The U.S. has the yards, the trades and the talent for the most ambitious superyacht refits — so why do so many big projects still head overseas? The American Refit Advantage puts naval architecture, shipbuilding, project management and fabrication on one stage during FLIBS week to talk about what it will take to bring more of that work home.
When & where
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026 — 2:00 PM.
Where: RefitX Stage, Yacht Builders Tent, at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Show admission required.
The panel
- Patrick Knowles (presenter) — Founder, Patrick Knowles Designs & The Quintessential Yachtsman
- Jamie Benoit — Naval architect, Murray & Associates
- George Whitehouse — Shipyard, Derecktor Shipyards
- Colin Lord — Project manager, Maritime Project Solutions
- Phil Purcell — RefitX & MIASF
- Michael Merritt — Interior fabricator, Merritt
Why it matters
If you run refits, quote them or crew through them, this is the conversation that decides where next season’s yard periods land. Expect straight talk on craftsmanship, technical capability, collaboration between trades and — the hard one — how owners and captains perceive American yards against the Mediterranean and Northern European competition.
Plan your visit
Announcement: Patrick Knowles Designs on Instagram · Show tickets: flibs.com
Planning a refit? Zip Yacht connects owners and captains with South Florida yards, trades and project managers. Read our RefitX preview, find refit contractors or book a 10-minute look.