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This year’s Palm Beach International Boat Show has decided to fight back against being cancelled by Covid-19 by taking place on a virtual platform for the very first time. Keep reading below to learn about this change and how the show plans to move forward.
Lovers of yachts and the nautical world who eagerly awaited the spectacular Palm Beach International Boat Show received a breath of fresh air in the midst of the crisis going on around the world. The 35th annual event, initially scheduled for March 26-29, 2020, was canceled for the general public but can now be enjoyed through a virtual platform, according to the boat show’s organizing committee.
The organizing committee affirmed in a statement that it has continuously analyzed the situation to decide whether or not to carry out the event. Following the latest restrictions that have been imposed by the advance of the pandemic and information provided by local and state authorities, the committee decided to not move forward with the live event, but instead, to transition the event online. The virtual event will feature more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories, according to the organizing committee.
One of the yachts on display at the 2020 Palm Beach International Boat Show.
“We have decided that we cannot continue with the live event. Therefore, we are pleased to announce the launch of our Virtual Palm Beach International Boat Show on the show’s currently scheduled day of May 14,” said Andrew Doole, President of Informa Markets US. Boat Shows and George Gentile, president of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, organizers of this year’s Palm Beach International Boat Show.
So, if you are interested in purchasing a yacht, want to know which yachts are for sale, or simply fantasize about yachts, you can now participate from the comfort of your home and see everything the Palm Beach International Boat Show has to offer this year.
“Here you will find everything you can imagine in the yachting world, from mega yachts to dinghies.” said George Gentile, President of the Marina Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. “The Palm Beach International Boat Show has an extremely engaged following with a large audience of passionate marine enthusiasts. In the show’s 35-year history, we have never dealt with a situation like the current health pandemic. While the show will no longer take place in its original form, we wanted to provide our loyal audience the opportunity to still experience the boat show, albeit virtually.”
One of the yachts on display at the 2020 Palm Beach International Boat Show.
This year a large number of boats is expected to be exhibited with categories ranging from fishing, touring, luxury boats, sailboats, cruises, inflatable boats and yachts. You will also find everything related to the nautical industry, from rudders to accent pieces for your boat to the latest advances in high-tech engines and accessories.
Through the Virtual Palm Beach International Boat Show, viewers will be able to “shop” for the best in marine gear to kick-off their summer as well as tour hundreds of new and used boats while connecting directly with brokers and manufacturers. To help viewers navigate the show, a virtual shopping guide will be available listing exhibitors by category such as Yachts, Trawlers / Down East, Cruisers, Center Consoles, Sport Fishers, etc.
The show will also feature enhanced video content, including hundreds of video walk-throughs highlighting new products, as well as educational videos and web-seminars led by industry experts, including the youth fishing clinics by Hook The Future and IGFA School of Sportfishing seminars.
“All 436 exhibitors as well as vessels on display from the Palm Beach International Boat Show will have presence in our virtual show,” said Andrew Doole, President of Informa Markets U.S. Boat Shows. “Viewers will be able to directly engage with the exhibitors and ask questions through the virtual platform, while brokers and exhibitors will gain direct sales leads and engagement with consumers.”
The marine industry has been a major factor in Florida’s economy, generating more than $23.3 billion annually. The Palm Beach International Boat Show has a total economic impact across the state of about $682.7 million, according to the event committee.
As a result, the event organizers commented, “We are all eager to get back on board and help to continue contributing as a major statewide economic driver. While the show will no longer take place in its original form, we are looking forward to engaging our passionate audience of marine enthusiasts with the nearly 436 premier exhibitors via our virtual show.”
The Palm Beach Boat Show 2019. Photo: pbboatshow.com
As for those who purchased tickets to attend the physical show the following information was published on their website: “Your ticket for the now canceled 2020 Palm Beach International Boat will be applicable to any future Informa U.S. Boat Show, or you may request a refund. If tickets were purchased through another method, please contact the person or entity from whom you purchased such tickets.”
The message highlights that, “In no case will shipping costs or any other amount be reimbursed. There will be no liability on the part of the Palm Beach International Show 2020 for travel or any other expense that you or any other person may incur in connection with the show. For more information, contact Terri.Kennedy@Informa.com or Tiffany.Faascher@Informa.com.”
As for those looking to attend the Virtual Palm Beach International Boat Show visit www.Pbboatshow.com for more information. Visitor registration is free.
Below is more information on some of the top yachts that might be on display at this year’s virtual Palm Beach International Boat Show:
2011 580 Sea Ray Sundancer “Dandease”
The interior of the 2011 580 Sea Ray Sundancer “Dandease”
Exhibited by Lenton Yachts the 2011 580 Sea Ray Sundancer “Dandease” has a luxurious high-gloss cherry wood interior accompanied by earthtone furnishings. In addition to the high-end interior design of this yacht it also comes equipped with MAN 900 engines and a recently upgraded 8616 Garmin navigation electronics, high definition satellite and AV system. Learn more, here.
Laurentia
Laurentia. Photo: boatinternational.com
Laurentia, a 180-foot yacht built by Heesen Yachts, can accommodate up to 12 guests and 13 crew members in a lavish and luxurious setting. The yacht was designed by Omega Architects and features naval architecture by Naval Architects and interior design themes by Radyca. Learn more, here.
Attila
Attila. Photo: charterworld.com
The Attila, delivered in 2019, reaches 210-feet and can accommodate up to 12 people with 18 crew members. This luxurious yacht was built by San Lorenzo yachts, designed by Officina Italiana Design and features interior designs by Francesco Paszkowski. Learn more, here. ■
