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Photos courtesy of Miami International Boat Show & Forest Johnson

Once again, from Feb. 12-16, 2009, the Indian Creek Waterway at Collins Avenue/A1A in Miami Beach will play host to the glamorous, totally in-water 21st Annual Yacht and Brokerage show as the stars of the yachting world cruise into town to display their interior design artistry and impressive naval architecture. This year’s show will cover over 1.2 million square feet with over 550 new and pre-owned vessels with a grand total over one billion dollars. Prices range from around $100,000 to eight figure masterpieces at this extraordinary show site, making this a truly “something for everyone” event, which encompasses the world’s best in superyachts, sportfishermen, family cruisers, express cruisers, and ocean-going trawlers. The attendees’ list includes a who’s who of the international superyacht world as well as U.S. boat manufacturers such as Sea Ray and Marquis Yachts.

“We have the equipment to build large-scale marinas virtually overnight,” says Skip Zimbalist, CEO of Active Interest Media who owns Yachting Promotions, Inc., who produces the show. “With electrical, telephone service, Internet and all kinds of things.” His company provides berths for over 500 new and pre-owned tour de forces of naval architecture and luxurious interior design.

International food, live entertainment and just across the street some revamped Art Deco beauties including the Fontainbleau and Eden Roc, make this a not to be missed event. Also not to be missed is the floating accessories pavilion. “This specially designed area allows more and new high-profile exhibitors to take part in the show,” says Andrew Doole, Chief Operating Officer. “The area allows for electronic manufacturers, yacht builders, designers, shipyards, tower makers, financial institutions and a host of other products and services from companies from around the world to display their wares. P erhaps most importantly, all accessories and services will be located in one beautiful ‘weather- proof’ area which will make it extremely easy for visitors navigating the show.”

Simultaneously, just across the pond, is the world famous Miami International Boat Show. Now in its 68th impressive year, the Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail Miami 2009 will host over 2,200 exhibitors bringing thousands of the latest and greatest powerboats, sailboats, engines, electronics, clothing, accessories and more to the three packed locations: the Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center and Miamarina at Bayside.

The Convention Center is home to over one million square feet of gleaming fiberglass in the form of cruisers, runabouts, sport boats, fishing boats, personal watercrafts, inflatables and more, ranging from 15 to 85-feet. It is also a must see for those looking to check out the latest engines, electronics and more marine accessories, clothing, and art than one can imagine.

Sea Isle Marina provides one of the two in-water locations with over 300 cruisers, go-fasts, sportfishermen, and yachts to check out. This is the place for test rides. And here’s an insider tip — admission to this location is FREE. Miamarina at Bayside, the other in-water locale, offers access to the all the shops, restaurants, cafes of this popular complex. This is also the site of the sailing portion of the show. Think cruisers, daysailers and multihulls as well as yet more accessories and gear.

The multi-media Miami International Boat Show also features interactive seminars and educational demonstrations that will be of interest to both seasoned boaters and those considering joining the sport. Notable highlights include the Big Game Room Sport Fishing Expo, Discover Boating, a Boating Photo Contest, Sunset Celebrations and an Elite Fleet Club, where members can take a break from the hectic show at the Miami Botanical Garden site ad jacent to the Convention Center where there is a  relaxing lounge as well as available drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Also at the Botanical Gardens is the handy Kids Play Area for the little ones.

“Visitors from around the globe flock to Miami to see the latest and greatest the boating industry has to offer — if you’re a boater, or thinking about becoming one, this is a can’t miss event,” says Cathy Rick-Joule, show manager. “Boating is big business in Miami but we’ll be taking it to a whole new level this year with exhibitors offering incredible deals and our three locations bringing access to the world’s best boats and boating gear. Many exhibitors use the Miami show to introduce new products for the upcoming season, while consumers find a one-stop source for all of their boating needs as well as a venue for getting the best deals on every product imaginable. The Miami show is truly the world’s greatest because it offers something for everyone.”

“Miami is a very special show, beyond its local impact,” adds Kevin Murphy of Sail America. “The show sets the barometer for anticipated new boat sales in the U.S. for the rest of the year.  Moreover, it marks the busiest weekend in South Florida.”

The action doesn’t just happen at the various show locations. Private boating-related parties are hosted at the famous clubs, pools, and hotels of South Beach, not to mention aboard the yachts of the concurrent Yacht & Brokerage Show. The Wednesday before the show is traditionally filled with overlapping invitation-only parties of yacht builders announcing their latest launches amongst gilded guests and flowing champagne. Celebrity attendees are no surprise. In past years, Shaquille O’Neal was spotted a head-and-shoulders above the crowd checking out some of the megayachts at the Yacht and Brokerage Show. While Madonna was reportedly attended semi-regularly until her marriage to her now-ex-husband director Guy Ritchie lured her to spend more time i n Europe.

So what does this influx of maritime enthusiasm mean to Miami Beach? “The Miami International Boat show is always huge, so we’re expecting a lot of people and a lot of business. At last year’s show there was $817.8 million in sales,” concurs Nannette Rodriguez of the City of Miami Beach. “It’s the biggest boat show in the country. We’re working with the organizers to set up effective traffic mitigation. There will also be several park and ride programs in place, and we’re encouraging that anyone coming out to the show park in a lot and take a shuttle over to the Convention Center.” The Yacht & Brokerage Show is free to the public. There is also a free shuttle service between the two shows.