Time for a bigger boat? Check out what the Palm Beach International Boat Show has to offer
Whether you're the son of a son of a sailor or even just love that song and want to know more, the granddaddy of all boating events is happening this weekend along the West Palm Beach waterfront.
That's right, the Palm Beach International Boat Show is back for four glorious days along Flagler Drive.
This will be the 42nd annual event, and organizers promise it will be bigger and better than ever.
There will be $1.2 billion worth of Bond-worthy super yachts, cruisers, sportfishing boats, center consoles and even inflatables to see and tour, along with attractions and activities highlighting the latest in boat engines, motors and accessories. There will also be the latest fishing gear and even fishing seminars.
Yes, it's a big event, but don't be intimidated. In fact, here are seven fun facts about the show:
How many boats can the Palm Beach boat show boast?
There will be more than 800 boats on display along the floating docks in the Intracoastal Waterway.
What is the biggest boat at the Palm Beach International Boat Show?
With a length of 236 feet (and 38 feet wide), Casino Royale takes the title for largest boat this year. This gorgeous yacht, designed for her exterior lines by Francesco Paszkowski with interior by Paszkowski’s interior lead designer Margherita Casprini, is also one of the most technically advanced yachts in her category. Casino Royale is powered by twin Caterpillar 3516B main engines and has an impressive top speed of 17.5 knots. You can put your checkbooks away for this one, however, as she is only on display and not for sale.
More: Best downtown West Palm Beach restaurants to try during Palm Beach International Boat Show
This boat is the boat show's most epensive
Built in 2022 and 196-feet long, Come Together is listed for $59,950,000. This expedition yacht was delivered by the Dutch shipyard Amels and features interior styling by British designer Winch Design. It can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests in six cabins along with 14 crew members.
Are spectators allowed to go on the boats?
To go onboard the yachts and superyachts, visitors must make an appointment with the brokers. For the smaller boats, however, spectators can come onboard if they are interested in buying.
What is the smallest boat?
The smallest boat being displayed on the water is a runabout boat that is 22-feet-6-inches long, and 5-feet-11 wide. It is manufactured by Hermes.
Eating inside the boat show
The show will have dozens of food concessions featuring almost anything you could be craving, from Greek gyros to woodfired picanha, authentic street tacos and hand-crafted burgers. On a seafood diet? Enjoy fresh stone crab claws, calamari, oysters, and much more! Vegetarian, vegan, and/or gluten-free? No problem; they have options for you as well.
And libations at the boat show?
Of course there will be drinks. To be precise, there will be four bars for general admission guests, including two floating cocktail barges: the Goslings Island Bar and the Anheuser-Busch Barge. In addition there will be multiple bars in the Windward VIP Club.
If you go: Palm Beach International Boat Show
Where: Downtown West Palm Beach along Flagler Drive from Banyan Boulevard south to Lakeview Avenue
When: noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 21; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 24
Cost: Adult one-day tickets $33, adult two-day tickets $60; child (ages 6 to 15) one-day tickets $17.
Information: pbboatshow.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: 7 things to know before heading out to the International Boat Show
