Organizers of the upcoming 56th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) have announced the addition of Catamaran Cove, with the goal to develop the event as the largest catamaran show in the world. To be positioned at the Pier 66 Marina, the dedicated catamaran section will host both power as well as sail catamarans. There will be approximately 20 catamarans on show, varying in size from 35 to 95 feet from builders including Gemini, Horizon and Gunboat.
FLIBS 2014 – Image credit to 2014 Forest Johnson
“This segment of the market has very dedicated enthusiasts and this new ‘show within a show’ will be a fun and convenient place for them to experience a big selection of both new and pre-owned, power and sail cats, all in one place,” commented Brett Keating, VP of consumer marketing for Show Management, the company that has produced FLIBS since 1976.
The recently renovated Pier 66 Marina is well equipped to host Catamaran Cove. It offers multiple restaurants, comprising Grill 66 & Bar and Pelican Landing; a Water Taxi pick-up and drop-off dock; valet parking at the Hyatt Pier 66 hotel; as well as nearby self-parking at the Sails Marina, situated directly across the street. The location also allows brokers to schedule daily sea trials for serious buyers.
“Catamarans are one of the fastest growing segments of the industry, both power and sail,” commented Staley Weidman, CEO of The Catamaran Company, which will have many boats on show in the new section of the show. “Every major catamaran dealer and brokerage firm has an office in Fort Lauderdale, so of course we would host the largest catamaran show here.”
The world’s largest in-water boat show, FLIBS is set to run in the “Yachting Capital of the World” from November 5 to 9, covering seven locations with almost 1,500 boats and luxury yachts showcased across more than 3 million square feet of exhibit space. The event annually attracts over 1,000 exhibitors from more than 30 countries who display an impressive array of boats, marine products and accessories, from astonishing superyachts, fishing boats, runabouts and boats for every budget, to fishing gear, marine art, jewelry and more, all valued at more than $4 billion.
