The Yacht & Brokerage Show, an extraordinary showcase under the sun

Each year Miami becomes home to all things boating with two important shows running concurrently, the Miami International Boat Show, owned and operated by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, and the Yacht & Brokerage Show, owned by the Florida Yacht Brokers Association and operated by Show Management. What this means to visitors is that most of the waterfront and marinas around Miami and Miami Beach fill up with a wide array of craft of all sizes and types. The shows take place February 16 to 20, 2012

WHAT TO EXPECT THIS YEAR?
For more than 20 years, the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show has featured both new boats and a large section of brokerage yachts, providing an extraordinary showcase stretching for 1.5 mile along the scenic Indian Creek Waterway. The show features great diversity, from center consoles to fishing boats to megayachts new and pre-owned from American and international builders. In order to help visitors navigate this 500-boat display, organizers have launched a handy application for smart phones. MyBoatShow, available from the Apple and Android stores, is free and easy to use, and likely will save you a few precious steps as you search for a specific exhibitor or boat.

In addition, the Yacht & Brokerage Show now includes Trawler Island, a whole new section dedicated to long-distance cruisers (read more here).This year again will see the boat show debut of several models, and the Yacht & Brokerage Show may see its largest yacht to date.

BENETTI DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
As we went to press, Azimut-Benetti was committed to displaying on Miami Beach one of its most recent custom yachts—the 180-foot (61-meter) Benetti Diamonds Are Forever. Built and launched at Benetti’s Livorno shipyard in Tuscany, Diamonds Are Forever is yacht- and James Bond-enthusiast John Staluppi’s newest acquisition. With styling and naval architecture by Benetti, the transatlantic yacht features an extra private and panoramic deck above the flybridge and top-notch equipment, including a Schottel Pump-Jet propulsion system and dynamic positioning. Top speed is 16 knots and cruising speed is about 15. At 12 knots, the yacht has a range of 4,800 nautical miles. An elevator services all decks, and the spacious interior, with an Evan K. Marshall décor, comprises six suites, including two panoramic master suites. The expansive outer decks have room for a touch-and-go helipad.
LOCATION: YACHT & BROKERAGE SHOW, RAMP 30

SANLORENZO SL94
This newly designed flybridge from Sanlorenzo, built in composite at the shipyard’s Ameglia facility near La Spezia, already generated a flurry of appreciative reviews. Restrained in its styling, it is elegant and timeless. Designer Francesco Paszkowski worked with Sanlorenzo on finding a balance among large windows for optimal views, a large hardtop for shade and dynamic lines suitable for this speedy flybridge yacht. Custom features abound. Owners can, for instance, choose the layout of the spacious flybridge. Nice, especially for a yacht this size, is the large garage, able to accommodate a tender of up to 14.7 feet (4.5 meters) with its built-in launch mechanism. The main deck is spacious enough for a large salon totally independent of the dining room and the galley. A classic accommodations layout positions a generous owner’s suite amidships and a VIP cabin forward. Various engine options are available, including twin 1,890-hp CAT C32 ACERTs that ensure a top speed of 27 knots and a 25-knot cruising speed, or two 2,100-hp MTU 16V engines for a top speed of 29 knots.
LOCATION: YACHT & BROKERAGE SHOW, RAMP 26

MONTE CARLO YACHTS 76
We first saw this refreshingly innovative flybridge yacht in Cannes in 2010, where Monte Carlo Yachts made its world debut with the first MCY 76, Georgia. It followed suit in 2011 with a smaller model, the
MCY 65. This recently established brand, styled and built in Italy, belongs to a large French group with deep roots in the US market—Groupe Beneteau. Indeed, as whole, this boating giant will make a big show in Miami. But Monte Carlo Yachts has its own distinctive personality within the multifaceted group as a luxury yacht brand. At the helm of Monte Carlo Yachts is former Azimut-Benetti executive Carla Demaria whose development plans called for a US debut in 2011/2012. The yacht slated to appear in Miami features a different layout and includes an ondeck galley (instead of the galley down below seen on European models). Nuvolari-Lenard created the distinctive styling of this 75-foot 7-inch (23-meter) yacht, emphasized by a novel color scheme. The yacht is speedy, with a top speed of 32 knots and a cruising speed of 27 knots (the hull, built in composite, was tank tested by Seaway). The foredeck is one of the yacht’s attractive features with a complete salon/dining area.
LOCATION: YACHT & BROKERAGE SHOW, RAMP 36

70 SUNREEF POWER DAMRAK II
This is the latest iteration of Polish catamaran builder Sunreef’s popular 70-foot power cat, launched in 2008. Inspired by French sailor Laurent Bourgnon, who built his own to cruise the world with his family, the 70 Sunreef Power cat has proved a nice success. Launched in May 2011, Damrak II is hull No. 6 of the composite series but the first to be equipped solely with energy-efficient, long-lasting LED lights that can be dimmed for ambient lighting. The cat also carries solar panels for supplemental energy. Yet it has more bells and whistles than the original, named Jumbo, which was designed specifically for fuel-sipping economy for the owner’s planned circumnavigation. While gifted for long-distance cruising, Damrak II is well suited to its mission as a fun private and charter yacht with a Jacuzzi on the sun deck, a Jet Ski, scuba gear and a Seabob, as well as swim platforms with ladders. Inside, the yacht also has full entertainment capabilities with TV screens in all four cabins and a Bose audio sound system, plus attractive décor in Canaletto walnut wood and cream Alcantara. The owner’s cabin, with separate entrance, has a king-size bed, desk, sofa, wardrobes, private wine cellar, a spacious bathroom and, last but not least, panoramic views. The sun deck features a cocktail bar, barbecue and dining area. Its 800-hp MAN engines give it a 25-knot top speed if needed, but guests will enjoy its long-range ability at lower speeds (3,000 nautical miles at 11.5 knots and up to 10,000 nautical miles at 8 knots).
LOCATION: YACHT & BROKERAGE SHOW

PRINCESS V72
Princess Yachts first introduced this model in the United Kingdom. This, the first V72 shown in the United States, was built for a repeat customer who previously had a Princess 62 flybridge yacht. Built in composite using infusion technology at the Princess yard in the UK, the Princess V72 is a stylish and classic express yacht with a speed range of 34 to 37 knots, according to engine options and power. The main deck features an open layout with large windows and moonroof. Accommodations belowdecks include a full-beam master stateroom with large portholes and a seating area, a VIP forward and a guest cabin. Automatic doors lead out to a spacious entertainment and dining area aft. A comfortable sun pad conceals the entrance to a garage able to hold a small tender. The swim platform has a hydraulic mechanism to facilitate launch and retrieval of a second tender or Jet Ski. No two V72s are exactly the same, as Princess, represented in the United States by Viking Sport Cruisers, is willing to customize.
LOCATION: YACHT & BROKERAGE SHOW, RAMP 34

MARQUIS 630 SPORT YACHT
It’s been a little while since Marquis introduced a new model, and based on the brand’s track record, this 66-foot yacht (including swim platform) will be worth a detour. Designed by the world-renowned Nuvolari-Lenard, the new Marquis, built in composite in Wisconsin by Marquis’ experienced craftsmen, promises to have style. Wraparound windows and wing-like appendages add to the sporty nature of this flybridge yacht. A new hullform combined with twin diesel engines and pod drives offers maneuverability and performance from the integrated lower helm. The design favors easy flow with few steps, bulkheads or narrow hallways. A spacious entertainment area on the aft deck overlooks the swim platform. Overnight accommodations include three or four cabins, according to the owner’s preference. In either case, the master stateroom is a full-beam cabin with good headroom and two generous portholes. A low-profile flybridge, logically laid out with distinct areas for navigation and entertaining, comes equipped with an optional carbon fiber top for shade.
LOCATION: YACHT & BROKERAGE SHOW, RAMP 28

VIKING 66 ENCLOSED BRIDGE
Viking of New Jersey introduces the enclosed bridge version of the Viking 66 Convertible that debuted at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Both versions feature a four-stateroom layout to take along friends and family. For creature comfort, the 66 also has a fully equipped galley with granite counter, dinette and lounge area with huge TV screen. The fishing area features a large cockpit and observation mezzanine with built-in storage for everything from tackle to beer. Various power options are available. The base engine package consists of twin 1,550-hp MAN V12 diesel engines. At the top end, with maximum engine power, this sportfishing warrior can reach 40 knots.
LOCATION: YACHT & BROKERAGE SHOW, RAMP 8

24TH ANNUAL YACHT & BROKERAGE SHOW
WHERE:Along Collins Avenue, between 41st and 51st streets on Miami Beach
Admission: free
HOURS: Thursday, Feb. 16, to Sunday, Feb. 19: 10 am
to 7 pm, Monday, Feb. 20: 10 am to 6 pm

Visit showmanagement.com for a show planner and complete listing of companies and boats on display.