November 10, 2026

With more than 1,300 vessels on the water and strong sales across the docks, the world’s largest in-water boat show crowned its Best of Show winners and previewed RefitX, its new official refit event for 2027

The 67th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) wrapped five days across six show locations with world-class yachts, strong boat sales and a first look at the future of yacht refit. Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and produced by Informa Markets, the world’s largest in-water boat show gave attendees new ways to experience Fort Lauderdale, the Yachting Capital of the World.

The 67th edition brought more than 1,300 vessels to the water, including more than 50 boat debuts and more than 200 superyachts. The show’s 1,000 exhibitors from more than 50 countries filled nearly 90 acres of exhibit space.

MarineSource, the official online marketplace of FLIBS, debuted the Official Boat Show Map this year. Thousands of attendees used it to find boats and exhibitors at the show, generating more than 110,000 listing views in the first four days alone. Its data also puts the show’s scale in perspective. Laid bow to stern, the boats on display stretch 64,200 feet, or 12.2 miles, and the vessels with a listed price alone represent more than $1.72 billion in inventory. Buyers came ready to do business, too. Exhibitors reported strong sales throughout the week, pointing to continued momentum for the marine industry leading into 2027.

The show’s impact also reaches well beyond the docks. FLIBS typically generates more than $1.7 billion in economic output for the state of Florida, according to its most recent economic impact study.

Between boat tours, attendees found new ways to enjoy the show this year with a variety of interactive experiences. Some arrived by air on the new Wave Helicopters shuttle to Pier Sixty-Six, while others took 10-minute aerial tours of the city’s waterways. Guests also watched yacht crews compete on a floating pickleball court at Las Olas Marina, gained insight from expert-led seminars and enjoyed dishes from Chef Ryan O’Sullivan of Hell’s Kitchen and Chef Dave White of Below Deck and Chopped at the Windward VIP Experience. These new experiences, combined with the world-class vessels that made FLIBS famous, drew boating enthusiasts, families and industry professionals from around the world to Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront. 

“This year, we gave attendees more ways to explore the show,” said Andrew Doole, president of U.S. Boat Shows at Informa Markets. “Guests got a first look at the newest yachts on the market and experienced boating from every angle: in the air, on the water and on the docks. That combination of world-class yachts and one-of-a-kind experiences keeps FLIBS a must-see show year after year.”

FLIBS also looked ahead to the next chapter for South Florida’s marine industry and the skilled trades that support it. During a Friday, Oct. 30, press conference at the Yacht Builder’s Tent at Bahia Mar, MIASF and Informa Markets revealed more of what to expect at RefitX 2027, a new conference and exhibition dedicated to the yacht repair and refit industry. Phil Purcell, CEO and president of MIASF; Andrew Doole, president of U.S. Boat Shows at Informa Markets; Joel Shine, chief commercial officer of Derecktor Shipyards; and Tim Kershaw, director of sales at Delta Marine, shared the vision behind the event and why the refit sector needs a dedicated platform. RefitX debuts Oct. 27–28, 2027, as the official refit event of FLIBS 2027.

“FLIBS shows the world what South Florida’s marine industry can do, and RefitX builds on that strength,” said Phil Purcell, CEO and president of MIASF. “Refit and repair work keeps our shipyards and skilled trades busy long after the show closes. Giving that sector its own stage at FLIBS keeps South Florida at the center of the global yachting conversation year-round.”

The show also celebrated this year’s standout debuts. The FOX Sports Best of Show Awards recognized the top debuting vessels for design, performance, technology and architecture. The Azimut Grande 30M took Best of Show in the over-60-foot category, and the Valhalla 46 Sport Yacht won the under-60-foot category, marking Valhalla Boatworks’ second consecutive win in that category after the Valhalla 55 Sport Yacht’s victory in 2025. 

Finalists included:

Over 60 feet: Fleming 60 (Fleming Yachts), Azimut Grande 30M (Azimut Yachts) and Pearl 100 Hybrid (Pearl Yachts)

Under 60 feet: SŌLACE 41CT (SOLACE Boats), Valhalla 46 Sport Yacht (Valhalla Boatworks), Princess C48 (Princess Yachts) and Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 (Beneteau)

An independent panel of judges selected the winners:

• Ricky Carmichael – national motocross and supercross champion

• Bill Zito – president of hockey operations and general manager, Florida Panthers 

• Ellie Smart Doros – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series athlete 

• Frank Kelleher – president, Daytona International Speedway

• Paul Castronovo – host of The Paul Castronovo Show on iHeartMedia’s Big 105.9

FOX Sports will air a one-hour Best of Show special on FS1 on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 9:30 a.m. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will return Oct. 27–31, 2027, with RefitX debuting the first two days of the show. For more information, visit www.flibs.com.