Fort Lauderdale 2025 Boat Show Preview

Fort Lauderdale, Florida the Yachting Capital of the World arrives into its 66th International boat show edition in 2025, to be held from October 29 up to November second. Fort Lauderdale is the largest floating water show since a few years and for the 66th is very upbeat, coming from the record success of recent editions which had over 100,000 plus of visitors, over one thousand brands, and 1300 plus of boats and yachts.  As in some years the 2025 edition is divided into seven show locations; the Broward County Convention Centre, Bahia Mar Yachting Centre, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, 17th Street Yacht Basin, Pier 66 Marina, and Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South which together will cover an area of over three million square foot.  As is with Fort Lauderdale the show offers a wide variety of boats and sea vessels from runabouts, sport fisherman, high performance boats, centre consoles, cabin cruisers, flats boats, skiffs, express cruisers, sailing yachts, motor yachts, bowriders, catamarans, ski boats, jet boats, trawlers, inflatables, canoes, and superyachts. The Fort Lauderdale Boat show will feature the following World previews; Cheoy Lee 130 Explorer, Cruisers Yachts 50 Fly, Formula 360 Crossover Bowrider, Inace Aventura 106, Palm Beach PB85, Valhalia 55 Sport Yacht, Viking 50 Convertible.

www.flibs.com

Fort Lauderdale boat show debuted in 1959, the first edition was organized by a group of Florida boat builders and dealers as a free to enter voluntary organized exhibition at the new Lauderdale Marina with only thirteen boats on show. Fort Lauderdale though rapidly expanded in its second year doubling exhibitors and visitors, and in its tenth year anniversary it received over 50,000 visitors with a 53 foot its largest yacht on display.  By 1971 Fort Lauderdale boat show had 115 exhibitors and recorded one million US$ in vessel sales.  In 1974 its makes important changes from moving to Bahia Mar which is till today the current home, and updates its dates from Summer to the mid-Fall which still mark the calendar today.  In the 1990's Fort Lauderdale boat show becomes the USA primary large yacht show and starts adding additional locations, with two hundred yachts above fifty foot in the water by 1996.  In the sixtieth 2019 Fort Lauderdale edition, the boat show will add its latest seventh location with the new Superyacht Village which will feature ten yachts over sixty meters in length.  Fort Lauderdale was one of the few boat shows which was organized even during the 2020 and 21 pandemic years.

1963 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

Project: Cruisers 50 Fly

Following the 57 Fly which debuted in the fall of 2024 after it was announced in 2023, Cruisers follow it with the second 50 Fly model, set to debut at the upcoming 2025 Fort Lauderdale boat show.  A year has passed since the debut of the 57 Fly, and unlike the bigger sister the 50 Fly  has been kept rather secretive, announced this month just before its debut.  The Cruisers 50 Fly comes with a similar look to the bigger sister, although it is not confirmed nor denied that Luiz de Basto is again the designer of the second Fly model.  In the 50 Fly Cruisers offer interiors with an astern galley layout, and a three cabin lower deck; master stateroom at midships, VIP forward, and third bunk berths cabin.  The 50 Fly features a spacious hard-top covered flybridge, while two other lounging areas, to fore deck, and aft complete the exterior deck entertaining zones.  It is not understood if the 50 Fly will feature drop-down bulkheads as the 57 Fly, although the current renderings and plans do not show any.  The Cruisers 50 Fly is to be powered by twin Volvo 600hp with IPS pod drives. 

www.cruisersyachts.com

Mangusta Super Yacht Sinks in Marina at Gumbet, Bodrum

The 32 meter Mangusta super sport yacht Mina II sank in a marina at Mu Dünla in the province of Gumbet, Bodrum, Turkey on the night of Saturday eighteen October.  The yacht was moored in a berth at the marina, were for an unknown reason it sank stern first.  Coast guard and municipal teams were dispatched to the marina after port personnel alerted them of the yacht sinking.  No crew was onboard and reports say the yacht has not moved from this berth for the last two years.  Environmental inspectors are investigating the area for any fuel leaks, with the yacht protected by pollution protecting boons.   A recovery for the yacht is being organized.

M/y Mina II is a 1998 Overmarine Mangusta 107 first series as designed by Stefano Righini and produced from 1998 to 2002 in four units.  Mina II was the first hull of the Mangusta 107 and was refitted in 2017, with interiors by Gianni Versace and exteriors remade with new glazing and hard-top like the second series 107 as build from 2003 to 2005 in three other units.

Captain Life Lost as Sportfish Capsizes in Oregon Inlet North Carolina

A fifty year old Pennsylvania captain died, while the New Jersey mate was transported to the hospital after a fifteen meter sportfish yacht titled Moonstruck capsized in Oregon Inlet at around 12:30 of Saturday eighteen October. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission said the incident was reported by operators of another vessel in the area who happened to be on the phone with the U.S. Coast Guard checking conditions in the inlet when they witnessed the Moonstruck capsize. The Coast Guard was on scene within thirty minutes, who located Flannery, the Moonstruck’s 29 year old mate, who finding a utilized detergent bottle first and then a life jacket stayed afloat and survived. The mate was transported by Dare EMS to The Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head with what have been reported to be minor injuries.  Shortly afterwards the Coast Guard located the fifty year old Captain Francis Hennigan Jr of Pennsylvania in the water, unresponsive, and was pronounced deceased by medical personnel. Since the captain’s death was unwitnessed, an autopsy will be performed by the North Carolina's Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death, but it is suspected he died due to drowning. Moonstruck was en-route from Cape May, New Jersey to Florida and needed to stop in Beaufort, North Carolina for repairs to a damaged prop.  At the time of the incident the express sportfish was powered by three of its four Mercury outboard engines.  The incident capsizing and fatality are being investigated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, noting that it is currently thought that the predominant factor were conditions in the inlet.  The hull of the express sportfish washed ashore on the north end of Pea Island on Sunday morning.

Unfortunately this is not the first time Oregon Inlet takes a life, as on third March 2024, Captain Charlie Griffin of Wicked Tuna TV series fame lost his life during a delivery of a ten meter sportfish cruiser, link for this story in comments below.

M/y Moonstruck the express sportfish in this accident is a custom cold moulded 2022 build Winter Custom Yacht 50 Walkaround Hull W-34, powered by a quadruple Mercury 600hp for top speeds up to 51 knots.  Winter Custom Yachts was founded by Tim Winter in 2006, launching its first 62 Convertible Hull W-1 in 2008, and is currently building its 41st sportfish. 

Steeler New Web Site

Steeler presents its new World wide web showroom.  Steeler is a Dutch builder from Steenwijk, founded by Hans Webbink in 2010.  Coming from executive roles at Royal Dutch Shell and Philips, Hans will enter the boating industry as he founds Antaris boats in 2001 focusing on classic looking motorised day sloops and cruisers.  Hans will merge Antaris with Maril and Makma to form Aquatec Industries in 2008, and will sell his share in 2010.  In that year he will start Steeler, with the idea being to be an alternative to cost and design to that of production fiberglass yachts, but built in custom or semi-custom, steel or aluminium, and with displacement, semi displacement, and planning hull shapes.  The first Steeler yacht the Survey 55 as designed by Vripack and built in steel will arrive at the end of 2011, and is followed by the NG43 the following year.  In 2014 Steeler shows its innovative spirit and helped by Vripack will present the ground breaking Panorama Flat Floor 46, and also debuts the day runabout Bronson 36 Islander with flipping bulk heads which expand the aft deck at anchor.  A year later to this Steeler also presents the alloy build planning hull NG43S.  With its innovative products Steeler took immediate attention to the media, winning the European Boat of the Year award to date for three times; 2015, 2016, and 2019.  On first September 2024 Steeler also acquired bankrupted yacht builder Holterman and its facilities in Meppel, with the Holterman range now renamed as Steeler Ace.  Currently Steeler offers seventeen models, all made to order and divided into six ranges; Ocean Explorer, Enigma, S-Line Long Range, Ace, Bronson, and S-Line with these split in Displacement and Performance type yachts.  Currently Steeler starts its range with the Bronson 50, to the just launched Ocean Explorer 85, which entered it into 24 meter plus super yacht size.  Steeler new web site takes you around with the following buttons; Home, Yachts, Brand, Journal, Contact, and Explore Fleet.  Steeler has also its Facebook, and Vimeo social pages with a link button located at the bottom of the page.

www.steeleryachts.com

The first Steeler the Survey 55 as designed by Vripack

Project: Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101FT

Tecnomar follow the for Lamborghini 63 with a larger thirty meter 101FT model set to come in 2027. It was expected also speculated, and considering the 36 hulls launched to date of Instagram's most popular sport yacht, that a bigger then a 63 foot Lamborghini Tecnomar would come, noting also the super yacht pedigree which has distinguished the Massa yacht builder since the late nineties. Designed as the smaller sister by Automobili Lamborghini, the 101FT is to feature a four cabins eight berth accommodation, with a space for three crew in two cabins. The Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101FT is to be powered by a triple MTU engines set up, for top speeds up to 45 knots and a fast cruise of 35. Two units are reported under construction, with the first set to splash in 2027.

www.tecnomar.com

New Model: Bering B88

Bering has at the end of 2024 completed and launched its first B88 hull as sea trials were started, to commission the pocket super yacht to its owner in 2025. With a hull length of just under 24 meters, the Bering 88 offers simplified registration, reduced crew and compliance requirements, and greater operational flexibility. The Bering B88 offers over 164 squared meters of interior space, ensuring that all eight guests have plenty of room for entertainment and recreation and enjoy enough privacy when needed. A five person crew will benefit from spacious work and rest areas. The Bering B88 is powered by twin Cummins 450hp engines, for a top speed up to ten knots, and an eight knots cruise which gives a five thousand nautical mile range.

Technical Data:

LOA - 26.20 m (85.9ft)

Hull Length - 23.9 m

Waterline Length - 22.8 m 

Beam - 8.10 m

Draft - 2.40 m

Displacement - 225 t loaded

Fuel Capacity - 39,775 l

Water Capacity - 2962 l

Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, five crew in three cabins

Engines - 2 x Cummins QSM11 450hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - ten knots max, eight knots cruise

Range - five thousand nautical miles at eight knots

Hull Shape - full displacement

Construction - steel hull, aluminium super structure

Certification - CE A, class standard available on request

www.beringyachts.com

Project: Fairline Targa 55 GTO

After a difficult end in 2024, Fairline warms up its hands and starts working again towards its future, and unveils the first upcoming project of the new ownership, the Targa 55 GTO.  Announced during the 2025 Southampton Boat Show, the all-new Targa 55 GTO combines exhilarating performance with effortless style in a bold new chapter for Fairline.  So far details are very limited besides this rendering, but Failine says the Targa 55 GTO will be a yacht created for those who want to experience the best of open-air freedom, combining a striking design of true grand touring elegance.  So at this stage we will have to wait and see, what the new Fairline Targa 55 GTO will be about.

www.fairline.com

57 Meter Super Yacht Fire Scare in Washington DC, USA

The 57 meter super yacht Dancing Hare under Marshall Islands flag had an onboard fire as it was berthed at Washington Harbour Marina of 600 block of Water Street SW, Washington DC, around 14:00 of Tuesday fourteen October.  Firefighters from the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department responded to the blaze which was reported to be of minimal entity and was controlled and extinguished.  For fighting the fire, the fire fighters turned off its power and evacuated the yacht.  No one was injured in the fire with the cause of the blaze not reported, with pictures showing it to be coming out from the raised pilot-house deck.   

M/y Dancing Hare is a 1986 steel build custom Amels 57.7 meter as designed by Banenberg and Rowell for exterior with naval architecture by Diana.  Dancing Hare had some high profile owners in its story from its commissioner Emad Khashoggi, who sold it in the first year to British Media magnate and politician Robert Maxwell, who died while on the yacht in 1991.  Current owner is Anna Murdoch Mann dePeyster, x-wife to Rupert Murdoch and mother to three of his adult children.  Dancing Hare was last refitted in 2023 by Derektor in Florida.

New Model: Sirena 60

Turkish yacht builder Sirena Yachts has unveiled its latest model at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival the Sirena 60. Developed as a replacement for its popular predecessor, the Sirena 58, the Sirena 60 offers a range of improvements compared to the earlier model. These include larger windows, a redesigned, modernized flybridge, substantially larger exterior spaces both forward and aft and an increase in interior volume. The result is for a slightly larger model providing more space for lounging, improved storage capabilities and a truly eye-catching modern aesthetic, both inside and out. With its head-turning, contemporary lines originally conceived by Frers naval architecture, these have been carefully updated by Sirena’s in-house design experts, whilst still retaining key elements of the design and the all-important Sirena DNA. Such elements include the plumb bow, extended swim platform and striking contrast between the expansive dark-glass surfaces and gleaming white topsides. Stepping inside, the refined and ergonomic interiors feature Corian surfaces, luxurious upholstery and durable high-end materials selected for their aesthetic quality, comfort and practicality in marine environments. Designed with practicality at its heart, the crew areas have been created for maximum efficiency and privacy, with separate access routes and functional galley/service zones to ensure seamless operation without disrupting the owner’s experience. Providing various customization options, the basic configuration of the Sirena 60 is for three large cabins, including a stunning full-beam master cabin amidships and a spacious VIP double located in the bow. The third cabin offers more flexible usage possibilities, where a sliding bed system can transform from a generous double to twin singles, depending on the needs of guests. As an added bonus, all cabins come complete with generous storage space. Other standout areas on board include her trendy forward deck lounge and dining area. Coming complete with a large seat and table options, as well as a matching sun-pad with convertible backrest, it is the perfect location for stylish and comfortable alfresco dining. Furthermore, one of the Sirena 58’s most iconic features, the flybridge, has been improved in both design and capabilities, making it the ideal shaded spot for onboard relaxation. The dashboard and the pilot seats have been modernized, with a slick new Corian worktop introduced in the bar unit, and the sun-pad given a new convertible headrest. Created with adventurous owners in mind, the extended swim platform and generous storage space on board the Sirena 60 allow for easy tender and water toy access. It is designed to carry everything from jet skis to paddleboards, perfect for those keen to get their pulses racing on the water. Performance-wise, the Sirena 60 is powered by twin Volvo 670hp engines, with an optional upgrade to a 900hp for top speeds up to 23 knots, or 25 knots with the more powerful engines. The Sirena 60 offers long-range cruising capabilities and stability for offshore adventures, with a ten knots cruise giving a range up to nine hundred nautical miles.

Technical Data:

LOA - 19.45 m (63.8ft)

Hull Length - 17.1 m

Waterline Length - 17 m

Beam - 5.36 m

Draft - 1.25 m

Displacement - 32.1 t unloaded, 35.9 t loaded and with larger engines

Fuel Capacity - 3600 l

Water Capacity - 900 l

Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, one crew cabin berth

Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 670hp, optional D13 900hp 

Propulsion - ZF 325IV with V-drive line shaft

Speed - 23 knots max with Volvo 670hp, 25 with 900hp, ten knots economic cruise

Range - 900 nautical miles at ten knots

Hull Shape - semi displacement

Construction - gross reinforced plastic, with carbon fibre hybrid parts

Project - Frers exterior and naval architecture, Sirena exterior and interior

Certification - CE A

www.sirenayachts.com