Palm Beach International Boat Show plans to go ahead in March

The 36^th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) takes place from Thursday 25^th March to Sunday 28^th March at Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach, directly across the Intracoastal Waterway from Palm Beach Island.

The show will feature more than $1.2 billion (c. €986 million) worth of yachts and accessories, including hundreds of boats ranging from 2.4-metre (8-foot) inflatables to superyachts nearly 91.4 metres (300 feet) in length. In addition to the large selection of boats and exhibits, the show will offer fun and educational activities, including The AquaZone, an upfront experience with a variety of water sports and innovative products, and kid’s fishing clinics by Hook the Future.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Informa Markets has worked closely with the City of West Palm Beach to enhance safety measures, updating the layout so the entire event is open-air. There will also be four entrances and exits to ease the flow of pedestrian traffic and promote social distancing. All attendees will also be required to wear masks.

“The health and safety of our staff, exhibitors, visitors, and community remains our number one priority,” said Andrew Doole, president of Informa Markets U.S. Boat Shows. “We also recognise the importance of our boat shows to the local and state economy, and the marine industry at large. We look forward to safely welcoming boating enthusiasts and marine businesses to the Palm Beach show, in a world-famous destination during the most beautiful time of year.”

PBIBS will be organised in accordance with Informa’s newly adopted AllSecure health and safety standards, as well as all official government and local authority guidance and regulations. Informa coordinated the AllSecure standards in coordination with its association partners, peers, venues, suppliers, contractors, health officials, and federal and local authorities to develop. Adopted industry-wide, the AllSecure standards raise the bar on safe, hygienic, productive, and high-quality organised event experiences.

For attendees looking to experience the show as a VIP guest, the Windward Club offers the luxuries of a premium open bar, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, happy hours, and exclusive events in a unique indoor and outdoor lounge setting. Guests will enjoy entrance to the show one hour before open and will be able to experience an exclusive sanctuary within the Palm Beach International Boat Show to relax, wine and dine, and plan the day. Centrally located inside the Lakeside Pavilion on Flagler Drive, the Windward VIP Club is open Thursday through Sunday during show hours. The Windward VIP pass cost is $250, inclusive of admission to the show.

A “show within a show,” the AquaZone, presented by Informa U.S. Boat Shows and Nautical Ventures Marine Superstore, is an exciting and engaging attraction designed to give show-goers an upfront and personal experience with a variety of water sports and innovative products. Previously held in a pop-up, 40,000-gallon fresh water pool, the AquaZone’s new open-area location on the Intracoastal Waterway will allow product demonstrations to reach higher speeds and go for longer distances. Located on the south end of the show, it will feature in-water demos, hands-on testing, contests and prizes on all show days during show hours. The area also will serve as a one-stop learning centre for water sports and product information.

For aspiring anglers ages four to 16, the Kids’ Fishing Clinics offer instruction in basic fishing techniques. Presented by Hook the Future, the Kids’ Fishing Clinics offer interactive instruction in selecting tackle and lures, casting a rod and reel, reeling in a fish and fishing ethics. Upon completion of all learning stations, participants are eligible to win special prizes. Hosted by captain Don Dingman, the clinics take place in the Meyer Amphitheater field between Datura and Evernia Streets inside the show grounds.

They will be held Saturday 27^th March at 12:00 and 14:00, and Sunday 28^th March at 13:00 and 15:00. Reservations are not required and participation is free with show admission. Face coverings must be worn at all times and social distancing will be strongly enforced.

Other attractions include live music and refreshments at the show's famous floating cocktail lounges. Guests are invited to come by boat and may tie up to free docks located south of the in-water boat displays.

General admission tickets are $28 for adults and $15 for children from 6 to 15 years old. Children under 6 are free. An adult, two-day ticket is $52. The VIP Experience, which includes access to the show and VIP Lounge, is $250. Guests must be 21 or older to access the lounge.

The show runs from 12:00 to 19:00 on Thursday 25^th March, from 10:00 to 19:00 on Friday 26^th March and Saturday 27^th March, and from 10:00 to 18:00 on Sunday 28^th March.

Social media fans can connect with the show on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, and tag the show with #PBIBS2021 to join the conversation online.

For more information, visit Palm Beach International Boat Show. For more news and yachting tips, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.