Spectacular multi-million dollar yachts — check! Balmy, waterfront location — check! Family-friendly exhibitions and fun — check!
Then it must be the 42nd annual Palm Beach International Boat Show, which cruised into West Palm Beach this week. The city’s waterfront Downtown was transformed into a yachters’ haven, filled with ultra-luxurious yachts and cruisers and a seemingly endless range of yachting-inspired activities.
This year some 800 boats and yachts participated in the show, which is expected to lure over 55,000 total visitors along with 600 brands. In total, the four-day show is anticipated to pump over $1 billion into the economy of the Palm Beach area, which has seen both its population and popularity surge since the pandemic.
“Beyond its economic significance and standing in the industry, the Palm Beach International Boat Show holds a special place in the hearts of local residents, revered as one of the region’s must-attend events,” said Alyssa Freeman, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC).
The show supports a series of satellite events such as the Winward VIP Club, with an open bar, gourmet dining and special pop-up activations. The Super Yacht Show Palm Beach at Palm Harbor was where the show’s most glamorous — and truly gargantuan — superyachts are on display. At the AquaZone, which is presented by Nautical Ventures, guests can enjoy a “show within a show” via an interactive experience featuring a wide range of water sports and cutting-edge, marine-related products.
“The Palm Beach International Boat Show holds a special place in the hearts of local residents.”
As always, the Show delivers an exceptional array of culinary experiences, including world-class cocktails provided by sponsors such as Goslings Rum. The Show also includes a series of education seminars that appeal to visitors of all ages, including the Hook the Future’s Kids Fishing Clinics with Captain Don Dingman, who demonstrates various fishing techniques while showcasing a wide variety of fish species. Participants get a free Hook the Future x Carolina Skiff rod and reel combo.
But it’s really all about the boats. Here are five of the most unique, intriguing and eye-popping vessels on display.
The lucky charm
Few yachts at this year’s show are as jaw-dropping as Talisman C. Designed by London-based interiors aces H2 and manufactured by Turkish master yacht-builders Proteksan Turquoise, it’s currently listed for sale by British yachting firm Burgess for a cool $59.7 55 million. Spanning just over 231 feet long, it features six full-sized cabins that can sleep up to 14 guests, including a sprawling owner’s suite with its king-size bed and crystal chandelier, massive walk-in closet and grand library (which can easily be converted into an additional cabin).
Upstairs, the yacht’s sundeck features a large glass-encased Jacuzzi, sun beds and dining area under the sun or stars. A chic swim platform allows for easy access to the azure seas while the nearby aft deck area includes a fully equipped bar with club seating as well as a full-size dining area capped by a glass-threaded chandelier.
The vessel is powered by a pair of 2,447hp Caterpillar diesel engines, which provide a top speed of 18 knots, a cruising speed of 15 knots and a transatlantic range of 7,000 nautical miles.
The emperor
Reaching just under 300 feet in length, the Nero is, without doubt, one of the most eye-catching vessels at the entire Palm Beach show. Although completely contemporarily designed and manufactured, the Nero embodies the look and aesthetic of classic boats from yachting’s golden age during the 1930s. Fully overhauled in 2021, the Nero — which is currently on the market for just under $500,000 per week via Burgess — was designed in the spirit of Corsair, a yacht launched in the 1930s that belonged to legendary Wall Street financier J.P. Morgan.
Inside, it could not be more luxurious. On the top deck is a world-class gym fitted out with equipment by Technogym, while a few steps beyond is a beauty salon, which comes with an in-house beautician and masseuse.
There are six cabins with room for 12 guests — along with an on-board Jacuzzi, pool and waterslide. Throughout, veteran yacht designer Laura Pomponi has updated and upgraded the Nero’s look, introducing a range of new handmade carpets, along with hardwood floors, new sofas and elegant art-works. Pomponi has also lent her hand to Nero’s distinctive 30-foot Corsair custom-built tender that has been refitted so guests can arrive in impeccable style.
The secret agent
As its name suggests, the 236-foot Casino Royale brings a large dose of Bond-like elegance and intrigue to West Palm Beach. Constructed by Italian master shipbuilder Tankoa in 2018 and given a top-to-bottom retrofit in 2022, Casino Royale includes six cabins for 12 passengers and has been awarded a slew of industry accolades for its innovative and forward-thinking technology and aesthetic. Nearly two dozen crewmembers tend to those lucky voyagers, which luxuriate in an on-board circular swimming pool and access the ship via a helicopter port.
The yacht’s primary suite is nothing if not grand, featuring 180-degree views from its king-size bed along with its own study and al fresco terrace with private sunbed and Jacuzzi. There are five additional guest suites — all with their own private baths. Just beyond is an open-air living layout complete with a range of bespoke contemporary furnishings across the boat’s nearly half-dozen passenger decks.
Outside the amenities are just as abundant and include an onboard beach club with a lounge, bar, sauna, terrace and hammam/shower. All are ideal locations to rest and recharge after a workout in the yacht’s wellness center. On the main deck, there’s a nearly 20-foot-long infinity pool, while that helipad can easily convert into a dance floor.
The love boat
Completely futuristic and totally cool, the 180-foot-long Come Together is the ultimate example of stealth wealth on the high seas. Completed just two years ago by the Dutch firm Amels and currently on the market for a cool $65 million, Come Together features an unmistakable architecturally styled exterior reminiscent of a city-center skyscraper.
The boat can house up to 14 guests and 13 crew members within its unmissable steel hull and an aluminum-clad super structure — all cruising at a top speed of 15.5 knots.
The boat’s expansive master suite is set within its main deck and features sprawling storage space, a dressing room as well as his and hers bathrooms. There are an additional VIP cabin, two double cabins and two further cabins that can operate as twins or doubles. Up top, there’s a fully equipped gym and Jacuzzi — while a set of Jet Skis, water skis and hover-like Seabob watercraft keep the fun going just off deck. Come Together’s unique underwater lighting system also delivers a strong dose of excitement come nighttime and is the perfect way to enjoy an after-hours swim.
Want more? Then don’t forget about the on-board wakeboards, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment. And, when the moment strikes to head from the boat to land, travel could not be easier thanks to an easy-access 30-foot Limo Tender.
The cordial cruiser
The aptly named Hospitality ticks off the right boxes when it comes to superyacht bells and whistles. This twin-engine beauty can house up to 16 passengers along with 11 crew at a maximum cruising speed of 24 knots. Built back in 2011 by Westport Yachts here in the US, Hospitality — which is currently on the market for just under $30 million — underwent a comprehensive retrofit in 2021.
Along with all of the requisite yachting toys — Jet Skis, Seabobs and paddleboards — Hospitality includes a grand private owner’s suite with its own private relaxation balcony, seven cabins along with a relaxation room that can be used as a gym or spa and meticulously designed public spaces across is handful of decks. There’s also a handy tender for quick — or, not so quick — jaunts to the shore for dining and shopping.
Hospitality mostly cruises the Caribbean to New England, making the most of Northern Hemisphere winters.
