This year’s Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) was more than a display of glitz and horsepower — it was a confident nod to the strength of the U.S. yacht market. As America’s share of the global yacht industry continues to grow, so too does this Palm Beach (Florida)-based event, which, for the first time, expanded to a five-day program from March 19 to 23, 2025 (up from the usual four).
With a record-setting 600 exhibitors, PBIBS 2025 marked a new milestone. The show spanned the entirety of Palm Harbor Marina and extended into Rybovich Superyacht Marina, underscoring its growing footprint and significance.
Dynamic panel discussions reinforced the show’s reputation as an essential business hub for the marine sector. Initially a hallmark of the Monaco Yacht Show, these industry-led panels have now firmly landed stateside — thanks, in part, to Informa, which organizes both events. The conversations not only elevated the show’s tone but also ensured the “right people” were present — ready to talk trends, innovation, and yachting.
Something You Can’t Yet Experience — But Matters Immensely
PBIBS 2025 featured more new yacht unveilings and project previews than ever before, including several U.S. debuts, and some global firsts.
- Benetti introduced fresh renderings of the 85-meter Project Life, featuring exterior design by Espen Øino, interiors by Zuretti, and technical input from Burgess.
- Damen Yachting revealed the interior designs for Amels 6008, 6009, and 6010 — three new models in the Amels 60 series, each designed by a different studio.
- In sailing, Nautor Swan and Edmiston announced a new over-40-meter aluminum yacht line, with the debut 42-meter model penned by Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design.
- Sunreef Yachts shared a refreshed take on their popular 80-foot sailing catamaran, unveiling renderings of the NEXT Sunreef 80.
- Marlow Yachts previewed the Avalon 65, a refined cruiser with an innovative tender garage that transforms into a beach club.
Star Premieres of 2025
Among the yachts that graced the docks of Palm Beach this year, the following new builds stole the spotlight:
- Daybreak | Baglietto, 52m (2024)
A striking new entry in the T52 series with Francesco Paszkowski’s bold exterior and Studio Vafiadis’ sleek interior. A 24-meter sundeck and cascading beach club earned it nonstop attention. - Diamond Binta | Tankoa, 58.5m (2024)
Commissioned by a repeat client, this full-custom yacht boasts a glass-lined engine room foyer connecting the staterooms to the beach club. The galley reflects the owner's love of cooking, with thoughtful details that make it as much a social space as a working one. - King Benji | Dunya Yachts, 46.7m (2024)
A compact explorer with heavyweight features, including a cold plunge pool, a crow’s nest, and a nature-inspired master suite designed for adventure in comfort - Miss Michelle | Horizon, 37.2m (2024)
A personalized RP122 model featuring a tri-opening beach club and a show-stopping custom dining table with intricate wood inlays — a showcase of Horizon’s bespoke craftsmanship. - Reduce | SilverYachts, 35.9m (2024)
With her 13-meter beam and sub-500 GT eco-focused design, Reduce offers the volume and comfort of a penthouse while remaining highly seaworthy and efficient. - Priceless | Westport, 35.78m (2025)
The premiere of Westport’s all-new W117 series, a bold evolution from the long-successful 112. Capable of 20-knot cruising speeds, it sets a couple of benchmarks for flybridge yachts of this size. - Fox | Pendennis, 34.86m (2024)
A true “pocket explorer”, Fox delivers serious off-grid capabilities with an expansive aft deck for tenders and toys, two full-beam master suites, and a sharp, elegant interior. - Grand Banks 62 | Grand Banks, 18.9m (2024)
A lightweight yet strong long-range cruiser with a top speed of 30 knots and a 2,000 nautical mile range. Her signature Grand Banks styling, low fuel burn, and clever deck layout — especially the open, welcoming stern — make her one of the most exciting boats in her class.
The Brokerage Beat
The brokerage fleet also made its mark. Notable listings included the 85-meter Bold (2019) by Silver Yachts and Gran Finale (2002) by Delta Marine — both turning heads with their pedigree and presence.
PBIBS Is No Longer Just Florida’s Finest
PBIBS 2025 clearly demonstrated that American yacht buyers are now a driving force on the global stage — and builders are paying attention. Increasingly, shipyards are using Palm Beach as a launchpad for high-profile debuts and strategic announcements, signaling a shift in the show’s international standing.
