By Martin Lenkowsky
This month’s Palm Beach International Boat Show 2017 will add a prestigious international flavor, says Andrew Doole, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Show Management, which produces and manages the show. Doole says a half-dozen major European yacht builders will be participating.
“These are major foreign yacht dealers,” he says. “Some of the finest in the world have noticed Palm Beach County as a great place to meet new clients.”
Leading yacht builders, including Feadship and Amels of the Netherlands, will have vessels on display, Doole says, expecting even more big yachts at this year’s show. “Princess Yachts will have a 40-meter boat there,” he says. “It’s a brand-new yacht for them.” He says the longest vessel at the show will be more than 200 feet. “The show’s been recognized by some of these incredible yacht builders this year,” Doole says.
Long considered one of the country’s top five boat shows, the 32nd annual Palm Beach International Boat Show is March 23-26, with an estimated $1.2 billion in inventory—boats, yachts and accessories—from the world’s leading manufacturers. Doole says exhibitor space for this year’s show will be sold out.
The 2017 Palm Beach International Boat show will be held in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, along Flagler Drive near Clematis Street. The location couldn’t be better, says Chuck Collins, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, one of the event’s major sponsors. The show is considered 2017’s anchor event for the county’s entire marine industry, and its location means visitors also can enjoy dinner and drinks along and near Clematis.
Hundreds of boats, including small inflatables, power boats, fishing boats, center consoles, bow riders, personal watercraft and super yachts (longer than 150 feet) will be at the event. Additionally, previously owned yachts, as well as tents filled with the latest electronics and accessories, will be available along with live music and exotic cars. “You can buy every marine accessory you can think of,” Doole says.
The Palm Beach show marks the last boat show of the season in South Florida.
Organizers call it a perfect family destination. There will be fishing tournaments and lessons for children, and the AquaZone, a joint presentation between Nautical Ventures and Show Management, makes a return appearance. The AquaZone is a 60-by-30-foot demonstration pool that features hands-on learning and demonstrations of water sports equipment and products. ↵
At a Glance
WHEN: Thursday, March 23 (noon-7 p.m.); Friday, March 24, and Saturday, March 25 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.); Sunday, March 26 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
WHERE: Downtown West Palm Beach, Flagler Drive near Clematis Street.
COST: Adults $22; children 6-15, $12; under 6, free; VIP packages available
INFO: showmanagement.com.
