What's up in Lauderdale?

I don't know about the show but I am flying into West Palm Beach on Saturday & I can't rent a car ANYWHERE. I'm going to be spending ALOT of money on cabs

Some status reports here:
http://www.flibs.net/

Just a quick update...

I heard that 62 companies did NOT attend FLIBS this year, which might work to the benefit of those companies that DID attend. (Can’t confirm the numbers)

The mood among builders is realistically optimistic. At this point… they are already set-up, the hard work is behind them, their fees have been paid and they are making the best of the situation. Yes, the attendance is lower than years past, but many seem to believe the quality of those in attendance is higher, i.e. serious buyers have not been deterred by the aftermath of Wilma.

The bus ride from the Broward County Convention Center to Bahia Mar gave everyone a firsthand look at Wilma’s work. The seated elevation of these buses gives a birds-eye view to roof damage, pruned trees and blown-out windows through the residential area between these two show spots, about a one mile stretch of A1A. Sadly, much of South Florida looks exactly like this. On a positive note, power has been restored for much of the critical infrastructure around the immediate FLIBS area.

It was a little strange entering the builders and designers tent, as a number of the normal vendors were MIA. For companies that believed “the show must go on”, Show Management accommodated a few of them with larger booth spaces. I heard these vendors might be able to keep these spaces in the future. While attendance was down, it proved to be rewarding to consumers that braved the chaos of a city without working traffic lights. In years past, FLIBS has become a little challenging due to the crowds and traffic. This year, it was a walk in the park. Speaking of parks…

Lurssen proceeded with the 8th Annual BBBB (Breman Brothers Beach Bash) at Birch State Park. If you think Lurssen can build a serious boat, you have to see their parties! Upon entering the gates you are greeted with Las Vegas Show Girls, which gives you a good idea of the theme to come. Several large tents (100 x 100) are erected among the trees and backdrop of the state park. Two tents are catered banquet-style, two more tents are for dining, another tent had a dance floor with a live band and then another tent for gaming. A large number of Blackjack and Craps tables were set up and gambling fever ruled the night. In addition to this, two smaller tents were erected with pool tables and lounging sofas. Of course, none of these items are supposed to be used outdoors, which made the entire set-up more challenging than getting the pool tables leveled! What makes this effort even more incredible is the Lurssen crew had to take hotel rooms in Miami (20 miles away) yet they still pulled this off without a glitch. Many thanks to Sylke, Peter and Michael for being such gracious hosts!

Getting back to the show...

One of the boats getting a lot of attention at this year’s FLIBS was Paladin’s Shadow. This was the industry debut of concept that has a few people wondering… “Why didn’t I think of that?” Stan Antrim’s newest creation was topped with toys galore, showing the true purpose of the boats built by Shadow Marine. Standing in stark contrast to the luxury that abounds, this Hummer-like vessel makes you re-think the entire idea of yachting. While it is intended to be a support vessel for superyachts, carrying surplus fuel, provisions and toys, it would also serve well as a no limitations, primary yacht.

On the subject of no limitations, credit has to be given to Trinity who arrived in Ft. Lauderdale with no less than five megayachts. As if having this many boats in one place, at one time is not enough… what Trinity has accomplished over the past two months is nothing short of a Herculean effort. Trinity’s New Orleans employees were completely displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Within days, Billy Smith, Felix Sabates and John Dane organized a plan to relocate their entire production operation to the ex-Halter Marine facility in Gulfport, Mississippi. This included relocating up to 100 families into modular homes on the new site, as these families were essentially homeless due to Katrina.

A snap-shot of attendance…

Thursday: A little slow. Mostly industry, media and what appeared to be serious buyers.
Friday: A little more brisk with consumers.
Saturday: Much busier.
Sunday: Hopefully a repeat.

There are lots of new boats to talk about. This is a short list (not complete!)

1. New Hatteras 68’ Enclosed Bridge Sportfish
2. Viking is going to build an 80’ motoryacht (in America)
3. Lurssen has a new “Wally-looking” build called “Vitruvius”.
4. Oceanco has another beauty coming.
5. Derecktor has a 60 and 80 meter build slated.
6. Benetti’s new 24 meter “Legend”
7. New boats from Aicon, Lazzara, Sunseeker, Cheoy Lee, Neptunus, Warren, and many others, but I don't have all my notes with me.

For now, just wanted to log-on and post an update from the media room at Bahia Mar. Heading back down to the docks now…

Pics in order:

1. New Oceanco...
2. New Lurssen...
3. New Viking...

Thanks for the update. next couple of weeks will be exciting, looking forward to seeing more.

well at least some people showed up.

That Lurssen WOW!!!

I'm back... physically. (mentally is questionable)

I was looking for my baseball bat when the alarm clock went off this morning. Re-living Wilma was more appealing then heading back to Bahia Mar. Spent the morning helping a couple of people fit 10 x 10 displays into something smaller than briefcases... while trying to talk them out of shooting a certain show promoter.

Afterwards... I finally got to take a vacation. It lasted 6 hours! Sat along the docks at Pier 66 and got about 60 pictures of yachts heading for open water.

I'll post when I regain consciousness. Off to bed now...

Carl

Hey Carl - we will let you show your yachty pics only if you also show the "talent" at the Lurssen tent

Batting practice first thing in the morning. Gee, that's dedication!

Did you ever notice... it's easy to wake up when you don't HAVE to. BUT, when an alarm clock is involved... it's a different story.

FLIBS organizers reporting stronger than expected sales...

http://www.boating-industry.com/output.cfm?id=1027531