November 2025 Newsletter

November 2025 Newsletter

Diane M. Byrne, editor

FLIBS’ Future: Fewer Superyachts?

The recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) was a tale of two superyacht cities.

First, multiple superyacht builders skipped stands, in favor of walking the show, renting Pier Sixty-Six suites, or using their nearby offices. A few skipped the show entirely. The six-year-old Superyacht Village, purpose-made for multiple private stands, was practically deserted. Privately, some builders shared that disappointing 2024 show results drove their decision. They also don’t intend to display in 2026, prioritizing the Palm Beach and Monaco shows instead.

Yet, builders and brokers with projects in the 80- to 120-foot range had strong sales. Some are extra confident that conversations started at FLIBS will conclude with contracts.

FLIBS appears to be turning into a small-superyacht show – and a smaller superyacht show. If you attended, what’s your opinion? Email me your thoughts.

Superyacht Selections: Tuuci Meritage Dining Table

Nautically inspired outdoor shading (think parasols) and furniture are specialties of Tuuci, so it comes as no surprise that yacht owners often select their customizable creations. Tuuci’s new Meritage Dining Table is as beautiful as it is practical.

First revealed at the Monaco Yacht Show in September, the Meritage Dining Table can accommodate four to 12 people, depending on your needs. The tabletop is porcelain, available in multiple shades that lend an elegant look while resisting scratches, impacts, and stains. A variety of perimeter trims are available, too, in Tuuci’s Aluma-TEAK finishes, which combine the strength of aluminum with the look of wood.

Pricing varies depending on your customization choices – which you can configure directly on Tuuci’s website. Pair your choices with Tuuci’s new Canyon Crue seating (also shown), conveniently customizable on the website as well, and you’re good to go.

Tuuci

People in Superyachting: Rob Ceravolo

PHOTO: Tropic Ocean Airways/Facebook

Sixteen years ago, Rob Ceravolo founded Tropic Ocean Airways. In fact, he started the amphibious airline company in his garage. It has become the largest firm of its kind in the world, well-known among yacht owners, guests, and industry professionals seeking reliable, door-to-yacht trips to the Bahamas and around South Florida.

Although Ceravolo recently retired, he’s remaining on the board of directors and as a strategic advisor. He also just received the Captain Mark Drewelow Award (above) from the U.S. Superyacht Association. Named in honor of the late founder of YachtAid Global, the award recognizes a person or company making a difference through humanitarian means and inspiring others to “do good, be good,” as Drewelow always said. Tropic Ocean Airways has operated more than 100 medical evacuations from remote regions. Additionally, Ceravolo and his team worked for more than two straight weeks delivering critical aid to the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian struck in 2019. Ceravolo further pitched in before and after Hurricane Melissa hit the islands last month.

Tropic Ocean Airways

Superyacht Snippets

Sanlorenzo celebrated the grand opening of its new U.S. headquarters during FLIBS. The offices are a suite at the new Pier Sixty-Six residences and overlook the marina, making the setting more attractive and convenient for client meetings. … A little farther down the waterway, Sunreef Yachts inaugurated its new U.S. office the same week. Situated at Las Olas Marina, it’s headed by the new U.S. managing director, Philip Bell. Bell previously represented Silent Yachts, served as a yacht broker, and worked as a yacht engineer. …Suiting its fifth anniversary, Falcon Tenders is delivering its fifth custom tender of the year (above) around the time you’re reading this. The tender is a 29-footer (9-meter) for the 236-footer (72-meter) that the late Giorgio Armani designed with The Italian Sea Group. She’s just as luxurious as her mothership. …Hull number one of the 171-foot (52-meter) Mangusta Oceano 52 series has sold, to a South American client. A major draw for him was the upper-deck master suite, which sits forward and opens to a private deck area with an infinity pool. Delivery will be in 2027.