"Catamaran Cove" at Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

With the goal of developing the largest catamaran show in the world, organisers of the 56th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) have announced the addition of Catamaran Cove.   

Located at the Pier 66 show location, the dedicated catamaran section will feature both power and sail catamarans. There will be approximately 20 catamarans on display ranging in size from 35 to 95 feet from manufacturers including Gemini, Horizon and Gunboat.

"This segment of the market has very dedicated enthusiasts and this new 'show within a show' will be a fun and convenient place for them to experience a big selection of both new and pre-owned, power and sail cats, all in one place," said Brett Keating, VP of consumer marketing for Show Management, the company that has produced FLIBS since 1976.

The recently renovated Pier 66 Marina is well equipped to accommodate Catamaran Cove. It features multiple restaurants on location, including Grill 66 & Bar and Pelican Landing; a Water Taxi pick-up and drop-off dock; valet parking at the Hyatt Pier 66 hotel; and nearby self-parking at the Sails Marina, located directly across the street. The location also allows brokers to schedule daily sea trials for serious buyers.

"Catamarans are one of the fastest growing segments of the industry, both power and sail," said  Staley Weidman, CEO of The Catamaran Company, which will have many boats on display in the new section of the show. "Every major catamaran dealer and brokerage firm has an office in Fort Lauderdale, so of course we would host the largest catamaran show here."

Set to take place in the "Yachting Capital of the World" from Nov. 5 to 9, FLIBS is the world's largest in-water boat show, covering seven locations with nearly 1,500 boats displayed across more than 3 million square feet of exhibit space.

FLIBS draws more than 1,000 exhibitors from more than 30 countries who display an amazing array of boats, marine products and accessories, from astonishing super-yachts, fishing boats, runabouts and boats for every budget, to fishing gear, marine art, jewelry and more, all valued at more than $4 billion.

The show's convenient network of parking, ground transportation, water taxis and riverboats transports visitors to seven show sites: the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel & Yachting Center, the Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Sails Marina, Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Marina and the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.