In a special edition, two of the world’s most exciting boating events have joined forces this year to present the largest boat and yacht event in the world. The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show will host a plethora of vassals, from kayaks to superyachts and the last aquatic innovations. The event will happen from 16 February to 20 February 2022.
As this year’s edition is a special one, the show has expanded its venues across Downtown and Miami beach. For boats measuring up to 15 metres, the Miami Beach Convention Centre will be the place to visit. Those looking to catch a glimpse of superyachts, an enclave can be found at the IGY Yacht Haven Grande at Island Garden. For catamaran aficionados, the place to be will be the Museum Park Marina.
Other on-water venues include: Sea Isle Marina and One Herald Plaza, where sea trial opportunities, tenders and motorboats will be hosted.
For the on-land activities, these will be held at the newly reimagined Pride Park. Guests can attend education seminars, try out innovation cuisines and discover collection of experiential boating lifestyle activations.
With so many brands clamouring to showcase their latest masterpieces, it can get quite overwhelming for the senses so we have shortlisted a list of the top eight boats to keep a look out for when visiting the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show.
Sunseeker Predator 65
The Sunseeker Predator 65 was supposed to have its world premiere last month at the Boot Düsseldorf but the event was cancelled. Instead, the model will have its world premiere during the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. The 65-feet long yacht sports an aerodynamic exterior featuring tinted glazing, teak, carbon fibre, and polish stainless steel. Two types of engines are available: Volvo IPS-1200 or IPS-1350, the latter can hit a top-speed of 35 knots.
Its extra-wide tender garage also allows a William Sportjet 345 tender to be carried and launched by a diagonal sliding hydraulic bathing platform. A total of six guests can be accommodated in the three cabins on board the yacht and all of it are en-suite with a bathroom.
Prestige X60
Measuring 61-feet, the Prestige X60 has a similar stern to the X70 and features a drop-down sofa fitted at its long swim platform. In like manner as the bigger X70, the X60’s cockpits are covered and owners can opt for either an island sunpad or a dining table. The new model has a passageway to port and the saloon can be opened on both sides — sliding doors are located on the aft and aft port side respectively.
On the inside, there are facing sofas and starboard stairs to the master suite, while forward is an open, full-beam galley, the helm to starboard, stairs to the guest cabins and a raised L-shaped sofa in the port corner. The flybridge is a space for either sun loungers or an island sunpad, it also sports a central dining table and a wet bar. Overall, the X60 is 30 per cent larger than the traditional 60-footer and can hit a cruising speed of 20-21 knots.
Leopard 53 Powercat
Fourth-generation Leopard 53 Powercat is an evolution from the brand’s renowned 51 Powercat. The new model has been redesigned to harness the smart and economical advantages of a catamaran, resulting it to be 50 per cent more fuel-efficient than the other monohull motoryachts.
Design highlights for the 53 Powercat include the hardtop flybridge, which has a helm station to starboard and huge seating areas for entertainment. The owner can stand to enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings too. Either a three or four-cabin layout is available along with an option of separate crew cabins. The 53 Powercat can hit a top speed of 25 knots.
Aquila 28 Molokai
As part of the Offshore line from the brand, the Aquila 28 Molokai is the smallest of the catamarans built by Aquila. The range complements the Sports range as well as the flagship Yacht series from the brand. Taking inspiration from native Hawaiian watercrafts, which have been designed to fit the rigours of island hopping, the Aquila 28 Molokai is the ideal vessel for enthusiasts to enjoy a robust, efficient, safe and comfortable boating experience.
Absolute 60 Fly
After its world premiere during the Cannes Yachting Festival, the Absolute 60 Fly is again making its appearance during the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show this year. One of the highlights of this boat is the option for solar panels to be installed on the hardtop of the yacht. These panels can generate up to 1.5kW of energy, which is sufficient to power the yacht’s fridge, water heater, entertainment system. Energy consumption can be tracked via the Garmin monitor screens.
The brand is known for its volume-maximising lines and the 60 Fly is no different. Its beach platform is over 2m long and 5m wide, which is a large enough space for guests to sunbath on lounge chairs and a launching platform for tenders and toys.
Beneteau Grand Trawler 62
The brand’s new flagship, the Grand Trawler 62, is designed for long cruises over 1,000nm. This is the culmination of more than two decades of development since the launch of the Swift Trawler line in 2003. The new Grand Trawler 62 stands at 62-feet, which is a huge leap in size compared to the other trawler style models from the brand.
Apart from the range of the Grand Trawler 62, its storage has also been redesigned so as to accommodate longer periods onboard. The yacht also has a prime outdoor flybridge of area standing at 365-sqft, one of the largest in its class and accessible from either the starboard side of the cockpit or internally from behind the helm.
Jeanneau Yachts 60
Two variations of the Jeanneau Yachts 60 had its world premiere at Cannes Yachting Festival last year: the Classic and Cruiser models. The former is more race-oriented and features a retractable good and helm bimini. It is more streamlined and the cockpit is open to the rear without an aft bench or outdoor gallery.
The Cruiser model sports a hardtop equipped with a canvas sunroof which can be controlled electronically. The arch and hood are fitted with Lexan, which enables fantastic forward visibility as through a clear glass have been installed.
Pershing 6X
The new model is expected to hit a top speed of 48 knots and a cruising speed of 42, and it is powered by a pair of 1,550mhp MAN V12 engines. The Pershing 6X is also the second-smallest model from the Generation X range, measuring at 62-feet. Its exterior features large, glazed surfaces in the hull that allows natural light to hit the lower deck.
New features include the styling of the big aft sunpad, the carbon and teak table in the cockpit, the chaise longue with reclining backrest positioned forward, and rectangular portholes that look like windows. The helm station is perhaps the standout area of the yacht and features a dashboard with two 19-inch monitors, carbon-fibre control panels and an electro-hydraulic steering system, all set under a large, opening sunroof.
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