Preview: FLIBS 2025 to showcase US industry strength with 183 superyachts on display
The 2025 edition of FLIBS is set to welcome 183 superyachts when doors open next week, once again cementing its status as the world's largest in-water boat show.
According to exclusive BOATPro data, this year's showcase is led by a preponderance of yachts between 24 and 40 metres in length (74.3 per cent), while the number of 40-metre-plus yachts has decreased moderately compared to the previous year.
This year will also see the return of sailing superyachts, which have notably been missing from the show's lineup for the past three years, including the world's largest catamaran, Hemisphere. And despite its focus on the brokerage market, FLIBS has confirmed 16 debuting yachts so far, such as Juanky, the first unit in Cheoy Lee's new explorer series, in its world premiere.
According to Ikonic Yachts CEO AJ Blackmon, the market's continued recovery is encouraging more owners to put their yachts up for sale, which is helping to replenish supply levels. "There’s a lot of good listings that have come on the market just in the last two weeks," he said. "As we head into the winter season, especially boat show season in Fort Lauderdale, you’re going to see a lot of great boats popping up and I think there’s going to be some good deal making at the boat show and into the end of the year."
- Gabrielle Lazaridis, business editor