Palm Beach International Boat Show cancelled due to COVID-19

The Palm Beach International Boat Show (PIBS) and two superyacht events scheduled to run during the show have been either postponed or cancelled. PIBS and a new event called Superyacht Show Palm Beach, both organised by Informa Global Exhibitions, have been postponed to a future undisclosed date. PIBS, which was set to take place between March 26^th – 29^th, would have displayed more than £1 billion worth of yachts and accessories.

Andrew Doole, president of Informa’s US Boat Shows, told Robb Report that the company would be meeting with exhibitors and local government officials tomorrow to determine a new date for the event.

Doole, elaborated “The governor of Florida made an announcement yesterday that he wated to limit public gatherings to under 1,000 people. The mayor of Palm Beach also asked us to postpone. He did this reluctantly as he’s a fan of the event.”

The Superyacht Experience Palm Beach, was also cancelled. It was scheduled to be held March 26^th – 29^th at the Rybovich Marina in West Palm Beach. The superyachts in the event planned to leave for the Mediterranean shortly after the show. Many are booked for the summer charter season.

Raphael Sauleau, president of the Leading Yacht Brokers Association (LYBRA), said in a statement “We regrettably have no option but to cancel the inaugural edition of the Superyacht Experience. We had an incredible line up of superyachts confirmed for the show, overwhelming industry support and strong interest from buyers, but health and safety is, of course the top priority.”

Carlos Vidueira, president of Rybovich, said that his company will now “facilitate private viewings” of the yachts to “minimise the inconvenience” of potential buyers who planned to attend the event.

The organisers said that a new event for 2021 is already being planned.

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Source: Robb Report