Sail and celebrate: A guide to superyacht chartering and globetrotting festivals worldwide
Sail and celebrate: A guide to superyacht chartering and globetrotting festivals worldwide
Published 16 December 2024
What is a yacht show?
Imagine stepping into a world where the sea meets ultimate luxury. A yacht show is exactly that – a spectacular gathering of the world’s most breathtaking superyachts, all lined up to turn heads and steal hearts. From the Palm Beach Yacht Show to the glitz and glamour of the Monaco Yacht Show, these events are where dreams meet reality.
Picture yourself wandering among sleek, state-of-the-art vessels, chatting with brokers, designers and captains, or simply soaking up the atmosphere as the world’s most incredible yachts steal the spotlight. Events like the Cannes Yachting Festival even add a touch of Riviera magic to the mix, blending iconic coastal views with floating works of art.
Why visit a yacht show or festival?
Well, why wouldn’t you? Whether you’re looking to buy, charter, or just indulge your curiosity, yacht shows are the ultimate backstage pass to the superyacht lifestyle. Climb aboard jaw-dropping yachts, meet the visionaries who bring them to life, and explore the latest trends in luxury design and technology.
For those following the sun after a Mediterranean summer or US-based yacht lovers, shows like the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Show and the Palm Beach International Yacht Show are the perfect excuse to mingle, explore, and maybe even make a deal. Add in glamorous venues, exclusive events, and a crowd of like-minded adventurers, and you’ve got a festival that’s about so much more than boats – it’s a celebration of life on the water.
Which yacht show should you visit?
On both sides of the Atlantic, there are a variety of yacht shows to suit every boating enthusiast. Whether you’re looking for a 100m yacht with all the add-ons (think spa, outdoor cinema and fully equipped toybox) or a 30m yacht suitable for island-hopping the Bahamas, or even just looking for the latest gadgets, there’s something for everyone.
Cannes Yachting Festival
Putting the spotlight on boats under 500GT, the Cannes Yachting Festival is a glittering opener for the autumn season. Geared towards yachts between 30m-50m in length, dive into a world of luxury as you uncover both new yachts and the best of the brokerage fleet in this size range.
A celebration of yachting on the French Riviera
This Riviera-based show was first held back in 1977 and is split across two marina venues: Port Canto and the Vieux Port. As Europe’s largest in-water boat show, expect exhibitions servicing all aspects of the yachting industry – from sailing and motor yachts to toys and accessories.
Visit Burgess at Cannes Yachting Festival
What better way to spend your September than at a yachting festival in Cannes? Along with a fine selection of superyachts from the Burgess sales fleet, our expert brokers will be on hand to share their knowledge and market insights to help you with all your yachting needs.
Monaco Yacht Show
The jewel in the boat show crown, the Monaco Yacht Show is the highlight of the European summer show season and always draws an eager crowd of yachting fans. Taking place each year in September, this stand-out show has earned its reputation as the pre-eminent yachting show thanks to both the size of yachts visible and the glamour and client appeal.
The peak of luxury at Port Hercules
Held annually in Port Hercules in the iconic Principality of Monaco, 700 of the most sought-after berths in the world will play host to the world’s finest display of yachts. Divided into two main areas – on the water and quayside – the Monaco Yacht Show sees over 30,000 visitors attending each year.
To avoid the crowds and enjoy a taste of the luxury yachting lifestyle, we’d recommend speaking with your Burgess broker in advance to plan your schedule and ensure VIP access to the yachts.
Visit Burgess at the Monaco Yacht Show
Whether you’re looking to discussion a new build, purchase, or yacht charter, the Burgess team of experts are on hand in prime position each year to answer any questions you may have.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
A more relaxed affair than its European counterparts, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is the largest in-water show with around 1,500 yachts afloat in Fort Lauderdale’s waterways and marinas.
Reflecting the region’s affinity for the boating lifestyle, it’s the perfect place to tour some of the best boasts available for a US yacht charter as well as to purchase. Plus, you can learn about new launches and get industry insights from some of the best in the business.
Kicking off the winter season in Fort Lauderdale
Usually held between October and November, FLIBS is the first of the winter superyacht shows and kicks off the Caribbean yachting season. It attracts individuals crossing the Atlantic after the Mediterranean summer season, as well as those already based in the US who are eager to learn, network, and explore the boats on display.
Visit Burgess at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Burgess makes an appearance at every Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, with a host of excellent yachts for charter and purchase. As with all boat shows, the best experiences come after careful planning, so speak to the Burgess team who will arrange your tickets, VIP passes, and private yacht tours. See you there?
Boating Miami International Boat Show
The Miami International Boat Show is the largest yacht and boat event in the world. Spread over six locations, previous iterations have welcomed over 100,000 visitors. This show is your one-stop-shop for everything yachting, with marine accessories and toys to yachts for sale and charter. Plus, for those looking for the latest, brand-new offerings, you can get ahead of the game as builders display their latest models.
The world's largest yacht and boat event
Previously held at Collins Avenue on Miami Beach, the show shook things up in 2022 taking on a new format. The recently named ‘Discover Boating’ Miami International Boat Show increased in size when the Miami International Boat Show joined forces with the Miami Yacht Show and SuperYacht Miami. The result? The world’s largest marine show.
Visit Burgess at the Boating Miami International Boat Show
Burgess will be on hand to help make your Miami International Boat Show experience as seamless as possible. From yacht sales, charter, management, refit and new build, visit the Burgess stand where an expert will be available to discuss all your yachting needs. The Burgess show team will also be available to advise on all your Miami show logistics, including VIP transport and exclusive owner events.
Palm Beach International Boat Show
After the Fort Lauderdale and Miami shows, the attention of the superyacht world once again turns to Florida and the Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) for the last major American show of the season. Now in its 42 year, it has earned its place as one of the premier yachting events in the US.
A more relaxed show on the Floridian coast
Taking place on Florida’s East Coast – often thought of as the epicentre of yachting in America – the affluent mecca of Palm Beach is right at the heart. This sun-drenched town delivers an exciting experience for all guests, offering an excellent selection of new and pre-owner yachts, plus seminars, watertoys, and marine accessories. And, of course, a display of live music and entertainment regaling guests throughout the show.
Visit Burgess at the Palm Beach International Boat Show
Burgess will be on hand to share market insights and show you around the excellent yachts on display. Please get in touch and we can start arranging your visit to make the most of your time at the Palm Beach International Boat Show.
Discover the Burgess difference
For all your yachting needs, look no further than Burgess. We will be at all the major boat shows, so please get in touch to arrange your visit. If you can’t wait and would like to speak to a member of the Burgess team about your next purchase, charter, or something else entirely, please give us a call or visit one of our offices. We hope to see you soon.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
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