FLIBS 2026: Largest charter yachts set to make their show debuts

Recognized as the largest in-water boat show in the world, the five-day event provides an opportunity to explore yachts from across the market, including several substantial superyachts available for charter. 

The 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show spans six show locations across Fort Lauderdale, including the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Pier Sixty-Six Marina, and Superyacht Village.

The dedicated Superyacht Village showcases some of the largest USA yacht charters at the show, while the wider event brings together brokerage yachts, new builds, tenders, marine equipment, and other aspects of the yachting industry. Visitors can move between the venues using the event's transportation network. 

At 149.7ft (45.6m), charter yacht SCINTILLA MARIS is the largest luxury yacht charter scheduled to make her debut at this year's show, and she has a particularly distinctive history.

Originally built as a fishing trawler, she was converted into an expedition yacht by Damen Maaskant in 2023, with interiors by Dutch design studio Vripack.

Her full-beam master cabin, intimate beach club, and reported range of 9,000 nautical miles make her suited to extended itineraries, while the onboard equipment includes kayaks, paddleboards, a pair of foilboards, windsurfing equipment, and fishing gear. Rather than focusing solely on speed or social spaces, SCINTILLA MARIS offers an expedition yacht charter platform for guests looking to combine comfortable accommodation with time exploring remote cruising grounds. 

Built by Bering Yachts in 2023, HEEUS brings an expedition-yacht layout to the yacht rental market, accommodating up to 12 guests across six cabins. Her full-beam master suite is complemented by a configuration that includes a VIP cabin and two triple cabins, offering flexibility for larger family groups.

A beach club provides access to the water, while a sauna adds a wellness feature for guests returning from time outdoors. With a range of 5,000 nautical miles, luxury yacht charter HEEUS is designed for longer passages, and her combination of guest capacity, expedition credentials, and onboard comfort distinguishes her from the faster, more day-oriented yachts in the lineup. 

The 131.3ft (40m) charter yacht BEACHOUSE, built by Mangusta in 2009 and last refitted in 2024, takes a more performance-focused approach. Her open-yacht profile and emphasis on outdoor living create a setting for guests who want to spend much of their charter enjoying the sunshine, with multiple alfresco dining options, sunpads and social areas across the decks.

She accommodates up to 10 guests in four cabins and combines high-performance cruising with a selection of tenders and water toys. This mix of speed and outdoor space makes BEACHOUSE a different proposition from the expedition yachts in the FLIBS lineup, with a layout geared toward enjoying the journey between charter destinations as much as time at anchor. 

Launched by Cantiere delle Marche in 2023, STELLAMAR pairs expedition-yacht capability with interiors by Francesco Paszkowski Design. She accommodates up to 12 guests in five cabins, including a master suite with a dressing room, separate his-and-hers en suites, and a study. Two VIP cabins offer additional flexibility for groups traveling together, while her 5,500-nautical-mile range supports North America yacht charters that extend beyond the usual coastal circuit.

Charter yacht STELLAMAR has also received industry recognition, winning in the displacement motor yachts category at the 2024 World Superyacht Awards. For charter guests, her appeal lies in the combination of considered private accommodation, long-range cruising capability and a layout suited to spending extended periods on board.

At 112ft (34.14m), yacht rental UNWINED offers a more intimate charter setting, accommodating up to eight guests in four cabins. Built by Westport Yachts and last refitted in 2023, she features interiors by Pacific Custom Interiors and a deck Jacuzzi for relaxing at anchor. Her shallow draft is a practical advantage when exploring shallow bays and reef areas around Florida and the nearby Bahamas, while twin MTU engines deliver a reported top speed of 26 knots.

Two Yamaha WaveRunners, paddleboards, waterskis and towable toys provide options for active days on the water, and a 17ft (5.18m) AB Inflatables RIB supports transfers ashore.

Private yacht charter PENJA rounds out the selection of the largest FLIBS debuts for 2026 with a contemporary motor-yacht layout by Azimut, featuring interiors by Salvagni Architetti. She accommodates up to 10 guests in five cabins, including a full-beam master suite.

Her beach club brings charter guests closer to the water, while a flybridge, exterior bar, deck Jacuzzi, and barbecue provide several settings for socializing outdoors. For activities away from the yacht, the toy collection includes a WaveRunner, two Seabobs, paddleboards, an e-foil, a wakeboard and a floating pool. With a cruising speed of 21 knots, motor yacht charter PENJA combines contemporary design with a range of facilities suited to guests who want a balance of relaxation and water-based activities. 

FLIBS and other yacht shows are great for seeing some of the most opulent charters while static, but nothing beats experiencing them out at sea surrounded by idyllic coastlines and palm trees. The Caribbean yacht charter season is imminent, so now is the ideal time to secure your preferred yacht, dates, and destinations for a winter to remember.

Speak to a yacht charter broker today.