It’s an impressive sight when more than $1 billion worth of yachts line up side by side, dominating the docks beneath Southeast Florida’s sunshine. What’s even better is the exciting option to step aboard and see how today’s top-tier yachts are being designed, built, styled, and outfitted. That’s precisely the experience at this year’s Palm Beach International Boat Show, where not just large yachts, but also more than 30 superyachts each at least 150 feet long are part of the show at Palm Harbor Marina.
The largest superyacht participating this year is Lürssen’s Rocinante, at 256 feet long. Just 2 feet shorter is Feadship’s Boardwalk, another impressive sight in a mix of truly notable builds.
All of these superyachts are interesting for different reasons, and they’re often innovative in numerous ways. The Palm Beach show gives attendees a chance to see how different shipyards approach the art of creating luxury living afloat, sometimes with fully custom builds that are essentially one-of-a-kinds on the water, and sometimes with semi-custom designs that allow a great deal of personalization along with a faster construction schedule. Some yachts have particularly notable onboard spas, while others have surprisingly sophisticated water-sports setups or commercial-grade galleys for large-scale entertaining. Still others are older builds that have been refitted and reimagined to make them appeal anew, in the context of modern cruising expectations.
A good example of a yacht demonstrating a shipyard’s advancements in hybrid propulsion is the 221-foot Amor à Vida by the Italian builder CRN Yachts. The Palm Beach show marks this new yacht’s American debut, with experts on hand to explain how the systems that power the vessel help to boost efficiency—a key selling point at a time when eco-friendly cruising is considered an imperative worldwide. Amor à Vida also has a heat recovery system on board to improve the management of hot water, a technical achievement that helps to lower energy use and the yacht owner’s costs. According to the CRN team, “the project reflects the cutting edge of the yard’s bespoke approach, integrating advanced engineering solutions, energy efficiency, and extensive personalization in line with the highest standards of international shipbuilding.”
Another large yacht on display at Palm Beach is the Italian-made 133-foot Liv Love. It is available for charter, and the Palm Beach show offers potential guests an opportunity to see the onboard amenities that can make a vacation truly memorable: an expansive water-level beach club, an outdoor cinema, an infinity-style hot tub overlooking the sea, sundeck dining with a barbecue, and more. “She comes with a packed toy box to make the most of every moment on the water, including a slide and a chase tender,” according to the charter team at Edmiston.
Palm Beach attendees also can step aboard superyachts with interiors that are equally luxurious, but highly differentiated in terms of style. There’s the 247-foot Kensho from the builder Admiral, with a zen approach that features neutral colors and tactile finishes. On the 204-foot Alchemist by the builder Sanlorenzo, light woods and marble feature prominently in the decor. Yet another interior idea is epitomized aboard the 242-Amels Casino Royale, which has not only a name inspired by James Bond, but also an interior design that’s customized to match.
“The Palm Beach International Boat Show depicts a rising demand for premium yachting experiences and establishes the region as a mecca for luxury marine enthusiasts from all over the world,” says Andrew Doole, president of U.S. Boat Shows at Informa Markets. “We’re proud to showcase the very best in boating and yachting while delivering meaningful economic value to the Palm Beaches.”
