2015 FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW WRAP UP
Northrop & Johnson kicked off the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show fun early at its annual company meeting, held November 2 and 3 at the beautiful W Hotel Fort Lauderdale. Sales brokers, charter brokers and staff converged from the four corners of the world for seminars and sunshine before the largest boat show in the world began later in the week. Northrop & Johnson enjoyed speeches and question-and-answer sessions with some of the yachting industry’s top minds before capping off the event with a pool party.
On November 5 at 10 a.m. the yachting madness began and it did not stop until the horns blew on November 9 at 5 p.m. Every day (with the exception of Monday) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. the docks in front of Northrop & Johnson’s beautiful contemporary display were buzzing. As the largest superyacht exhibitor in the show, Northrop & Johnson offered 24 yachts for clients to view. This list included the 180-foot (54.9m) Newcastle marine luxury superyacht SOVEREIGN, 153-foot Feadship CHARISMA, the 145-foot Christensen I LOVE THIS BOAT, the 143-foot Van Mill STARSHIP, the 143-foot Christensen LADY BEE, the 140- Proteksan Turquoise CAPRICORN, the 130-foot Westport APHRODITE, the 126-foot Norship IMPULSIVE, the 121-foot Christensen DREAM WEAVER, the 117-foot Delta STAMPEDE, the 116-foot Crescent UNBRIDLED, the 115-foot Trinity WATERCOLOURS, the 112-foot Westport TRUE NORTH, the 108-foot Montifino MARBELLA, the 98-foot MCP Yachts EAGLE’S NEST, the 86-foot Jongert IMPOSSIBLE DREAM, the 84-foot Aluboot HEIDENSKIP, the 80-foot Hatteras MiMi, the 80-foot Pershing PRESS BUY, the 78-foot AB Yachts SILVER LINING, the 76-foot Lazzara CALLIOPE, the 76-foot Lazzara WHISTLE, the 75-foot Sunseeker TRANQUILITY, the 57-foot Derecktor VENDETTA and the 36-foot Ellis ARGOS for sale. The following Northrop & Johnson charter yachts also were available: the 205-foot Oceanco LADY LOLA, the 171-foot Feadship GRAVITAS, the 157-foot Trinity COCKTAILS, the 143-foot Christensen LADY BEE, the 140- Proteksan Turquoise CAPRICORN, the 125-foot Heesen BRIO, the 116-foot Crescent UNBRIDLED and the 115-foot WATERCOLOURS.
Northrop & Johnson’s brand new, gleaming white display towered above the docks. In addition to our Global Luxury Partner Aston Martin’s striking car, Global Luxury Partner Arnold & Son was in attendance with an array of spectacular timepieces available for inspection. A beautiful Manta piano serenaded guests thanks to sponsor Goldfinch, Mondomarine displayed models of its latest three concepts and was on hand to discuss new projects and sponsors Sentient Jet, Christophe Harbour, The British Virgin Islands Tourism Board, Bal Harbour Shops and Sotheby’s One were present with exciting news about their companies. Aston Martin also offered daily show pick-ups and drop-offs and test drives for Northrop & Johnson clients.
On November 6, all of Northrop & Johnson’s Global Luxury Partners, Fort Lauderdale sponsors and Northrop & Johnson clients gathered at the new display at 7 p.m. for an evening of merriment to the tunes of The Flying Chairs, a Fort Lauderdale favorite. Delicious canapés were passed and the wine and champagne flowed as guests perused the sponsors’ displays and mingled.
On November 7, in true FLIBS fashion, Northrop & Johnson welcomed the Kids In Distress (KID) charity, which is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse, preservation of family and the care and treatment of abused children in Broward and Palm Beach counties, to its stand to host the Boys N’ Toys Yacht Hop and Auction. The fifth edition of this annual FLIBS favorite kicked off with a silent auction. Guests wined and dined to the melodies of a steel drum band as they surveyed items ranging from spa packages to a custom paddleboard. Shortly after the silent auction closed, the real action began as Northrop & Johnson Sales Broker Michael Nethersole took to the mic to begin proceedings for the live auction. This rousing auction offered items such as a private dinner cruise with famed Captain Lee Rosbach of Bravo TV’s “Below Deck” and a much-coveted Arnold & Son watch. To the highest bidders went the spoils and after the live auction, guests continued on yacht hopping and enjoying the festive atmosphere until the clock struck 10 p.m. The number of monies raised is still being tallied, but it can be assured that every single penny will be given to a child in need.
On November 8 and 9, the recently refitted luxury superyacht STARSHIP hosted broker lunches. Charter brokers were invited to indulge in delights from a signature menu by one of the yacht’s rotational chefs and complete five-star service provided by the interior team. STARSHIP currently is available for sale and charter through Northrop & Johnson.
The culmination of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show came on the hottest day of the event, November 9. As the sun went down, so did the tents and stands that had been called home for five days. Despite the heat, the show was exceptionally successful for Northrop & Johnson, generating many inquiries for both charter and sale. Northrop & Johnson thanks its Global Luxury Partners, sponsors and all of its staff and clients for helping make FLIBS 2015 one to remember.
