What to see and do at the Palm Beach International…
The Palm Beach International Boat Show is bobbing back to Flagler Drive with lots of of vessels plucked from around the world on show, from pint-sized inflatables to practically 300-foot superyachts.
On now through the twenty ninth, ooh and ahh at the vessels, while trying out sights from children fishing clinics and industry seminars, to the “Nautical Ventures AquaZone” for live marine merchandise and watersport demos. New for 2026 is the PBIBS Gives Back Zone, a free exhibit centered on conservation and training.
Be one of the estimated 50,000 attendees and rating a ticket at PBBoatShow.com, from $37 for an grownup, one-day common admission go, with a choice of upgrades on offer including the Windward VIP Club.
More than 50,000 hottie yachties are anticipated to attend. PBIBS
Whereas the Monaco boat show is honed in on the superyacht brokerage market and Fort Lauderdale’s is the largest in-water show in the world, Palm Beach occupies a more relaxed space.
“It feels less like a trade show and more like a celebration of boating,” said Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows at Informa Markets, of “America’s Favorite Boat Show,” which generates more than $1 billion in financial influence for Florida.
Doole said PBIBS’ “range and accessibility” are what keep the show crusing forward of the pack: “You can step from innovative center consoles to spectacular superyachts within just a few docks,” he said.
This yr’s show is especially noteworthy with more than $1 billion value of boats on show and over 30 yachts measuring 150 toes or longer. Visitors can also look ahead to the return of the Superyacht Show Palm Beach at Palm Harbor Marina, where you may scope out some of the most jaw-dropping vessels in the world.
As one of the flashiest gatherings for yacht homeowners, it’s clear that larger is better. Fraser Yachts kicked off 2026 with 12 superyacht gross sales in 12 days — an unprecedented run and a strong signal of the continued market confidence, said Mike Busacca, chief working officer at the Ft. Lauderdale-based yacht brokerage company.
“Just because” facilities like film theaters, saunas and even caviar rooms are trending on the latest and biggest vessels at PBIBS. Fraser Yachts
“The Palm Beach International Boat Show is always an important moment for us to build on that energy,” he said.
According to Fraser’s new Global Superyacht Market report, in 2025, gross sales of pre-owned, 100-foot-plus yachts elevated modestly in quantity (4%), but rose considerably in worth (36%).
“That demonstrates a move toward newer, higher-value vessels and more activity at the top end of the market, particularly in the [196-foot-plus] segment,” Busacca explained.
Sara Gioanola of Netherlands-based Heesen Yachts sees this larger boat craze going hand-in-hand with purchaser demand for explorer-style yachts.
A more laid-back event (in contrast to Monaco or Fort Lauderdale), the Palm Beach Boat Show is all about stepping aboard the best new vessels. Palm Beach International Boat Show
“Owners are looking for the generous volume and comfort of a traditional large superyacht, but they want it paired with the autonomy and rugged capabilities of an explorer vessel to travel further afield,” Gioanola said.
That said, Marnix J. Hoekstra, co-creative director of Netherlands-based builder Vripack, careworn that explorer yachts are evolving from the conventional, rugged look toward a “sleeker, more refined aesthetic” while still sustaining their technical prowess.
“You won’t see strong examples of that next‑generation explorer at Palm Beach this year, but the shift is underway,” he added.
Even terrestrial autos get love at the PBIBS. Palm Beach International Boat Show
“For one Irish client, we built a fully oak-clad whiskey tank into the bilge so he could bring his own distilled whiskey on northern expeditions.”
What other swish facilities you may count on aboard this new breed of explorers?
Everything from high-tech wine cellars, “floating” glass staircases, piano bars and caviar lounges, said Patrick Knowles, founder of his namesake yacht design firm in Fort Lauderdale. Wellness options and larger-than-life film experiences are also in demand.
See the development in individual aboard Kaiser, a 196-foot yacht for sale with Fraser at the show. It has a devoted sauna at water stage.
Flip out over the show’s AquaZone shenanigans. Palm Beach International Boat Show
“That placement creates a much more immersive experience, allowing guests to move directly between sea and sauna,” said Busacca.
Another of Fraser’s choices, the 164-foot Ela has a teak-decked seaside membership with a fitness center (naturally) and sauna, as nicely as a foredeck that transforms into an open-air cinema.
“The cinema is another amenity we’re seeing gain traction,” added Busacca, pointing to Carinthia VII, one of Fraser’s standout constitution yachts, with a large cinema screen on the bridge deck aft so friends can watch films under the stars. At PBIBS, Doole is personally excited to scope out the 197-foot Alfa G by Oceanco, which options, along with a helipad and duplex main suite with panoramic views, an outside movie show and swimming pool.
But it’s not just the on-board spas and al fresco film nights elevating life onboard — yacht crews are upping their recreation, too. Younger yacht homeowners count on to give you the chance to live their onshore life on board. So they’re tapping crew that can communicate a number of languages, play musical devices, run a yoga, fitness or Pilates session, and step in as a mixologist.
High-tiding high rollers can improve to the Winward VIP Club. Palm Beach International Boat Show
“We see a much larger appetite for diverse skillsets among even younger crew — going beyond seafaring and basic hospitality skills,” he said.
Specs-wise, as sustainability and effectivity change into more important, “many builders are introducing hybrid propulsion systems and hull designs that improve performance while reducing environmental impact,” said Doole. As Gioanola put it, the most impactful technology is often what you can not see or hear. “Advanced power management and hybrid propulsion systems are changing the game by allowing yachts to operate their hotel load at anchor, or cruise at low speeds, in complete silence and without emissions,” she said.
Autonomous options like auto docking, auto routing and collision avoidance have gotten common, and customers now count on to have all the options of their sensible properties and automobiles in their boats and yachts.
Yachting is all enjoyable and video games (if you’ve acquired the price range to buoy with the best). PBIBS
“Amenities like keyless ignition, joysticks, GPS and autonomous docking reduce the barrier for new captains and make getting out on the water more accessible,” said Doole.
Along with smarter digital systems, Busacca singled out the integration of artificial intelligence on board yachts “that simplify both the guest experience and the day-to-day operation of the yacht.” Just see 50 Shades of Play, a 111-foot yacht delivered in 2025, on sale with Fraser at PBIBS.
“She’s equipped with the Next AI-Integrated System, which allows owners and crew to control key onboard functions — lighting, climate, entertainment and different onboard ‘scenarios’ — all through a single, unified platform,” supplied Busacca, noting that the app can operate absolutely offline, which ensures reliability and data security.
“It feels less like a trade show and more like a celebration of boating.” Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows at Informa Markets
Plus, sensible sensoring technology can help scale back energy consumption on board with HVAC systems.
“By installing sensors in the cabins that know when the cabins are not occupied by people, and raising the temperature ever so slightly, significant savings can be made on the No. 1 power consumer onboard: AC,” said Busacca.
Technological advances, mega-megayachts and wellness sanctuaries apart, don’t neglect to try the people at Palm Beach’s famed show.
“Palm Beach is often called Wall Street’s backyard, and you certainly see that demographic walking the docks,” said Gioanola.
Step aboard the 5 largest, baddest, most bonkers boats at PBIBS
Arts and crafts: These fabulous 5 floaters are all decked out. Courtesy of Y.CO
As the people behind the show like to say, PBIBS has “the most big boats.” In 2026, the Intracoastal Waterway along Flagler Drive will welcome 100 vessels over 80 toes, 30 over 150 toes, and 10 vessels at 200 toes and past.
Here’s a sneak peek at the 5 largest vessels.
Lürssen Rocinante
Lürssen Yachts’ 256-foot “Queen of the Show” is asking roughly $101 million. Courtesy of Y.CO
Lürssen Yachts’ 256-foot “Queen of the Show” is kind of the spectacle. Refit in 2024 with all the billionaire trappings, count on the best of every thing blended in with a helicopter deck, roomy interiors, entertaining areas and a heck of a eating room — with sliding glass doorways for when you need that recent ocean breeze. “Rocinante offers every level of pampering imaginable on board,” said Oriana Schneps, proprietor of the Yacht Edit in Fort Lauderdale.
That means below deck you’ll discover a full onboard spa full with a hammam, therapeutic massage therapy room, salon and fitness center with a fold-out balcony so you may stare at the sea between business conferences or port calls. “I’m always amazed by the elegance and craftsmanship of Lürssen, and I’m excited to see how they’ve designed these spaces,” added Schneps, who is trying ahead to scoping out the ship firsthand at PBIBS.
But this yacht has a whimsical facet, too: Rocinante is (of course) the identify of Don Quixote’s raggedly previous pony. With seven cabins, Rocinante can deal with up to 14 buddies, keen to climb aboard and chase windmills on the high seas.
Feadship Boardwalk V
This 254-footer is asking roughly $171 million. Studio Illume
Measuring 254 toes and touring at speeds of up to 18 knots, Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows at Informa Markets, loves this yacht not only for its immense measurement, “but also for its contemporary design that gives the feel of a modern, luxury home.”
On board, the proprietor can take pleasure in facilities like a decrease deck devoted to wellness and journey with a seaside membership and fitness studio that also has a dive and watersports locker. Doole additional singles out the solar deck with a pool, loungers and a scorching tub that makes it really feel such as you’re at a non-public resort.
All that, coupled with the panoramic views, expansive sliding home windows and fold-down terraces designed to deliver friends nearer to the water and you and yours are sure to really feel at one with the deep blue sea as you cavort around the globe.
Admiral Kensho
This Zen-inspired zenith is asking roughly $143 million. Burgess
This 246-footer broke the superyacht format mould. Built in 2022 with so-called “Zen-inspired” inside design, the light-filled dwelling areas have every thing from textured ceiling artwork to a winter garden.
Better still, there’s also a glass-fronted pool, sculptural staircases, a fitness center with ocean views, an elevator serving all decks and the pièce de résistance: an upper-deck saloon with 180 levels of home windows for ocean gazing when you’re not having a film evening.
“You’ll almost start laughing, because every time you think you’ve seen it all, someone opens another door and you realize there’s yet another deck or space you hadn’t discovered yet,” said Giulia Di Leo, CEO and yacht constitution broker at Your Boat Holiday in Milan.
Amels Casino Royale
It’s double-oh heaven aboard Casino Royale.
John Staluppi, Casino Royale’s proprietor and West Palm Beach resident is kind of the local superstar. A Brooklynite who rose to riches as the founder of Atlantic Auto Group, and later Millennium Superyachts, many of his yacht names — Casino Royale included — are impressed by James Bond movies.
At PBIBS, he’ll be displaying this 242-foot Amels (which he purchased for roughly $140.8 million about a yr in the past) when he’s not serving as the keynote speaker at the PBIBS Business Leadership Luncheon.
On board, showgoers can marvel at facilities like a steam room, a magnificence salon, a Jacuzzi, an infinity pool and bar — order a tipple shaken, not stirred, naturally. Winch Design created the show-stopping interiors in the six good-looking staterooms.
Sanlorenzo Alchemist
You’ll be in the lab of luxurious aboard the Alchemist, asking roughly $73.6 million. Sanlorenzo
With 203 toes of play space, outside dwelling is the identify of the recreation aboard the Alchemist. She’s acquired a spacious Jacuzzi, an al fresco lounge and eating areas aplenty and a attractive seaside membership with fold-down platforms for a sprawling waterside entertaining space.
For Schneps, the highlights are the large plunge swimming pools, particularly the one on the main deck with a glass backside “offering a striking view from above while casting dynamic light patterns below in the beach club.” (The second plunge pool is positioned instantly off the proprietor’s suite).
Built in 2022, and for sale with Cecil Wright, the Alchemist holds up to 12 friends in six suites and options exterior and inside design by Officina Italiana Design.
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