2008 Flibs - Live Coverage

On the sun deck are a couple of card tables. No, I mean real card tables, as in tables that resemble cards.
Look for YF to do a review on Casino Royale soon.

Let's see what else we found around the show...

Derecktor, builder of fine commercial and recreational metal vessels and yachts, unveiled one of their latest projects, Cakewalk, in Monaco in September. At 85.6 meters, Cakewalk will be the largest yacht built in the US in 75 years. Here's the model of Cakewalk. Look at that sheerline, cool!

For you sail lovers, here's the fold down transom of S/Y MITseaAH. Hmmm... water skis and a wakeboard for a sailboat? You betcha! Only on MITseaAH!

Sunseeker has a full fleet of yachts at the show, seemingly tucked into every nook and cranny of their display.

Here's an interesting marketing technique. This gentleman was walking around with this pack strapped to his back and a video monitor protruding from behind and situated over his head. The screen shows an info-mmercial for XM radio.

Richmond Yacht's latest offering is the new Richmond Lady, seen here through one of the expansive windows on Casino Royale. A tour of this yacht is in the works, so we should have more soon...

It's not always about the yachts at FLIBS. Friday night was a party on the docks, because it was also Halloween. The festivities got started with the annual Dockwise party. This year's theme was Arabian Nights, and the whole Dockwise team got in theme. They even had a real belly dancer!

Heading back to the show Saturday morning. Stay tuned to YachtForums
through the weekend for more from FLIBS!​

Saturday, November 1st - YF Afternoon Update​

by Chris Caswell​

Looking Ahead:

Sportfishing traditionalists visiting the newly debuted Bertram 540 convertible sportfisher will be surprised at several things, but most notably the fact that the 540 has forward windows. Most convertibles don’t have forward windows because they don’t have lower helm stations and so have no need to look forward. Besides, the windows let in sun in the tropics and they can be a concern in big seas. The 540 has a lower helm as an option so you can run out to the fishing grounds in air conditioned (or heated) comfort. It also has the galley aft, opening up a spacious living area in the saloon. Bahia Mar D-Dock

Four Engines, No Waiting:

Lazzara debuted their new four-engined LSX92 at FLIBS, and it’s an example of out-of-box thinking. The master stateroom, for example, has an opening panel that folds out to become a waterside terrace for coffee in the morning. With the transom folded down to become a launch pad for water toys, an oversized flat-screen television is visible inside the lazarette, so you can set up lounge chairs on the swim platform and watch the football game on the big screen. Face Dock 5

Marina Hopping The World:

IGY (International Global Yachting) is becoming the 600-pound gorilla when it comes to owning and/or managing ultralux marinas around the world. The company, which provides five-star service for megayachts, is on the fast track for growth, with properties opening in Croatia, Turkey and Greece, not to mention the nearby Turks & Caicos.

Two ‘Fer One:

The new Leopard 47 Powercat makes the maximum use of its 24’ beam with four spacious private staterooms, each with private head and shower, plus an airy saloon with galley, bar and dining area. This is the same boat used by The Moorings for their power yacht bareboat charters throughout the world, and the 47 is now available from Mexico to the Caribbean and soon to Thailand. Whether you buy or charter, take a look. Bahia Mar G-Dock

Smiling At Sunseeker:

A little bird tells us that the grins all around the Sunseeker booth are the result of three sales in the last two days. Contracts were inked on a 30-meter, 34-meter, and 46-meter Sunseekers, and that same little bird says that there are several more deals about to close as well. When you stop by the Sunseeker booth, be sure to get a look at the two big black Sunseekers: they’re from Sunseeker Charters and will be available for charter in the Caribbean this winter, followed by the Med next summer. Bahia Mar Face Dock 2.

Fast At Rest:

Even sitting at the dock, the NorTech Super 80 looks like it’s zooming along. This high-styled 80-footer has great looks, but it also walks the walk at more than 60mph! Sleek vents, swept back radar mast…this is one hot looking yacht in a deep, deep blue. Check it out. Bahia Mar H/I Dock.

Land Yachts:

Need a break from all the yachts? Check out the shoreside display of exotic cars and vehicles at the western tip of the Swimming Hall of Fame. There you’ll find Ferraris and Maseratis and Rolls-Royces and Bentleys and some outrageously customized Jeeps and more. Don’t miss the huge Liberty Coach RV..it’s a land yacht!

Saturday, November 1st - Show Coverage​

by Tom Serio​

Saturday at FLIBS was a busy day for shoppers, buyers and the YF team. Reports are trickling in of some boat lines selling several yachts (this being a relative term from about 50 feet and up). Some folks out there still have some ching to drop on a new ride!

The morning was warm and bright, with a few drops of "liquid sunshine" felt through the day. Entering the show from the Water Taxi dock, the 150-foot Trinity "Vita" welcomed passengers to another day of the show.

At FLIBS, there are anumber of tents set up for specific trades, including electronics, yacht builders, engines, and more. We took a stroll through a few to give you an idea. Garmin, a major electronics provider, had a brand new show booth for the show. Could spend all day playing with the displays.

Kahlenberg has a full display of horns all shined up and waiting for the end of the boat show to play their tune.

Vetus had a wide selection of thrusters on display. Choose your size and position your yacht like a pro.

Setzer Yacht Architects had a few models of their handywork on display.

Bellingham Bell has some of the finest sounding bells this side of the Mississippi. This one will be installed on the aircraft carrier USS George Bush. Go ahead, strike it with the hammer and listen to the music it makes.

Builder CMN has the model Project Island under glass. Here are a few shots.