Boating is not just a popular pastime and hobby for people in the US but one that individuals the world over partake in and enjoy. The number of boating enthusiasts in the US alone exceeds 87 million. Keeping this in mind, you can only imagine the sheer number of boating enthusiasts and hence the sheer number of boats out there in the world today.

Numerous boat shows that happen in the US; there are also those that take place internationally and involve hundreds of different yachts, speedboats, sailboats and every other water vessel imaginable!

Tied for Time and Need to Decide

Though it would be lovely to hop from one boat show to another, chances are your schedule and other necessary commitments will likely make this impossible. At the same time, as a boating or sailing enthusiast, a decent boat show is probably something on your annual bucket list.

If this is the case, you likely want to make sure that the boat show or shows you do attend are those that are worth the time, energy and scheduling. Being a boat broker company that offers brand new and second hand luxury motor yachts, catamarans, sailboats and other vessels for sale to clients in the US, we attend numerous shows every year.

For us it is a regular work excursion where we get a sense of new designs available, manufacturers and what is out there as brokers shows also give us a chance to network. Given that shows make up such a regular and important part of our profession, we know exactly which international shows are worth putting aside time for and investing to make it to.

FLIBS

FLIBS is short for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. As you already know, Florida is the boating capital of the US so it stands to reason that one of the largest international boat galas would be held here.

The show boasts display of numerous super-yachts as well as other boats and luxury vessels in the region. This includes many of the latest designs and models available in the world. The show also boasts the display of exotic cars however if boats are your thing, you’ll probably have your hands full.

Conducted over an area spanning 27.8 thousand square-meters and held in 7 or more locations with an excess of 1400 yachts being displayed, this show is a must attend for anyone into boating. Furthermore, if you’re looking to buy a boat as an individual investor, this show could offer you some brilliant options.

Monaco Yacht Show

Monaco is a destination known for its beaches, harbors and of course it’s amazing weather. It is also known for the famous Monaco Yacht Show. This extravaganza takes place in a location that goes by the name of Port Hercules – a port whose size lives up to the name given.

Like FLIBS, the Monaco Yacht Show combines state of the art boating vessels with other luxuries such as exotic automobiles. Apart from a chance to see and tour some of the newest and most exotic super yachts and other vessels from around the world, the show offers visitors numerous yacht customizations to choose from.

Like other shows mentioned in this blog, the Monaco Yacht Show is brilliant for business networking as well as boat owners and individuals with an interest for boating.  

Dubai International Boat Show

The UAE, Dubai in particular has been a hotbed for tourists and luxury travelers for the past decade or more. Even before Dubai was the international behemoth village it is today, boating and boat shows were a popular pastime.

The Dubai International Boat Show has evolved into one of the biggest and most noteworthy shows of its kind. The show which is hosted over a period of 5 days is still growing rapidly with more and more individuals entering, taking part and attending every coming year.

One of the best things about this show apart from the fact that you have every sea vessel imaginable present is international attendance and access. Due to the location of the Dubai port, you have enthusiasts and boat owners present from Australia and New Zealand to Japan and Germany! Different from many shows of its kind, the Dubai International Boat Show starts not at mid-day but at dawn.

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

If you have the time and resources to make the trip, though a little far of the American leisure sailor chart, Australia’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is worth the time.

This four day boat fiesta has been taking place for the last three decades and offers boating enthusiasts to enjoy viewing some of the world’s most exotic sea vessels. This is also a little more chilled out and less crowded in comparison to FLIBS, the Monaco Yacht Show or the Dubai International Boat Show.

If you want to enjoy your boats with your beer, make arrangements to attend the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

Singapore Yacht Show

The Singapore Yacht Show is quickly gaining popularity in Asia. This extravaganza of luxury features more than just yachts and boats but boasts a gorgeous harbor and vessels to match the same.

Antigua Charter Yacht Show

Though this last entrée on our list is more of the sort of boat show that serious investors, distributors and business people from the boating industry would find useful, it still is a spectacle. Among the sell points of this show are the fact that the same is held around December which is one of the best times to visit the Caribbean.

The show also features numerous luxury vessels for attendees to choose from and often invest in.

Winding Down

As we said, there are hundreds of other smaller and reasonably large boat shows that might take place around the world. As a boat brokerage, the shows above are the ones we try to attend every year and encourage our clients to as well.

If you’re interested in purchasing a brand new motor yacht or are looking to review available used sailboat or yacht options, we’re here to help. Feel free to get in touch with us for any boat related concerns you may have.

Safe sailing folks!