Live the South Florida Dream at the 2013 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
By Brittney Messingschlager
There is something about living in South Florida that just doesn’t seem right without owning or having access to a boat. The city of Fort Lauderdale is known as the Yachting Capital of the World and the Venice of America due to its expansive and intricate system of waterways. You can make it to just about any spot in Fort Lauderdale by boat, which makes it a perfect home for one of the largest boat shows in America — the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The 54th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show takes place Oct. 31 through Nov. 4 and will attract tens of thousands of people from all over the world throughout the five-day event. While water crafts of all sizes will be on display throughout the three million square feet of show space, attendees will also be able to browse, tour, wish, hope, charter or even buy some of the world’s most impressive mega yachts. So if you’re just wishful thinking, planning a weekend jaunt to Bimini, or looking to purchase, upgrade or charter, dust off your boat shoes and your nautical themed pashmina afghan, because Fort Lauderdale is ready to rock the boat!
When arriving at the show, one can expect to see hundreds of displays to entice buyers and hopefuls on board some of the most luxurious vessels in the world. International Yacht Collection (IYC) has been showing its magnificent yachts at the show since the company’s onset 12 years ago, and this year is no different. This year, like years past, IYC will have one of the most impressive displays of yachts at the show, featuring yacht brands such as Feadship, Trinity and Hargrave and ranging in size from 70 feet to an impressive 191 feet. Of these yachts, vessels like the 191-foot CARPE DIEM, the 161-foot ANJILIS, the 170-foot DREAM, the 187-foot LADY LINDA, the 150-foot ENCORE, and the 99-foot DA BUBBA will all be available for potential buyers to preview; however, appointments are encouraged. “There won’t be a more impressive display of mega yacht inventory anywhere in the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show,” said Bob Saxon, President of IYC.
Of yachts available in IYC’s impressive inventory on display, several of the vessels, like those mentioned above, are also available for charter. The charter industry offers clients the opportunity to experience the exhilaration of yachting, leading to the all-important purchase decision “There’s no better way to consider ownership than to experience the product and service first,” Saxon said. “The charm of a charter vacation is that it is customized to your very whim, taste and experience expectations. You go at your pace, you plan the menu with the chef to meet your tastes, you design the vacation around your wants, needs and desires. Nobody is telling you to get aboard because they are pulling the gangway up at 5 p.m. Nobody is dictating when you will sit down to dinner and with what particular menu. It’s your vacation to plan and only limited by your imagination,” Saxon added. Charter vacations can be taken in an array of breathtaking locations, such as Florida and the Bahamas, the Caribbean, New England and the Mediterranean, to name a few, and based on the size of the vessel, can accommodate up to 12 guests.
It would be hard to miss IYC’s breathtaking display of mega yachts at this year’s show, as they are located “smack dab” in the middle of the action and excitement of the show. “The IYC display couldn’t be positioned in a better location for our clients,” Saxon said. They will be located in “the middle of it all” with yachts lined up at Bahia Mar, on the face dock along the Intracoastal Waterway. It is recommended that buyers (and hopeful buyers) attend the show on Thursday and Friday, as the weekends tend to be very busy and touring a particular boat comes at a high demand. “Above all else,” Saxon added, “I encourage anyone who wants to enhance their Fort Lauderdale Boat Show experience to retain an agent for sale or charter who can show the inventory to the customer with a trained eye and on an informed basis. Once the agent broker can discover the needs of the customer, they can get the client to the perfect yachts for their inspection,” he said. For more information on what IYC has to offer and an overview of the show, visit www.iyc.com.
Although the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show grows every year and continues to add more of the most elite yachts available world-wide, one yacht brand in particular has been around since the show’s inception 54 years ago — Burger Boat Company. Burger celebrates its 150th birthday this year and contributes its long-term success, in part, to its generations of quality craftsmanship. BYS, the brokerage and charter component of Burger Boat Company, has some of the world’s most premier yachts available on the market today and will have a highly prominent display of yachts at this year’s show. BYS represents more than just prestigious Burger Yachts, they will also show an array of other stunning boats, such as Heesen, Hakvoort, Crescent, Intermarine, Lazzara, Offshore and Broward. Of the impressive vessels on display, two of them in particular are making their North American Debut — SNOWBIRD and SATORI. Thom Conboy, Commercial Director of BYS, is very pleased to have these boats and said, “for their size range, SNOWBIRD and SATORI are two of the hottest boats in the marketplace today.” The 39-metre (127.95-foot) SNOWBIRD was built by Dutch builder Hakvoort in 2010. SNOWBIRD’s exterior styling by Cor de Rover creates a feel of openness while at the same time retaining a feeling of intimacy. The attention to detail on this vessel enhances the space, while the latest technologies ensure maximum comfort. “Today’s technology lends itself to what customers would like, enjoy or even demand when looking to purchase a multi-million dollar toy.” Conboy said. The 49.8-metre (163.5-foot), SATORI was built by the Dutch manufacturer, Heesen Yachts and Van Oossanen & Associates. It was completed in 2011 with exterior styling by Omega Architects and elegant interior design is by French designer Remi Tessier. Burger Boat Company will also soon be introducing a brand new family of boats ranging in size from 90 feet to 150 feet. Renderings and detailed information about these sleek, innovative vessels will be available at show.
BYS will have six vessels at the most coveted of the six Boat Show locations— the Hilton Marina Dock on the northwest side of 17th Street Causeway. This elite venue, where only BYS listed vessels are exhibited this year, is most desirable due to the ability to view the entire profile of each boat — an important feature that makes this location unique. Another feature that makes this location special is its exclusive feel. Though it is open to the public, it is away from the main, crowded areas of the show, which allows those who are looking for one-on-one attention to have it. “BYS is creating an experience at the Hilton Dock much like going to a Graff or Harry Winston jewelry store where you receive very personalized service,” Conboy said. “At the Hilton Dock you will be greeted by a BYS Associate and have the ability to preview the yachts at your own pace. Enjoy a glass of champagne or Prosecco, a bottle of water, hors d’oeuvres … BYS wants their guests’ Boat Show experience to be enjoyable, relaxing and fun,” he added. In addition to providing personalized service in a more intimate setting throughout the show, BYS will also greet guests of two events during the boat show. On Thursday evening, SYBAss Members (SuperYacht Builders Association) and their select guests will be welcomed at the Hilton Dock by BYS Associates with a complimentary cocktail and led aboard a beautiful tender to attend the SYBAss Boat Show Preview Yacht-hop. On Saturday night Boat International Media’s exclusive guests attending Showboats’ elite Megalaunch party will also be greeted at the Hilton Dock by BYS staff with a complimentary cocktail and escorted to their tender transport to this prestigious event. For more information on BYS and Burger Boat Company, visit www.burgerboat.com.
If buying or chartering your own, luxury mega yacht is not in the cards, there is still a way to enjoy the good life of boating and the Caribbean without all the work of boat ownership. Resorts World Bimini’s very own Super Fast Cruise ship takes trips to and from Miami and the gorgeous Bimini Bahamas daily. With one-way cruises starting at an affordable $59, this Super Fast Cruise is a super cool way to get your island fix in just over two hours. Whether you’re looking to fish, relax, game or party your worries away with an ice cold Kalik or Piña Colada, Resorts World Bimini has you covered. “We offer a few different ways to enjoy the island — guests can take a Daycation, Staycation or Playcation,” said Gina Milani, Director of Advertising for Resorts World Bimini. Once on the island, guests can choose if they want to get away for the day, the weekend or stay a while. If a quick trip is all you need, hop on board the Super Fast Cruise in Miami at 9 a.m. and return at 7 p.m. that same day. Or, stay a while and choose a return cruise whenever you please. Resorts World Bimini’s world class island resort (formerly known as Bimini Bay) includes charming multicolor beachfront apartments, studios and single family homes available for rent for as little or as long as you want.
You don’t have to hit the crystal clear waters of Bimini before indulging in all the resort has to offer; the second you step on board the world-class floating resort, you’re hit with Bahamian entertainment, cool cocktails and the easy-going feel that the Bahamas are known for. Just three miles off shore, the two casinos onboard the Bimini Super Fast are open and ready for gaming and offer live action, Las Vegas-style table gaming including Roulette, Craps, Blackjack and Baccarat, which are not available in South Florida. You’ll be having such a fantastic time aboard the cruise that you won’t even realize two short hours have passed. Before you know it, you will find yourself in the pristine turquoise waters of the breathtaking, seven-mile long island of Bimini. Once your feet hit the warm, white, Bahamian sand, the world is your oyster! Continue the gaming at the brand new casino at Resorts World Bimini, or plop down on the sand at the heavenly Paradise Beach. Take a dip in the infinity pool or cruise into the historic Alice Town and visit the Straw Market. If fishing is your thing, Resorts World Bimini has the largest marina in the Bahamas and has a variety of charter options to choose from. Try a bone fishing excursion or spend the day out to sea looking for the fight of your life with sailfish or marlin with a sport-fishing carter. If some private time on the water is what you’re looking for, boats are also available for rent. If looking to charter or rent, it’s advised to reserve in advance. For more information on taking a Super Fast Cruise or Resorts World Bimini, visit rwbimini.com.
For more information on renting, charting, cruising or if daydreaming is your thing, be sure to visit the 54th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this year. For more information on the show or its vendors, yachts on display, show times and tickets, visit showmanagement.com/fort_lauderdale/event.