The Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show (MIBS), February 16-20, introduced a “VIP Experience” and put 100 luxury yachts on display.
A MIBS spokeswoman told NauticExpo e-magazine, “To accommodate the increasing demand for large boats, we are showcasing a broader selection of yachts than ever before.”
The show’s new VIP Experience adds enhanced, upscale treatment for VIP guests that includes exclusive access to a private lounge aboard a 111-foot luxury yacht amidst some of the biggest boats and yachts ever displayed at the show.
“One of the standout trends in 2016 was for larger yachts and large cruising boats, a trend expected to continue through 2017 as consumer confidence remains strong and manufacturers continue to bring luxury to the water,” the spokeswoman added.
The Azimut Yachts Grande 95RPH, the most expensive at MIBS (Courtesy of Azimut Yachts)
MIBS showcased dozens of debuts from some of the world’s leading brands. To host the larger vessels, it moved to a new venue on Virginia Key with a deepwater basin. These included:
- Azimut Yachts 28.62 m Grande 95RPH offers an elegant design by Stefano Righini, a top speed of 28 knots, and five staterooms. At $11 million, it is the most expensive at the show.
- Marlow Marine 97 Explorer costs $5.4 million, has a top speed of 29 knots and is one of the largest at the show. The manufacturer describes it as “the fastest, best-performing raised pilothouse offshore yacht in the world with all the comforts of home, including a master suite and private deck, grand saloon, formal dining room, and several guest cabins.”
The Montecarlo 6 (Courtesy of Beneteau)
- Marquis Yachts 660 Sport Yacht has three staterooms, a master suite, VIP and guest accommodations, an open saloon, and a list price of $2.45 million.
- Viking Yachts 52 Open, just a little less expensive at $2.1 million, is an open model designed for cruising, sport fishing and diving. It features a wraparound windshield for both weather protection and excellent visibility from the helm.
- Beneteau Monte Carlo 6 won Boat of the Year in the Flybridge up to 60 ft category at the Motor Boat Awards. Its style and onboard facilities have enabled this $1.48 million vessel to carve a niche in its price range.
- Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht comes with two staterooms, alfresco seating in the cockpit, foredeck lounge, tender garage, spacious saloon and an atrium lounge, all for $1.1 million.
130 Sailing Vessels
The Strictly Sail Miami section at the Bayside Miamarina features 130 sailing vessels, including two that are definitely in the large, luxury class:
- Oyster 745, 22.74 m in length, is the largest sailing yacht at MIBS and can carry 278.8 m2 of canvas. In addition to Oyster’s striking, contemporary styling, it features a spacious deck saloon.
- Lagoon Seventy 7, the largest catamaran at the show, has a saloon, owner’s stateroom and several other cabins with en-suite heads, “all designed with luxury and wealth in mind.”
Read more about different kinds of yachts here.
The Lagoon Seventy 7 (Courtesy of Miami International Boat)
