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2008 Flibs - Live Coverage

Discussion in 'Special Features & Live Show Coverage' started by YachtForums, Oct 28, 2008.

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  1. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    2008 FLIBS - LIVE COVERAGE
    Begins Thursday, October 30th​


    Chris Caswell, one of the most seasoned writers in the yachting industry and a long time member of YachtForums is covering daily news and debuts for Show Management and YachtForums.

    In addition, Tom Serio will be covering the show with his camera, uploading a few shots as his schedule allows. Tom is an active member of YachtForums, as well as a writer for Sea Magazine and The Triton.

    And last, YF's Carl Camper and Chuck Gnaegy will roamin' the docks and boardin' boats for a slew of new reviews.

    ***​

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  2. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    Tuesday, October 28th, 2008 - Pre-Show News

    by Chris Caswell​

    Queen Of Queens...

    This year, the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show doesn’t have just one “show queen”, but four, yes, count ‘em, four queens. A good hand in any game! Leading off as the largest new yacht in the show is Blue Moon, a 198’ Feadship that is the third yacht...in a row…for the owners from this famed Dutch builder.

    Blue Moon is so large that she can’t fit on the Face Dock at Bahia Mar, so she can be seen at the Ft. Lauderdale Grande. She’s unique for having a steel hull with an aluminum superstructure, all with a mirror finish! There is a skylit four-deck elevator that connects the interior designed by Don Starkey, so guests can ride comfortably from the five staterooms on the lower deck all the way to the upper deck observation lounge.

    Not only is the yacht herself a sight to behold, but take a look at her tenders, too. On one side of the bridgedeck is stored a perfectly restored 29’ Riva Aquarama, a wooden classic that was the choice of kings and celebrities from Brigitte Bardot to Sean Connery to Prince Rainier. On the other side is a new Chris-Craft tender that reflects the heritage of this legendary company. (FTL Grande #4)

    Stidd Systems...

    Whether you’re a megayacht captain, a pleasure craft owner, or a Navy SEAL, there’s a Stidd seat custom designed for you. These ergonomic and rugged seats are the choice of many of the megayachts on the Face Dock, and you’ll find them on many of the smaller powerboats throughout the show as well. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, including multi-function electric adjustments and even joystick controls on the armrests, Stidd seats are the highest rated for customer satisfaction.

    What about SEALS? These elite combat teams rely on Stidd seats for shock absorbing seats in their high-speed craft, but they get them free when they enlist! (Y&B Tent, 642)

    DEBUT: New ‘Dancers From Sea Ray...

    Highlighting the Marine Max display in the water is the brand-new Sea Ray 43’ Sundancer: not only an entirely new boat but one powered with the new Cummins MerCruiser Zeus pod drives. With 425hp diesels and fingertip controls, this is the future of boating.

    Also debuting at the Marine Max area is the series of Sport Cruisers from 29’ to 35’ with the new Axius drive system, which provides superb maneuverability with joystick-controlled individually articulating MerCruiser sterndrives. You’ll also find Axius as standard equipment on the 38’ Sundancer.

    Smaller boats appeal? How about three new family-sized Sundancers: 230, 250 and 270. There’s a lot new to see at Sea Ray. (Bahia Mar G/H Docks)

    Trawler Heaven...

    Most of the trawler yachts in the show are grouped in the South Side marina of Bahia Mar, and here you’ll find a number of yachts being seen for the first time ever.

    The world debut for the Grand Banks Heritage 41EU is on B-Dock, where you’ll see a classic trawler yacht outfitted with state-of-the-art Zeus pod drives for a blend of old and new.

    Also on B-Dock, Selene is introducing a new 62-footer that has a 3000nm range at 10 yachts and a variety of interior arrangements to suit every need from long-range cruiser to liveaboard.

    And on H-Dock, the Hampton 650 Endurance is also being seen for the first time, with three or four staterooms and crew cabin.

    Green Machine...

    One of the most unusual boats on display at FLIBS (well, they’re all unusual in their own ways, right?) is the Island Pilot Dse Hybrid 12m. That’s a mouthful for a completely green machine. This is catamaran that uses three technologies to provide speeds up to six knots without using a drop of fuel! And, no, she’s not a sailboat!

    The Island Pilot draws energy from the sun through huge solar panels, which are stored in batteries for use anytime. The Steyr monoblock engine also runs happily on alternative fuels such as bio-diesel for use when the batteries are down or the sun isn’t shining. Top cruising speed is 13 knots, and she can sit at anchor for months without needing external power or running the engines! (Bahia Mar, B-Dock 230-232)

    Flying High...

    You wouldn’t expect to see an airplane at a boatshow but, hey…..it’s a seaplane! The new Dornier Seastar seaplane continues a proud legacy of Dornier seaplanes with a luxuriously comfortable air yacht that carries two crew and up to six passengers in an executive configuration like business jets. An all-composite aircraft that eliminates corrosion in a salt environment, it has a cruising speed of 180 knots. Let’s see, you’ve been thinking about getting a new tender…… (Swimming Hall of Fame, ??)

    DEBUT:

    Hargrave Yachts will have no less than eight yachts on display, highlighted by Sandrine, a 120’ tri-deck with an exotic African motif interior (zebra skins, masks and more!), a 65” (that’s 5’5”!!) and an upper-deck skylounge that converts to a movie theater. (Face Dock 4)

    Itty Bitty Sat TV...

    While television screens may be getting ever larger, the domes required to pick up the TV signals are in a battle for miniaturization. The current leader is Intellian, which is a sponsor of FLIBS, has created the smallest sat-TV package and one that also features incredibly fast switching between satellites so you’ll never worry about a dropped signal just as the pass is dropping into the receiver’s hands! Now you can enjoy a day on the water and not miss a moment of the big game. (Booth 417)

    Express Cruisin’...

    There are new boats galore in the family cruiser world, and the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show has them all! Among the debuts are the Soluna 46, a refreshingly retro-styled Down East cruiser that you’ll find on B-Dock. Cranchi of Italy is debuting their Zaffiro 36 (in case your Italian is rusty, zaffiro means sapphire), a jewel of a sport yacht with spacious master and VIP staterooms (F/G Docks). And Cobalt, long a leader in sport boats, has the world debut of the Cobalt 37, a stylish hardtop express cruiser with a full-beam after cabin and private master suite (G-Dock).

    Cats Meow...

    If you think two hulls are better than one (or just haven’t decided yet), don’t miss the Las Olas Marina (get there by walking, bus or water shuttle) where you’ll find a “catamarans only” section for both sail and power cats. One to check out is the Africat 42, the only power cat that features twin Volvo IPS pod drives and joystick controls.

    By Chris Caswell.
  3. YachtForums

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    Wednesday, October 29th - Pre-Show News

    New Model: Lazzara "LSD"


    Word is... Lazzara has brought an entirely new model to the show this year. No, we’re not talking about the debut of the new LSX-92, but a massive new model that towers over anything the company has built before. It’s 90 feet in length and nearly 30 feet tall. And this baby’s got beam… over 40 feet! If you’re thinking catamaran, you’re not far off, because this city-at-sea is super stable.

    Standard equipment includes 2 generators, a state of the art waste-treatment system, one bedroom, a couple of bathrooms and a large lounge with a bar. Onboard entertainment is enhanced by a 7 x 7 video screen with multiple interactive, touch-screen video displays to keep the kids occupied.

    Lazzara’s new model is code named the “LSD”, an appropriate acronym because the designers we’re obviously hallucinating when they dreamed up this floating football stadium. The LSD… (or Lazzara Show Display)… is the mothership of the Lazzara fleet, dwarfing the docks and giving notice that Lazzara not only builds boats... but buildings too!

    by Carl Camper

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  4. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    Wednesday Night: Show Preparations...

    by Tom Serio​

    On the eve of the 2008 Ft Lauderdale International Boat Show (affectionately known as FLIBS), there were still workers and crew setting up booths and displays, some well into the night. Teams were also detailing boats...

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    Last edited: Oct 30, 2008
  5. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    ...installing signs, and...

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  6. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    ...checking everywhere to ensure there are no problems when the show opens.

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  7. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    Wednesday Night: Private Unveiling of the Lazzara LSX-92

    by Tom Serio​

    The reason for attending on Wednesday evening was for the unveiling of the brand new Lazzara 92 LSX. Lazzara was actually unveiling two vessels this nite. First, and what Carl eluded to earlier, was the "barge" showroom (which is really an understatement). This floating office, which Brad Lazzara tole me he wanted a nicer name for it other than "barge", will be Lazzara's "place to be" for FLIBS, Miami and Palm Beach shows. The showroom will be docked near the 17th Street Causeway when not at one of the shows. And Lazzara said there may be a few others like this to be located in other ports, but perhaps not as large. But I digress. Upon finding the Lazzara display on the face dock, the new 92 LSX was under wraps, giving me the feeling of a young boy on Christmas morning waiting to open the present.

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  8. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    If you don't get a chance to enter the inner sanctum of the LSD, here's a quick view. Offices line the upper level and there's more space on the lower deck. Two generators supply power,and four ballast tanks add stability. Glass panels are to hurricane grade too.

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  9. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    After a few words from Lazzara and Volvo reps, it was time for the cover to come off... and Presto! The world debut of the new Lazzara LSX-92. Most impressive... it went from drawing board to being splashed in about 10 months.

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  10. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    Here's a view of the starboard side with the fold-out side deck.

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  11. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    Here's the massive stern deck with the garage open, offering a flat screen TV for your viewing pleasure. Now you can get a tan and catch the big game all at once.

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  12. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    Cool underwater lights add to the aura of the new 92 LSX.

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  13. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    The unveiling was a fun event, an opportunity to see some old friends as well as to see what was new from Lazzara. Stop by and take a look at the new 92 LSX, or at least at their new barge (Note to Brad: Have a naming contest for the barge). A quick stop on the way home at the Hyatt Pier 66 marina reminds me to tell you that the show is more than what's at Bahia Mar. Head up to Las Olas, or over to the Broward Convention Center for smaller crafts and aisles of vendors, to the Grand Floridian for a few megayachts and to Pier 66 for the brokerage yachts. Here's a look from Pier 66 along the dock from the Pelican Bar, with the 17th St Causeway in the background.

    The show officially opens on Thursday and runs through Monday.
    We'll be covering most of it, so stay tuned daily!​

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  14. ayachtguy

    ayachtguy Senior Member

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    ET…Call Home!

    Marlink, the world’s largest satellite communications provider, has agreed to purchase the WaveCall brand from SeaTel. The acquisition combines state-of-the-art equipment with the fast and cost-efficient service of WaveCall. The package will include both “above deck” and “below deck” equipment for always-on satellite communications. The system will provide high-speed connections, simultaneous voice and data service, prepaid calling cards, and flexible billing. (Electronics Tent, #1318)

    Waldorf At The Sea!

    Kicking off the boatshow with a media breakfast, Show Management CEO Efrem (Skip) Zimbalist III unveiled plans that will not only guarantee the growth of FLIBS for decades to come, but also rebuild the Bahia Mar complex. Under the banner of LXR Luxury Resorts, plans call for a Waldorf-Astoria Resort & Spa, co-op apartments, restaurants, yacht brokerage and retail space, and a full renovation of the existing hotel tower. The $500 million project will also create a four-acre three-story parking complex with a park on top, which will house exhibits during the show. The show will remain unchanged for two years, and construction will be halted so the show will be undisturbed.

    Celebrity TV?

    Who was that mystery star surrounded by lights, cameras and action on the docks Thursday? None other than well-known yacht designer Patrick Knowles. His latest, the 161’ Trinity Destination Foxharb’r Too, is on the Face Dock and that’s where the Hollywood action was seen. Knowles was on camera showing off the spectacular interior for the Luxury Living South Florida cable show. Watch for it!

    Forty & Growing!

    Ferretti Yachts celebrated their 40th anniversary this year with a press conference announcing not one, not two, but 18 new boats for the 2008-2009 season. They also discussed their acquisition of Allied Richard Bertram which will provide Ferretti with a sales and service presence in the U.S. market. A debut on their stand is the new Bertram 540 (D-Dock), and they will be also be producing the first hybrid motoryacht over 20 meters (70’), with details coming soon.

    Hargrave On The Move!

    For Mike Joyce at Hargrave Yachts (Face Dock 4), his new location on the superyacht dock is just an indication of how the company is growing. Debuting is the new Hargrave 84’ Raised Pilothouse motoryacht with a most unusual single-level layout that you have to see. Also on show is Sandrine, a 120’ Hargrave, and you can look at plans for yachts from 130’ and up. Hargrave is definitely growing!

    Cheoy Lee Solidly Based!

    Cheoy Lee Yachts (F-Dock) is showing off their brand-new 68’ Serenity series yacht which features a canoe stern and a “yachty” interior for long-distance cruising. More important, however, is the fact this Hong Kong-based builder has a solid backlog of commercial construction projects, including more than 30 tugboats for the Panama Canal. This gives a financial stability unlike other builders that are relying on yacht construction in a difficult market.

    By Chris Caswell
  15. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    Thursday October 30th: Opening Day

    by Tom Serio​

    Thursday dawned with a pronounced chill in the air, which quickly gave way to a cool breeze and sunny/overcast skies for most of the day. Comfortable for perusing the yachts of distinction. We started early in search of boat models. No... not the scale models found inside display cases, but the other kind of models at a boat show; those with great smiles and extending warm receptions. Why, you might ask...?

    Because... YF is doing a Special Feature on "Boat Show Babes", scheduled to go live next week with over 60 of the show's prettiest young things, from over 20 yacht and vendor displays. Here's a little teaser for you, two of the Lazzara lassies on the new 92 LSX.

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  16. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    Over at the Grand Floridian Hotel near the 17th St Causeway, yachts Perle Bleue, Lady Christina and Blue Moon are on display.

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  17. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    The new Trinity 161' Destination Foxharb'r Too, waiting for the rays of sunshine to reach her starboard side, giving this photographer much needed illumination for a soon to be released photo shoot.

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  18. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    Pershing has a few yachts on display, including this beefy 90-footer.

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  19. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    Lots of sport fishers on display, by the likes of Viking, Hatteras, Cabo, Donzi and more. Here's a bow view of the Bertram 70. Bertram introduced their new 540 model today following a Ferretti press conference.

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  20. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    Perini Navi's recently launched Helios is here on the face dock. With a deep, rich, red colored hull, Helios will surely standout against the aqua blue seas of the Caribbean.

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