Is Palm Beach The New Monaco? The Rapid Rise Of The Palm Beach International Boat Show

Last week proved that Palm Beach is rapidly becoming the epicenter of the global yachting world. The Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) has emerged as a juggernaut, with its 2025 edition, held from March 19-23, signaling a seismic shift in the marine industry. Expanded to five days to meet soaring demand, this year’s show boasts a 25% increase in vessels—over 1,000 on display—and a record-breaking influx of international exhibitors, particularly from Europe. With its affordability, accessibility, and jaw-dropping sales figures, some are whispering: could Palm Beach be poised to become the next Monaco as the ultimate yachting capital?

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The numbers tell a compelling story. PBIBS now ranks first in volume sales in the U.S. and second globally behind the Monaco Yacht Show, with insiders predicting it may soon claim the top spot. In 2022, the event generated $725 million in sales and contributed $1.05 billion to Florida’s economy, a testament to its growing clout. This year, more than $1.2 billion worth of boats graced the Intracoastal waters, including over 45 vessels exceeding 150 feet and 200 superyachts above 80 feet. Leading the pack is BOLD, a 279’10” explorer yacht from Silver Yachts, joined by standouts like the 164-foot MOSAIQUE from Proteksan Turquoise, the 158-foot TASIA from Feadship, and the 201-foot Lürssen-built MARGUERITE. With 775 vessels in the water—and counting—PBIBS has become a global phenomenon.

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What’s fueling this meteoric rise? For one, Palm Beach County’s wealth has reportedly tripled in the past two years, transforming it into a playground for the ultra-affluent, with more and more people calling Palm Beach their permanent home. From Northeastern transplants flocking to “Wall Street South,” the region buzzes with money and influence. Serious buyers—many just a bridge away on Palm Beach Island or a quick hop from local FBOs—find PBIBS irresistible. Palm Beach offers unmatched convenience—and exhibitors agree, noting that the show is more affordable than Monaco, Cannes, or Dubai while delivering comparable sales and better accessibility. This year’s roster of Superyacht Builder’s Association (SYBAss) members—including heavyweights like Feadship, Lürssen, Benetti, and Heesen, with its largest-ever U.S. display—underscores the event’s elite appeal.

Organized by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County and produced by Informa Markets, PBIBS has evolved since 1982 into a powerhouse that rivals its European counterparts. The 2025 edition introduced a preview day on March 19, catering to the clamor from exhibitors and attendees alike. Beyond the boats, the show’s impact ripples outward: the Marine Industries Association has injected $1 million in grants into local nonprofits over the past two years, funding education on coastal ecosystems and marine careers. Meanwhile, more than 55,000 visitors flooded last year’s event, a figure set to climb as Palm Beach cements its status as a must-visit for yacht enthusiasts and industry titans.

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Monaco may still hold the crown for prestige, but Palm Beach is closing the gap with relentless momentum. With its blend of jaw-dropping vessels, booming local wealth, and a strategic edge over pricier international shows, the Palm Beach International Boat Show is rewriting the rules of luxury yachting. As the 2025 show unfolded along Flagler Drive, one thing is clear: Palm Beach isn’t just competing with Monaco—it’s redefining the game.

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