Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show
Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
As the Kahlenberg Air Horns sounded from the bridges of each Megayacht participating in the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show on Monday November 2nd at 1700 hours, the 50th Anniversary of the show came to a close in grand style! The show draws industry professionals and boating enthusiasts from all over the world with an estimated financial impact on South Florida of nearly $500 Million. Officially the largest boat show in the world with an estimated $3 Billion in vessels and boat related merchandise on display at 6 venues, even the most jaded enthusiast will agree that this show is not to be missed.
The roots of the show date back to 1959 when 13 exhibitors set up their displays at the Ft. Lauderdale War Memorial Auditorium and admission for the general public was free. Since then, the show has moved to unlikely locations like Dania Jai Alai and Port Everglades. It is hard to imagine that this huge show that boasts nearly 200 boats over 80 feet in length today was small enough to be held at the New River Municipal Docks in 1974 and 1975. Each year since 1983, the show has been held at Bahia Mar yachting center with additional locations being added throughout the years, making up the modern day show that we all enjoy today. The owners of Bahia Mar Yachting Center are planning for the future of the show by developing a concept named Bahia Mar Park on the site of the current hotel and marina. Plans include the development of a Waldorf Astoria hotel, residences, shops, restaurants and more. Learn more about this exciting project by logging on to www.bahiamarpark.com.
In 2009, TowBoatU.S. New River continued their relationship with the show which dates back to the mid 90's, assisting many of the large yachts into their assigned slips during the days leading up to opening day. The skilled tow boat captains help to reduce the stress related to docking in such close quarters by providing tug assistance and communication between the show promoters and the yacht captains. Please call TowBoatU.S. New River 24/7 if you need local knowledge on Boatyards, Marinas or waterways. The company is also available for assistance to and from the 2010 Miami Brokerage Show and the Palm Beach Boat Show.
