The numbers are still trickling in, but the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is well on its way to welcoming approximately 150 yachts greater than 24 metres at its 2023 edition, according to the latest BOATPro data.
One week out from the show (taking place between 25 and 29 October), more than 120 superyachts have confirmed their attendance so far, once again making FLIBS the largest in-water boat show in the world.
The total length of superyachts due to attend this year's show stands at a current estimate of 4,379 metres, with an average length of 35.9 metres. The largest yacht is currently slated as Codecasa's 65-metre motor yacht Eternity, an experienced charter yacht in the Bahamas that underwent a complete interior and exterior overhaul in 2018. Eternity is joined by 10 other yachts in the 50 to 70-metre size category, with the bulk of this year's display sitting below the 50-metre threshold.
Attending yachts by size segments
24m – 30m: 40
30m – 40m: 51
40m – 50m: 20
50m – 70m: 11
In terms of volume, the fleet of superyachts at FLIBS will average 287GT, landing the show squarely between this year's Cannes Yachting Festival (192GT) and Monaco Yacht Show (632GT).
The average age of the superyacht fleet also tends to be higher at FLIBS than shows of comparable size, highlighting its brokerage-heavy focus for which the show has become known. According to BOATPro, the average age of superyachts on display will be 9.44 years, down from just under 11 years on average in 2022.
In a continuation from last year, there will be zero sailing yachts on display at FLIBS and an overwhelming majority of semi-custom (101) as opposed to full-custom motor yachts (21).
A total of 26 new yachts (delivered within the past 12 months) will be on display this year, with 15 marking some form of debut. Included in the mix will be the Azimut Grande 36M making her first appearance in the US, as well as the world-premiering Bering B92 explorer yacht Papillon.
Other notable new launches will include the wallywhy150, Ferretti 1000 Skydeck and Princess Y95, all three of which had their official debut in Cannes last month before making their way across the Atlantic.
Speaking ahead of next week's showcase, CEO and president of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) Phil Purcell commented on the show's continued relevance. "In both our local economy and on a national stage, the marine industry and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show have long been integral to our region's prosperity," he explained. "The boating sector's remarkable resilience, particularly evident in its robust growth during the pandemic, has not only attracted a fresh influx of youthful customers but has also reinvigorated the industry's landscape."
Purcell continued: "As demand skyrockets, FLIBS 2023 is primed to shine on an unrivalled stage, allowing the boating industry to proudly present its finest offerings, all while embracing a future of sustained success."
Read More/The most exciting new yachts at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2023