The largest in water boat show ready to open its doors, welcome to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2012

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Whether you are traveling to Fort Lauderdale on vacation or already live in the “Venice of America,” the 53rd annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® is a must-see event for everyone who enjoys anything marine related. From Oct. 25 through Oct. 29, the City of Fort Lauderdale welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors to the largest in-water boat show in the world. Featuring more than $3 billion worth of boats and marine products, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is known for its astounding number of luxurious super yachts, which attract yachting enthusiasts from around the world.But the show offers something for everyone who loves the water, and even those not in the market to buy a boat can find an array of fun-filled activities. We at WSB check out this year’s show.

For laid-back fun and relaxation, the show provides live musical entertainment on floating cocktail barges and the International Food Garden, where some people linger all day and enjoy the friendly boating atmosphere. For those in the mood for learning, entry to the boat show includes complimentary marine seminars covering a wide variety of topics, from free diving, lobstering and sport fishing to survival dynamics and first aid at sea. Even kids can get in on the fun at youth fishing clinics presented by Hook The Future, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children.

Anyone who loves life on the water can stroll the docks at five outdoor locations, as well as the Convention Center, which together present an amazing variety of beautiful boats ranging in size from 20 feet to almost 300 feet in length. In addition to over-the-top mega-yachts and recreational boats of all sizes, there’s an eye-popping display of exotic cars. If a new boat or car isn’t in your budget, the boat show is a total shopping experience with nautical clothing, jewelry, art, accessories and everything marine.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show encompasses 3 million square feet of space on land and in water over six sites. Its transportation network of shuttles, water taxis and riverboats ensures show goers can easily navigate the “Venice of America” and its expansive waterways system. Purchasing an all-day Transportation Show Pass provides unlimited one-day usage of the show’s water taxis, a great way to see Fort Lauderdale by water while enjoying boat show tales shared by the boats’ captains. Free riverboats are also available, providing a fun, affordable adventure for the whole family.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show takes place at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the Hall of Fame Marina, the Las Olas Municipal Marina, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, the Broward County Convention Center and the Sails Marina, all minutes away from Fort Lauderdale’s renowned “Blue Wave” beaches and rows of restaurants, shops and attractions.

To purchase tickets to the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, visit ShowManagement.com. To make travel arrangements, contact the boat show’s official travel partner, BoatShowHotels.com, at (866) 877-3083, or visit BoatShowHotels.com.

What’s on show in the Boats over 80 Foot

Whats on show in the Boats under 80 foot

WHEN: Oct. 25 through Oct. 29, 2012

• Thursday, Oct. 25 (Prime Time Preview) 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 26 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 27 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

• Sunday, Oct. 28 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

• Monday, Oct. 29 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

PRICES:

• Prime Time Preview $36; $34 online

• 2-Day $38; $36 online

• General Admission $20; $18 online

• Child (6-15) $5; $3 online

• Children under 6 FREE

ABOUT THE FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW®:

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® is owned and sponsored by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, managed and produced by Show Management and sponsored by Gosling’s Rum, Wavejet, Budweiser, Alexseal, BoatQuest.com, Seakeeper, Palm Harbor Marina, Smallwood’s, XMWX Satellite Weather and Yachts Magazine. “Like” the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on Facebook at facebook.com/fortlauderdaleboatshow, follow the show on Twitter at twitter.com/boatshowupdates, and tune into Boat Show TV at youtube.com/showmanagement. For more information, call (954) 764-7642 or (800) 940-7642, or visit ShowManagement.com.

Boat show visitor views at the ILBC www.worldsportsboats.ning.com