The world’s largest boat show is on the way and it couldn’t get here soon enough. In the latest edition of Haute Living Miami, we not only wish a happy golden anniversary to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, but we also explore the reasons why it is one of the greatest shows on earth.

For 50 years, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show has been wowing the crowds who descend on the South Florida city each year. This year’s event, taking place from October 29 through November 2, is expected to be a big boost for the yachting industry.

As Dickie Bannenberg of Bannenberg & Rowell explained, “Nothing matches Fort Lauderdale in scale and the ability to buy a bucket of bait and then a $70 million dollar yacht. The chances are also pretty high that the guy buying both will be dressed in a pair of shorts and a Polo shirt. It demonstrates the sheer scale of the American market and also proves how this show is refreshingly free of the airs and graces that sometimes come with the European shows.”

The queen of this year’s show is the 214’ Trident from Feadship, which will premier to the American audience at this year’s show. Also on display for the first time will be the 161’ motoryacht from Trinity, Blind Date, with interiors from Patrick Knowles Designs (PKD), whose work has been profiled in previous editions of Haute Living. David V. Johnson, who is currently developing the only luxury mega-yacht marina in the British Virgin Island, North Sound Yacht Club, will be showing his megayacht, The Resolute. And building quite a bit of buzz is an auction from The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals. If the 121-foot custom motoryacht JAVA is not sold prior to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, she will be auctioned off at her dock in the Las Olas Marina.

Read all about the show’s glorious history, as well as this year’s happenings, with insights from execs at world renowned brands like Riva, Feadship, and producers at Show Management.