Welcome to the biggest boat and yacht show on the earth.
For the primary time, the 2023 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show will boast 1,200 exhibitors arrange at six different locations around Miami and Miami Beach, each on land and on water, starting yesterday and running through Feb. 19. It’s a fleet of fun created when the annual Miami International Boat Show and the Miami Yacht Show joined forces with SuperYacht Miami in 2022.
“Last yr’s show bought in $1.34 billion to the area people, that’s an awesome economic impact,” Paul Flannery, COO of the International Yacht Brokers Association, told The Post. “With the pooled resources, the goal is to make this show one of the best, and to maintain improving customer experience.”
The epicenter of the event is the Miami Beach Convention Center, where power boats as much as 49 feet, engine manufacturers, marine accessories, electronics and retail pavilions are arrange. At Herald Plaza, larger power boats, motor yachts starting from 50 feet to 125 feet in length, yacht tenders, engines, marine accessories and extra retail are on view.
Museum Park Marina will provide an up-close have a look at the newest sailboats, catamarans and sailing accessories.
On the Venetian Marina, test drive one among greater than 150 sea trial vessels — test sails should be booked upfront with the seller and alas, access to all boats within the show is on the discretion of the person exhibitor.
The Progressive Boat Show Experience at Pride Park, adjoining to the Miami Beach Convention Center, features the AquaZone by Nautical Ventures, a must for thrill-seeking water sports fans.
Yes, there are superyachts — luxurious craft stretching to almost 300 feet in length will probably be on display at SuperYacht Miami, held at Yacht Haven Grande Miami. This separate exhibit inside the boat show has separate ticketing that features general admission to the entire event and complimentary water tender service over to Yacht Haven Grande Miami.
“There will probably be lots and a number of boats on display. The whole lot from kayaks to catamarans to superyachts,” said Andrew Doole, president of the US Boat Shows division of London-based Informa Markets, which produces the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show.
“Last yr, there have been still inventory shortages from production slowdowns during COVID. We were still catching up,” he added.
The newest in electric-powered boats will probably be on display.
“It’s the latest category and it’s been growing slowly for a number of years,” said Doole. “Now it’s an even bigger focus, identical to the electrical automotive market has turn out to be.”
Negative environmental effects from littering, fuel and sewage at marinas and at sea from the growing popularity of leisure boats is a profound problem the industry is addressing, said Flannery.
The show organizers have partnered with the Miami Foundation to boost awareness and support its Biscayne Bay Recovery Fund, created to guard Greater Miami’s blighted 35-mile-long marine ecosystem. Ticket holders will have the ability to make donations.
Overall, expect latest boats and yachts from the world’s leading boat manufacturers, comparable to Cruisers Yachts, NauticStar, Intrepid Powerboats, Pursuit Boats, Solara and Scout Boats.
“But there’s also all of the things that go together with that,” noted Doole.
There’s an awful lot that goes into boating: every part from the Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs) to pots and pans.
“You may buy every part from sunglasses to a superyacht on the show,” said Flannery, a lifelong boater ever since his father took him out on the water as a young boy. “It caters to the entire experience from nice linens and silverware, to production of fresh water and waste disposal.”
The convention center will even include a drop-in classroom, Fred’s Shed Interactive Learning Center, to assist boaters maintain and fix their boat — which could prove essential when out at sea.
However it’s not only engine stuff for gear heads. The Boat Show goals to be a joyful place for all — even fashionistas.
“Ladies who want to come back to the show looking their best don’t should suffer after walking around for hours in uncomfortable shoes,” said Flannery. “We have now a shoe valet: They should purchase high-end flip-flops at cost price and valet their heels until later.”
Make sure to retrieve them in time for the Yachts after Dark event on Friday, 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., at Herald Plaza. Included in the overall admission ticket, that is the place to unwind and soak up the yachts in a “less-crowded space,” said Doole.
“There will probably be live music and yes, there will probably be cocktails. That is boating,” he added.
Getting around and getting in
What higher method to tour the boat show’s locations than by water taxi?
Water taxi service begins an hour before the show starts and runs until an hour after the show ends. Tickets: $15 per person, per day (should be pre-purchased before the show).
Brightline train passengers traveling from West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale to Miami Central may access complimentary shuttles to Herald Plaza and the Miami Beach Convention Center for the boat show events.
Tickets
There isn’t any box office on site; tickets should be purchased upfront online through the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show’s website. General admission one-day passes: adults $42, children 6-plus $16; GA two-day passes: adults $72.
Prime Time Preview one-day tickets allow early access to the show: $62 (valid Wednesday through Sunday). Children under the age of 6 have free admittance if accompanied by an adult. Lively military, veterans and first responders receive complimentary general admission on Sunday, Feb. 19.
SuperYacht Miami one-day tickets: $130 per person; Prime Time Preview SuperYacht Miami one-day tickets: $155 per person.
Windward VIP Experience tickets add access to the Windward Lounges at One Herald Plaza and Miami Beach Convention Center. There will probably be an open bar and food. Tickets: $325 per person, which incorporates a one-day general admission pass, access to SuperYacht Miami and a one-day water taxi ticket. It also includes admission to the separate Art Wynwood 2023 on the Art Miami and Context Art Miami site at Herald Plaza.
“Superyacht owners are frequently art collectors,” said Doole. “There’s a connection and a growing interest in art from boaters.”
For more information in regards to the 2023 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, please visit MiamiBoatShow.com.