For the most part, reflections on the US superyacht market in recent years have largely focused on the steady decline of its new build sector, counterbalanced by the optimism generated by the knowledge that US citizens continue to represent the superyacht industry’s abundant source of clients.

Yet such discussions fail to acknowledge the resilience of the US refit market, or indeed, the continued strength of the US’ manufacturing, equipment and maritime technology sectors. The US market still has much to offer the superyacht industry, and this is never more apparent than at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS).

Indeed, a recent economic study, commissioned by Show Management and conducted by Thomas J. Murray & Associates, in conjunction with the University of Florida, estimates that FLIBS contributes around $857.3 million to the Floridian economy.

To assume then, that a defunct new build sector is the be all and end all of the US superyacht market, is grossly misrepresentative of the truth. In fact, the US brokerage market is relatively strong and, more than any other show, FLIBS continues to be the superyacht industries shop window in the US.

FLIBS has long been a stalwart of The Superyacht Group’s event calendar, and 2016 will prove to be no different. With a number of exciting new group announcements to introduce to, and help support, the US market, we will once again be making the most of the opportunity to engage with the best and brightest of our US neighbours.

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