Top Things to Do at 2014 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

Entering its 55th year, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is set to take place from Oct. 30 through Nov. 3, attracting an international audience of thousands of marine enthusiasts.

2014 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Organizers have put together a list of the top 13 things to see and do at this year’s show:

1. Check out a large number of yachts, from superyachts to fishing boats, runabouts and boats for every budget.

2. Stop by Pier 66 Marina, the show’s newest location. Recently reopened after a total marina renovation, this show site will feature brokerage yachts and attractive dining options, including the Pelican Landing restaurant for casual dining and drinks and fine cuisine at the upscale Grille 66 & Bar. Pier 66 Marina will be accessible via shuttle bus and/or water taxi. Qualified guests will be able to sea-trial yachts during the show from this location.

3. Grab a bite to eat at the show’s new full-service pop-up restaurant Hugh’s Caféat the Hall of Fame Marina, operated by Hugh’s Culinary. Located at the Hall of Fame Marina show location, the concept is designed to offer another dining option for guests and a place for industry professionals to meet and conduct business.

4. Relax and grab a drink at the new IGFA Sportfishing Lounge inside the Broward County Convention Center. While you’re there, enjoy free fishing, diving and boating seminars and workshops for anglerstaught by some of the area’s best captains and professional anglers.

5. For the kids, catch theHook The Future kids’fishing clinics, where kids get a free rod/reel combo and plenty of other prizes.

6. Check out the expanded Blue Wild area, featuring scuba and freediving, lobstering and safety seminars,a huge selection of marine art and the all-new JYPSEA Swimwear Show.

7. Take in a flick at the Boat Show Film Festival, screening Crew Unlimited’s Yachtie Da Film Festival, Guy Harvey Ocean Conservancy films and trailers from this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.

8. Check out live paddleboard, kayak, hovercraft and freedive demos at the AquaZone, presented by Nautical Ventures and new this year to the Sailfish Pavilion at the convention center location. Guests will learn directly from the pros in a 25-by-50-foot, 15,000-gallon pool.

9. Ogle the exotic auto display, a private jet, personal submarines and the latest yacht and water toys.

10. People-watch at the show’s floating cocktail lounges.

11. Explore the impressive displays and shop for the latest gear or gifts. Nearly $4 billion worth of boats and marine products across more than 3 million square feet of exhibit space includes an array of nautical clothing, gear, the latest marine electronics, accessories and more.

12. Hop a ride to the show aboard free riverboats and $10 all-day water taxi transportation. The show’s seven locations are connected by a land and water transportation network. Locations include the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel & Yachting Center, the Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Sails Marina, Pier 66 Marina and the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

13. Watch the fireworks display on opening night at the Bahia Mar Marina.

Source: TradeOnlyToday