Damien Lee Fey Gilliams 
The 65th anniversary of the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show
“The sheer scale of the event took our breath away.”
"FLIBS 2024 - Photo by Damien Lee Fey Gilliams"
A Day Afloat: Highlights from the 65th Annual Boat Show’s Spectacular Celebration
By Bonnie Fey Gilliams
This year’s 65th annual boat show was nothing short of spectacular—a vibrant celebration of the boating lifestyle that attracted thousands of enthusiastic attendees over its five exhilarating days.
We arrived at the bustling venue around lunchtime, parking our car in a nearby garage before embarking on a short, pleasant walk to the water taxi station. Climbing aboard the sleek taxi boat was a thrill in itself, and as we glided over the shimmering water, we couldn’t help but marvel at the stunning views unfolding around us. Gorgeous waterfront homes and impressive yachts, their polished hulls gleaming in the midday sun, lined the shore.
"FLIBS 2024 - Photo by Damien Lee Fey Gilliams"
Our journey was elevated by a delightful narrator, who shared intriguing tales about the area’s famous residents. One particularly jaw-dropping story involved an estate that recently sold for an astonishing $70 million! It was hard to fathom such wealth, especially when we learned that the new owners planned to demolish the grand property in favor of something more modest. The co-captain regaled us with more captivating anecdotes, and as someone who has spent most of my life in real estate, I found every story absolutely enthralling.
"FLIBS 2024 - Photo by Bonnie Fey Gilliams"
Once we reached the show, the sheer scale of the event took our breath away. We wandered from one magnificent boat to another, each larger and more beautifully designed than the last. The displays were an artist’s dream, showcasing everything from luxurious yachts equipped with the latest technology to charming smaller vessels perfect for weekend getaways. We roamed through various booths, eagerly stepping aboard several water taxis throughout the day, each offering its own unique perspective of the floating showcase.
"FLIBS 2024 - Photo by Damien Lee Fey Gilliams"
In the midst of all the excitement, we completely lost track of time, having so much fun that we didn’t stop to eat all day. As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, we decided it was finally time for a happy hour refreshment. We had heard whispers about a nearby hot spot across the canal called Fisheries, renowned for its lively atmosphere and delicious offerings. However, as we approached, we noticed that the place was bustling with activity and the hour was getting late. Reluctantly, we decided to head back home instead, already imagining how next year we might stay overnight to fully enjoy the local dining scene and explore the convention center as well.
"FLIBS 2024 - Photo by Damien Lee Fey Gilliams"
Reflecting on our day, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experience. It was a day filled with exploration, and if you missed out this year, I wholeheartedly encourage you to plan to attend next year. It’s an opportunity to savor the festivities without stress, just as we did. With approximately 100,000 visitors gracing the event over those five days, it’s clear that many attendees found joy in lingering for several days, immersing themselves fully in the experience.
"FLIBS 2024 - Photo by Damien Lee Fey Gilliams"
The big, shiny silver props on the huge boats and the wind blowing through my hair on the top deck of the taxi trolley are etched in my memory. To make the experience even more enjoyable, we arrived at our leisure and left when it suited us, allowing us to savor every moment of this memorable day!
Behind the Boats and Beyond: Highlights from the 65th Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show
By Maryann Morrison
The 65th anniversary of the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show concluded on Sunday, Nov. 3rd. I attended on Saturday, one of the busiest days of the event. Sometimes—just sometimes—it’s about the people who work behind the scenes rather than the boats that take the spotlight. Just kidding, it’s all about the boats.
"FLIBS 2024 - Photo by Damien Lee Fey Gilliams"
However, I’d like to focus part of my article on one person I met at this year’s show who shone as brightly and beautifully as the boats themselves: Alyssa McLaughlin, a broker with the prestigious Camper and Nicholsons International. From the brief time I spent speaking with her, it was clear she is destined to be a rising star in the competitive yachting industry. Despite her youth, Alyssa is both friendly and ambitious. We bonded over our shared love of New York City and everything it has to offer. Alyssa understands that success in sales requires forging connections with others through common ground. She is bright, intelligent, and willing to invest the time and energy necessary to excel in her field. Kudos to her! Wishing Alyssa a very successful and long yachting career.
"Alyssa McLaughlin FLIBS 2024 - Photo by Maryann Morrison"
Now, back to the boats. This year’s show spanned seven locations: the Convention Center, the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the Pier 66 Marina, the Superyacht Village, the Yacht Basin, the Hall of Fame Marina, and the Las Olas Marina. As you can imagine, it takes the full five days to truly experience everything. With only one day, I chose to focus on Pier 66 Marina, the Convention Center, and ended with the awe-inspiring Superyacht Village, home to a stunning display of mega yachts.
"FLIBS 2024 - Photo by Maryann Morrison"
The Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show is easily one of the biggest in the world, and part of the fun is indulging in the dream of owning one of these mammoth vessels, if only for a day. At the Convention Center, vendors offered opportunities to win trips to exotic and beautiful locations, alongside plenty of pirate-worthy treasures to take home. I left with a fantastic hat, some Blue Zone Costa Rican coffee, and Tortuga Rum Cake snacks, which I thoroughly enjoyed the next morning.
"Miss Palm Beach, Gracie Solange Gaylord FLIBS 2024 - Photo by Maryann Morrison"
One of the highlights of my day was riding the water taxis, where I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Palm Beach, Gracie Solange Gaylord. Remember that name—it’s bound to be one you’ll hear again. The day flew by so quickly that I already know I’ll be back next year—and for more than just one day.
Make sure to check it out in 2025! Check out the official website here!
"FLIBS 2024 - Photos by Damien Lee Fey Gilliams"
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