FLIBS Get Ready · Batch 1 · Countdown
Sally’s spicier dockside preview — first 10 companies to know (Batch 1)
Hero still: stills/FLIBS-49-DAYS-HERO-16x9.png · partner logo strip on the artwork
Logo strip on the hero: FLIBS + a handful of Batch 1 names (Ocean Alexander, Seakeeper, Yacht Controller, Furuno, Ocean Independence, and friends). It’s atmosphere, not an endorsement checklist — and we’re still labeling ★ announced for 2026 vs regular presence below.
Show essentials — FLIBS 2026 (67th annual)
- Dates: October 28 – November 1, 2026
- Hours: Wed 12–7 · Thu–Sat 10–7 · Sun 10–5
- Venues: Broward County Convention Center · Bahia Mar · Pier Sixty-Six · Superyacht Village · Las Olas Marina · Hall of Fame Marina
- Tickets: Online only at flibs.com — no on-site box office
Forty-nine days. That’s it. The blazer is mentally packed, the coffee map between Bahia Mar and Hall of Fame is already a living document, and Fort Lauderdale’s biggest week — Oct 28–Nov 1, 2026 — is close enough to taste the salt air. Tickets are live online only at flibs.com. No box office. If you’re still “figuring it out” on 17th Street without a QR code… don’t be that person. Plan ahead, look sharp, bring the fun — and let’s talk about who to know before the docks explode.
This is Batch 1 of Zip Yacht’s Get Ready series: ten companies that matter at FLIBS — builders, brokers, electronics, gear, and the finance desk that turns “maybe someday” into “we can talk numbers.” I’ll label who’s publicly announced for 2026 (★) versus who’s a regular FLIBS presence from recent shows. No invented booth numbers. When the official directory drops, we’ll update.
Series note: more companies every couple of weeks — follow along so Batch 2 doesn’t sneak up while you’re still arguing about parking.
Ocean Alexander
★ Announced for 2026
Luxury motor yachts — Legend, Revolution, and the Puro series — known for volume, finish, and long-range comfort. Flagship docks and model walkthroughs are part of the FLIBS ritual for their U.S. audience; world debuts for the 30P and 40P are slated for the 2026 show, with the company listing Oct 28–Nov 1 at Bahia Mar.
Sally: “Ocean Alexander’s back on the Bahia Mar face — if you’re hunting calm, capable yachts with serious living space, this is the dock stroll.”
Azimut Yachts
Regular FLIBS presence
Italian builder of stylish motor yachts across sport, flybridge, explorer, and grande ranges. Recent FLIBS lineups have meant Face Dock energy and a multi-model display that design-forward buyers (and lookers) treat as a must-see. We’re not claiming a confirmed 2026 booth here — just the pattern you already know from the docks.
Sally: “Azimut on the Face Dock is peak FLIBS energy — Italian lines, lots of models, and the kind of walk you’ll tell your group chat about.”
Princess Yachts
Regular FLIBS presence
British luxury motor yachts — flybridge, sport, and Y-class — with craftsmanship and refined interiors that American buyers come to compare in person. Regular U.S. debuts and deep dealer support make FLIBS a natural stage. Confirmed 2026 booth not claimed here; recent-show presence is the story.
Sally: “Princess at FLIBS is the soft-power British handshake — elegant yachts, serious engineering, and docks that never feel rushed if you book ahead.”
Ocean Independence
★ Announced for 2026
Global superyacht brokerage spanning sales, charter, and management. At this level, appointments unlock the big boats — walk-ons aren’t how serious viewings work. The company has announced attendance at FLIBS 2026 (including their published Hall of Fame Face Dock location).
Sally: “Want aboard the serious tonnage? Message an Ocean Independence broker before you hit the docks — FLIBS rewards the people who planned.”
IYC
Regular FLIBS presence
International yacht brokerage for sales, charter, and owner services, with a strong Fort Lauderdale footprint. Recent FLIBS coverage highlighted a large fleet presence across Hall of Fame and Pier Sixty-Six / Superyacht Village — a natural meeting hub for buyers and charter guests. 2026 booth assignment not claimed here.
Sally: “IYC’s Hall of Fame stand is a FLIBS meeting point — grab a coffee, lock your viewings, then hop to Pier Sixty-Six for the big ones.”
Simrad (Navico Group)
Regular FLIBS presence
Marine electronics — MFDs, sonar, autopilot, and newer autonomy features — under Brunswick’s Navico Group. Live helm demos beat brochure photos every time, especially when docking aids and fishing tools are on the water. Regular recent-show presence; 2026 booth not claimed here.
Sally: “If your FLIBS plan includes ‘cool helm stuff,’ Simrad’s demo boats are where the crowd gathers when someone says watch this dock itself.”
Furuno
Regular FLIBS presence
Radar, fishfinders, chartplotters, autopilots, and commercial-grade navigation gear. Captains and anglers compare screens in person; Furuno has been a long-time Bahia Mar fixture at FLIBS. Regular presence verified from recent shows — no invented 2026 booth.
Sally: “Furuno at Bahia Mar is for the people who actually read the radar manual — come for the screens, stay for the nerdy conversations.”
Seakeeper
Regular FLIBS presence
Gyro stabilization and Seakeeper Ride attitude control — less roll (and underway pitch/roll) so guests stay comfortable. Demo rides sell the feeling; “no more green guests” is a universal boat-show conversation. Regular FLIBS presence; 2026 booth not claimed here.
Sally: “Seakeeper demos are the FLIBS magic trick — one minute you’re bracing, the next you’re wondering why every boat doesn’t feel like this.”
Yacht Controller
Regular FLIBS presence
Wireless remote yacht control and docking systems (including dynamic positioning options) for safer close-quarters handling. Crowded marinas make docking anxiety real; live demos and systems on display boats draw captains and owners. Regular recent-show showcase; 2026 booth not claimed here.
Sally: “Yacht Controller folks know the quiet truth of boat shows: the hero moment isn’t the salon — it’s the calm dock-in when everyone’s watching.”
Azure Funding
Regular FLIBS presence
Marine financing specialists who help buyers secure loans for new, brokerage, or refinance deals. Pre-approval turns “maybe someday” into “we can write this today” when the right boat appears. Regular FLIBS presence as a finance partner on recent shows — 2026 booth not claimed here.
Sally: “Azure Funding is the booth where dreamers become deal-makers — get the numbers sorted so the only stress left is choosing the hull color.”