The 66th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) begins today (29 October 2025), and runs to 2 November 2025 across seven locations in Fort Lauderdale. The five-day event — recognised as the world’s largest in-water boat show — will feature a wide range of vessels, marine products, and lifestyle exhibits.
This year’s edition coincides with the reopening of the redeveloped Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina. The Pier Sixty-Six Marina is fully occupied by the event, while Pier South continues to serve as the location for Superyacht Village. The area, open to general admission ticket holders, displays the largest vessels in the show and hosts industry seminars, hospitality areas, and exhibitor presentations.
FLIBS is owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and produced by Informa Markets. The event attracts over 100,000 visitors annually.
“FLIBS has always been about delivering an unforgettable experience for everyone, from lifelong yachting enthusiasts to families discovering the marine lifestyle for the first time,” says Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows at Informa Markets. “With the reopening of Pier Sixty-Six, exciting new experiences like the Windward VIP Cabana Club, and the continued expansion of our show footprint, 2025 will be a year to remember.”
On the eve of the show opening, the newly reopened Pier Sixty-Six hosted The Honours 2025, an event presented by The Superyacht Life Foundation in association with FLIBS and Pier Sixty-Six. The ceremony recognised three women for their contributions to the superyacht sector and their work advancing sustainability, science, and social impact through yachting.
The honourees were: Angela Abshier, founder of Sail to Shelter (USA); Francisca Cortés Solari, founder of Fundación MERI (Chile); and Rosie O’Donnell, project lead for Yachts for Science (UK). Each received The Bowspirit Award, acknowledging their leadership and efforts to connect yachting with global good.
“The sails that once harnessed the power of the wind are now providing protection from it,” says Abshier. “It’s proof that even the materials of this industry have the potential to serve a higher purpose. I’m deeply honoured that Sail to Shelter has found a home within the heart of the yachting community.”
“The sea connects us all,” says Cortés Solari. “Through Fundación MERI, we’ve seen how science, when combined with education and respect for nature, can inspire entire communities to become guardians of the ocean. This recognition honours not just one project, but a collective effort — from the Global South — to protect life on Earth.”
“It’s about unlocking potential,” says O’Donnell. “Every yacht has the ability to become a vessel of discovery – and when owners, crew and scientists come together, what we can achieve is extraordinary. The ocean still holds so many secrets, and I’m proud to be part of a movement helping to reveal them.”
Dilan Sarac, executive director of The Superyacht Life Foundation, adds: “Tonight we celebrated not only three extraordinary women but also the boundless capacity of this industry to do good. Angela, Francisca, and Rosie are proof that passion and purpose can coexist beautifully. Their stories remind us all why The Honours exists – to show that yachting can make an impact far beyond the water.”
Across all venues this year, FLIBS is showcasing a wide variety of boat models, including sportfishers and centre consoles, as well as marine accessories, fishing gear, diving equipment, and personal watercraft. Hong Kong-based CL Yachts is introducing its first-ever catamaran, the 35-metre CLC115, Saxdor will present the 400 GTS for the first time, and Azimut and Benetti are inaugurating their new Americas headquarters at Pier Sixty-Six Marina.
Hospitality options open to all attendees include the Goslings Island Bar and a waterfront barge and bar experience by Stella Artois.
“FLIBS is more than the world’s largest in-water boat show. It is an economic powerhouse for our region, generating more than $1.78bn in economic impact each year and supporting over 100,000 jobs,” says Phil Purcell, president and CEO of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF).
“The growth and enhancements we are seeing this year, from the redevelopment of Pier Sixty-Six to the expanded luxury experiences and marine industry programming, reinforce Fort Lauderdale’s position as a global leader in both boating and business.”
The post FLIBS 2025: 66th edition begins as The Honours announced appeared first on Marine Industry News.
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