Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2025: 183 Superyachts Confirmed for the World’s Largest In-Water Event

The 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is preparing to make waves once again, with 183 superyachts confirmed to attend when doors open next week. The milestone figure reinforces FLIBS’s reputation as the largest in-water boat show in the world, outpacing last year’s already record-setting lineup of 180 superyachts: with several additional entries expected before opening day.

According to exclusive BOATPro data provided by Boat International, this year’s fleet in Fort Lauderdale is dominated by yachts measuring between 24 and 40 metres, representing over 74 percent of total attendance. While the number of 40-metre-plus vessels has declined slightly year-on-year, the overall fleet remains one of the strongest and most diverse to date.

At the top end of the spectrum, just one yacht above 70 metres has confirmed attendance so far—the 74-metre Amels Limited Editions 242 Casino Royale—compared to three in this size bracket in 2024.

The Headliners: From Feadship to Amels

The combined superyacht length on display this year is projected to exceed 6,500 metres, with an average yacht length of 35.5 metres. Among the standouts:

• Feadship’s 65.3-metre Hampshire, the most expensive yacht for sale at the show, listed at €85 million (VAT paid) with Cecil Wright & Partners.
• Codecasa’s 65-metre Eternity,
• Two models from the Amels 60 series, Entourage and Moonstone, both exemplifying Dutch craftsmanship and performance.

Fleet by Size Segment:

• 24–29.9m: 68 yachts
• 30–39.9m: 68 yachts
• 40–49.9m: 34 yachts
• 50–69.9m: 12 yachts
• 70m+: 1 yacht

In terms of volume, the 2025 fleet will average 285GT, down from 341.8GT in 2024, positioning FLIBS between this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival (242GT) and Monaco Yacht Show (650GT).

Sailing Yachts Return to Fort Lauderdale

After a three-year absence from Fort Lauderdale, sailing superyachts are making a welcome return to the docks. This year’s lineup features two distinguished entries:

• The 44.8-metre Catalina by Vitters, and
• The 44.2-metre Hemisphere by Pendennis, recognized as the largest sailing catamaran in the world.

Their inclusion signals a renewed appreciation for sail-powered luxury within an event traditionally dominated by motor yachts.

World and U.S. Premieres: New Names, New Stories

Despite its strong brokerage focus, FLIBS 2025 will host 16 yacht debuts, including several world and U.S. premieres. Among them:

• Cheoy Lee’s Juanky – the first in the builder’s new explorer series, making its world debut.
• Baglietto’s Jules – the first DOM133 to appear in Fort Lauderdale.
• Inace’s Sea Boss – debuting as the first Aventura 106 from Brazil.
• Mulder Shipyard’s Castlefinn – a new evolution of the ThirtySix line.

Together, they highlight the growing global diversity of builders choosing FLIBS as their North American launchpad.

Market Momentum and Industry Outlook

“FLIBS continues to set the standard as the world’s premier in-water boat show,” said Andrew Doole, president of U.S. Boat Shows at Informa Markets. “From the unveiling of the largest superyachts to the return of Pier Sixty-Six and the enhanced Windward VIP experience, this year’s edition offers something for everyone—from industry leaders and serious buyers to families and first-time visitors.”

The strength of this year’s lineup also reflects renewed confidence in the U.S. yacht market, following the temporary slowdown caused by earlier tariff introductions.

Simon Clare, executive director of marketing and brand at Princess Yachts, noted that momentum has rebounded quickly in a quote to Boat International:

“There’s always a mix of owners—some registering offshore, others flying the American flag. It’s difficult to predict how tariffs will shape sales, but we remain optimistic heading into the show.”

A Strong Year Ahead for the Yachting Capital

From Casino Royale to Hampshire and Juanky, the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show once again proves why South Florida remains the beating heart of global yachting. With innovation, craftsmanship, and confidence returning to full sail, this year’s show is definitely going to make a new caliber of statement for the industry. ⛵︎