Fort Lauderdale Five Site Super Yacht Show Bonanza Debuts Largest US Built Yacht

Aiming to attract more than last year's 100,000 attendance figure, the 51st Fort Lauderdale Boat Show opened from October 28th for five days to the world's largest in-water yacht show. Over $3 billion of superyacht charter craft, marine equipment and accessories from around the globe are featured across five sites.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is once again host to over 3 million square feet of space, both on land and in water of the International Boat Show which is spread across the five locations of the Bahia Mar Yachting Centre, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, and the Broward County Convention Centre.

The Boat Show will be debuting a wide variety of cabin and express cruisers, motor and sailing yacht charter vessels and catamarans, including bareboat charter yachts between 30-55ft, electronics, engines, diving gear, yachting accessories, nautical clothing, plus extraordinary superyachts.

Foremost, amongst the luxury superyacht debut highlights, is ‘Cakewalk', valued at $82 million, and at 281 (85.6m) feet and 2,950 tons, the largest yacht built in the U.S. since the 1930s and possibly the biggest ever built when measured by volume. Reflecting a growing trend in the mega yacht sector, she is ranked No. 38 on a worldwide list of the 100 largest private mega yachts. Both a private and an exclusive luxury super charter yacht, the six-deck colossus boasts six guest staterooms and an owner's suite complete with gym and spa, 16 cabins for it's 24 crew and a main deck dining salon, library with a fireplace and baby grand piano!

‘Felicita West', built by Perini Navi in 2003, and at 210 ft, is the largest and fastest aluminium sailing superyacht in the world. Refitted at the same shipyard as recently as 2009, she comfortably accommodates 10 guests in a master suite, two double and two twin cabins plus twelve crew, and she sports a large swimming platform descending from the main deck with easy water access.

Established world leading yacht builder, Sunseeker shows the 110ft ‘34 Meter'. First premiered at the London Boat Show 2008, the 112ft superyacht features three decks, a lower - with two VIP style, ensuite - and large, spacious main master suite located fore of main deck with near 180 degree window view.

The Boat Show, co sponsored by Intellian, the world's technological leader in marine satellite antennas, runs until Monday 1st November and will also feature an exhaustive programme of daily events, including The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) School of Sportfishing eight "mini-sessions", and the Blue Wild Dive and Travel Show which helps people enjoy the ocean safely. A one day seminar will also be given by the International Superyacht Society (ISS) amongst others, dedicated to yachting professionals.

By Chris Yates