The 61st Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

IT’S SHOWTIME!!!  The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is determined not to let a pandemic stand in the way of the 61st edition of the world’s largest in-water boat show.

Scheduled from October 28th to November 1st, organizers have new safety protocols in place, including contactless ticketing, mandatory face coverings, temperature checks at entry, all lines marked out in six-foot increments, and deep cleaning before, during, and after each day’s events. In addition, the main docks will be widened up to 30 feet with one-way pedestrian traffic flow implemented.

But not all builders are on board, so alongside our show preview, we’ve included the newest models to hit the water as well as the fall model debuts from builders who are showing their wares virtually or through semi-private showings.

Regardless, 1,300 boats and 900 exhibitors are expected in “the Venice of America” over seven locations hugging the Intracoastal Waterway, from the Convention Center south to the Las Olas Marina north. Bahia Mar remains the center of the action. The popular Windward VIP Club will be and indoor/outdoor arrangement with outside terraces on the main face dock at the Captain’s Lounge and Tower Building. A premium open bar, gourmet food, and concierge to book yacht tours will be on hand as always. For ticketing, parking, and hospitality packages, visit flibs.com.

Here’s a pre-show glance at some of the most exciting new boats!