transportation. Denison Yachting has seen tremendous growth over the past several years and now has the biggest displays with the most boats at the show.
An extraordinary event
The 2023 Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show® was a smashing success bringing together the boating community from all parts of the world. This year’s five-day event provided a memorable experience for the public, exhibitors, and the marine industry. The event brought over 100,000 visitors from approximately 35 countries around the globe to Miami-Dade County and had an economic impact of $1.34 billion.
Additionally, as part of the show’s commitment to the protection of Miami-Dade County’s marine wildlife and sustainability efforts, organizers partnered with the Miami Foundation to raise awareness and support efforts to preserve Biscayne Bay. Art Wynwood, Miami’s premier winter art fair returned for its 10th edition. It always provides a unique opportunity for collectors to discover and explore the world’s most prestigious contemporary, emerging and modern art galleries in the vibrant cultural hub of Miami.
Palm Beach International Boat Show & Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary
Just about a month or so after the Miami boat show, Palm Beach sparkles with boats and yachts in the West Palm Beach marina for the local greater Palm Beach area enthusiasts with the Palm Beach International Boat Show. The combination of boat show and art show in Miami was duplicated here this year. Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary was nearby at the Palm Beach Convention Center coinciding with the boat show.
The 41st annual Palm Beach International Boat Show once again showcased the latest in marine technology, equipment, and accessories. The show featured more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories, including hundreds of boats ranging from 8-foot inflatables to super yachts nearly 200 feet in length. A show stand-out was the 92-year-old historical gem the Honey Fitz, a prestigious, 93-foot wooden yacht that has been used by five U.S. presidents: Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, and – most notably – President John F. Kennedy. And of course, no boat show would be complete without plenty of entertainment and activities for the whole family to enjoy. This year’s show brought the fun to Flagler Street in West Palm Beach with a line-up of amazing live music, renowned culinary food and drink vendors, and top of the line educational seminars and industry focused activations.
Palm Beach Art + Contemporary art fair returned for its sixth edition. It brought together 95 internationally respected galleries and artists for the ever-growing high net worth audience that has migrated to South Florida and specifically the greater Palm Beach area.
Fall 2023 Boat Shows in Monaco & Ft. Lauderdale
Stay tuned for the Fall boat shows, where each September Monaco showcases the most prestigious super yachts in the iconic Port Hercules, the Monaco Yacht Show, supported by His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco (September 27–30, 2023). This magnificent show is followed by the biggest in-water boat show in the world in Ft. Lauderdale, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show held annually in late October (October 25-29, 2023). Yachtsman, sailors, boat builders and brokers from around the world descend upon these two important boats shows annually.
By Hope Gainer – President of Hope International Marketing & Hope International Properties
