Leading yacht brokers and advisors explain how to best plan and make the most of major yacht shows.
“Yacht shows play a central role across the entire yachting ecosystem,” says Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser Yachts. “They’re not just for buyers, but for everyone involved in bringing a yacht or charter vacation to life. For clients, they offer the opportunity to step on board multiple yachts, compare options, and make informed decisions with direct access to expert guidance.”
That access extends beyond the yachts themselves. In a business driven by relationships, meeting brokers and crew in person can shape decisions as much as the vessels on display. But be prepared when going in, and come armed with a plan.
“Go in with a clear objective – whether that’s brokerage, charter, new build, or networking,” says Tim Davis, chief marketing officer at Burgess. “The bigger the show, the more quickly you lose time without a plan. That matters especially at multi-site events like Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and Miami.”
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“Most yacht shows open around 10am, so that is usually when first appointments begin,” says Gayle Patterson, head of yachting at Pelorus. “We use the morning for viewings with clients, when there is time to step onboard several yachts properly, compare options, and understand how someone actually wants to travel.”
Time management on the ground is just as important. “It can take an hour to walk through a 100-ft yacht,” notes Chuck Cashman, SVP of global yacht sales at MarineMax.
Booking meetings in advance makes a noticeable difference. “The highest-value conversations at Monaco or Palm Beach are usually scheduled, not accidental,” Davis adds. Working with a broker beforehand can also streamline the experience. “A good broker will curate a shortlist, arrange viewings, and ensure smooth access throughout the show,” says Kurtén.
As the day progresses, conversations tend to shift from first impressions to practicalities. “Lunch is an opportunity to talk through which yachts are receiving strong interest, where availability is low, and where we see the best fit,” says Patterson. She also encourages clients to dig deeper: “Where has the yacht chartered recently? How does it work for a family of eight? Does the crew know destinations like Costa Rica, Indonesia, or Norway? These are the details that shape the experience.”
Follow-up is vital, too. “The real value often comes from the notes and next steps sent within 24 hours,” says Davis.
By evening, attention moves from the docks to dinners, yacht club events, and experiencing the destination. Concierge services at all yacht show locations can help pre-arrange access to leading restaurants, bars, and clubs in each destination, as tables at sought-after restaurants often need booking weeks in advance.
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