Nautical Nirvana

The Fort Lauderdale 2021 International Boat Show at the West Marine Ft. Lauderdale Marine Center presented the best maritime marvels, for those who boat like a boss.

BY JOHN SOTOMAYOR PHOTOGRAPHY CONAN SEGREST

After a year of rough seas for boat shows due to COVID leaving most dead in the water, the 62nd Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show turned the corner and made up leeway for smooth sailing ahead. Thousands of seafarers and the landlubbers who love them, gathered at the West Marine Fort Lauderdale Marine Center and nearby Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six to explore the latest in yachts, speedboats, and everything imaginable to enhance the maritime luxury lifestyle.

Apparently from the genetically gifted and deep pocket patrons who graced the boat show, the enhanced yachting lifestyle includes every refinement, from the most fashion-forward nautical wear to the savoriest seafood and spirits. Being Fort Lauderdale, one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities of the world with nearby gay-dominated Winton Manors a stone’s throw away, varying couplings were visible. Men held hands. Women embraced. No cares had. Two young men had an adorable, energetic, and friendly Shar Pei pup on a rainbow leash. Our unofficial winner of the Stole the Show award.

Every major brand was present. Abbracci. Benetti. Galati. Ocean Alexander. Okean. Pershing. Sirena. Even deepsea explorer Triton for the zillionaire who has no limits.

This year, Ocean Alexander’s 35R took home the Best of Show awarded by NBC Sports. Measuring at approximately 116 feet in length, the megayacht is “emblematic of the Ocean Alexander ethos,” known for its unmatched set of exterior spaces for fraternizing and entertaining. Offering a true “quad deck” design, a flybridge deck, the most expensive beach club layout, and a huge forward Portuguese lounging and sunbed area, the award-winner defines what the magnified yachting lifestyle is all about.

Something for everyone with the need for speed, the boat show included fast cars. Apocalypse, Lamborghini, and McLaren were present. Name brand motors were visible at every turn. Verado. Alumina. Yamaha. 450R. All there. Broward Design Center captured the imagination and hearts of art enthusiasts with their carvings of lions, whales, octopi, and other marine life out of teak.

As day turned to night, gatherers flocked to nearby watering holes. Some preferred the splashy Yot Bar & Kitchen or Boatyard. Others who preferred the LGBTQ+ nightlife experience opted for the short Lyft ride to Wilton Manors. There one could explore any number of options like Georgie’s Alibi, Gym Sports bar, or dancing the night away at Hunters Nightclub. On the dance floor one could experience an entirely different meaning to all hands on deck. Oh well, when in Rome … Bottoms Up.