Miami Boat Shows Announce Layout, Name Changes

Creating the ultimate destination for boating enthusiasts from around the globe, sail will join power in one location at the Miami International Boat Show, as the Progressive® Insurance Strictly Sail Miami moves from Bayside to Miami Marine Stadium, where boaters and sailors alike will have the opportunity to browse, board and buy more than 1,400 boats in water and on land on Virginia Key.

The show, which runs over Presidents Day Feb. 15-19, 2018, will also offer more food and beverage options, a new VIP deck lounge, as well as Discover Boating Hands-On Skills Training workshops, and more than 200 boats available for sea trials for serious buyers. 

With the streamlining of the show’s venues into one location also comes the streamlining of transportation options to get attendees there. The Miami International Boat Show has taken feedback from exhibitors and attendees to deliver an enhanced transportation plan.

More than 85 percent of water taxi goers traveled from two key stops, making them a priority: Bayfront Park and AmericanAirlines Arena. Located near ample parking and public transportation options, these two stops offer the fastest and most convenient ways to get to the show.

Free water taxi pick-up and drop-off locations will be located at both water taxi locations. In addition, complimentary shuttle buses will run to and from two parking hubs in downtown Miami at Marlins Park and the AmericanAirlines Arena. Convenient parking options on Virginia Key will again be available and can be reserved and prepaid in advance at MiamiBoatShow.com.

Meanwhile, the in­-water luxury yacht exhibition during Miami’s annual boat show week each February has received a new name and look. Formerly Yachts Miami Beach, the annual event is being rebranded as the Miami Yacht Show on Collins Avenue.

Set to take place the same weekend in Miami Beach along Collins Avenue across from the legendary Fontainebleau and Eden Roc hotels, the show, now entering its 30th year, attracts a global audience to a spectacular display of yachts and marine products, including more than 500 new and brokerage yachts and a wide array of the latest marine technology and accessories.

In addition to the display of yachts and accessories, the show features floating cocktail lounges, food and live musical entertainment.

A new Miami Yacht Show website will debut this fall, along with the launch of Boat Show Marketplace, an online platform designed to allow attendees to more easily plan their visit to the show and schedule appointments with the exhibitors they most want to see.

Show organizers also introduced a VIP Experience ticket that offers guests who wish to experience the show in celebrity style access to a floating, air­ conditioned lounge with a premium open bar, gourmet food, a dedicated concierge to arrange appointments on board yachts and other special experiences.

The Miami Yacht Show also includes an invite ­only satellite display of superyachts on Watson Island at the Island Gardens Deep Harbour marina, which can accommodate yachts up to 500 feet.