FLIBS 101

Halloween is coming, and you know what that means? Ghosts, goblins, ghouls and the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, otherwise known as FLIBS—the world’s largest in-the-water boat show. This year’s show taking place Oct 30-Nov 3 marks its  65^th anniversary. Fort Lauderdale, the yachting capital of the United States, is often called the Venice of America because of its 165 miles of inland waterways and canals. Water taxis are the best way to get around the show.

There are miles and miles of boats— some 1300 on display of every description from fishing boats and runabouts to luxury superyachts. In addition to boats galore, there are myriad tents proffering equipment, supplies and services  plus  a convention center filled with yachting paraphernalia, from life jackets and outboard engines to navigation equipment, water makers  and stuff you did not know you needed. The show is spread out over seven different locations. It’s a good idea to download the FLIBS app on your phone and hopefully you can find what you are looking for. Heesen Yachts will be exhibiting at the Superyacht Village at Pier South.

For veteran showgoers, you know what to expect and how to navigate the scene to get the most out of it. For the newcomer, be prepared for hot humid weather, traffic jams, expensive parking lots, and  people queuing up for hot dogs and beer. Be sure your Apps for Uber and Lyft are up to date as there are often long queues at the taxi stands.  Also be forewarned that gate keepers at all of the stands that are showing yachts will be checking your credentials before allowing you to board a yacht. It is a good idea to have a trusted broker pave the way with a preplanned appointment, especially aboard the superyachts on display.

So, what is the best way to approach FLIBS? Here are a few suggestions to make your FLIBS more enjoyable:

What to wear: Fort Lauderdale is not as dressy as the Cannes Yachting Festival or the Monaco Yacht Show.  The only people wearing blazers will be some CEO’s of yachting companies and perhaps some yacht brokers dressing to impress. Florida casual is perfectly acceptable daytime wear — cotton casual is  king: polo shirts and khakis always work as do simple summer dresses, linen pants and loose fitting tops. At FLIBS, you will encounter every kind of garb from bikini tops to short shorts to board shorts and T-shirts with rude messaging. The most important thing is to have comfortable footwear—sandals, sneakers  with Velcro and boat shoes that are easy to slip on and off as you are not allowed to board a yacht with shoes on. Please leave spike heels at home,  you would be in danger of breaking your ankle by slipping  through the slats in the docks. Hats, caps, and sunglasses are advisable. And remember to bring a sweater because air-conditioning is ubiquitous and while you might be hot hot hot on the docks, the AC in many venues is brutally cold.

Sunblock: Apply it before you head out for the day and take some spare along for reapplication. Some favorite brands are Coola, Banana boat light as air SPF 50, Supergoop play everyday SPF 50; CeraVé, Blue Lizard sensitive Mineral sunscreen SPF 50, Neutrogena Ultra sheer or your favorite brand.

Boat touring etiquette: yachts on display are all owned by someone. They may be for sale or for charter or maybe they are simply there as part of a deal made with a yacht builder. Please respect the wishes of those showing the yacht. If you are asked not to carry large purses or backpacks aboard, it is for a reason. If you are asked to come back at a certain time when there are fewer visitors aboard, do not insist. You may be asked not to take photos. Also, please do not ask to use the bathrooms onboard.

Where and what to eat lunch /dinner: if you want to stay within the confines of the show, there are beer barges, food courts with everything from burgers and ribs to tacos and arepas to seaweed salads and sushi. The superyacht village has a pavilion with plated items, the VIP Windward pavilion at Swimming Hall of Fame will have gourmet items for lunch and cocktails. A survey of locals’ favorite restaurants included Southport Raw Bar and Restaurant, Bistro Mezzaluna, Coconuts, Lobster  Bar Sea Grill, Takato, Casa d’ Angelo, Chima Steakhouse, Anthony’s Runway 84, Il Paesano, Rainbow Palace, Dune, Thasos, Evelyns, and Maass.

Parties and sundowners: two annual events that require tickets are the International Superyacht Society 2024 Design & Leadership Awards Gala, Wednesday night, Oct. 30^th at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale and the International Seakeepers Society Awards program: seakeepers.org.

On both random and planned occasions there are formal and informal cocktail events hosted by yacht builders, brokers, and suppliers at their stands. Many are invitation only; others can be word of mouth or friends of friends affairs.

And of course, all you need is a wig, a costume, a spirit  of fun and frivolity,  and, you can create a Halloween party anywhere any time. Trick or treat!

For more information: FLIBS.com

Written by Jill Bobrow