Words by Emily Davis
As much of the nation indulges in winter sports or huddles by the fireplace, the Sunshine State welcomes over 100,000 visitors to its annual Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show from February 14 to 18.
Owned by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and in partnership with the International Yacht Brokers Association, Discover Boating aims to help both casual and serious boating enthusiasts explore life on the water with the largest boat and yacht show in the world. More than 1,000 brands will present over 1,000 different vessels, allowing participants to explore kayaks, boats, yachts, superyachts, and everything in between. Demonstrations of the latest innovations in marine technology and accessories will round out the exhibition.
Photo courtesy of Northrop & Johnson. Northropandjohnson.com
On land, engage in educational seminars and personal experiences with a wide variety of water sports and marine products at the Miami Beach Convention Center and Pride Park. Vendors supply an array of culinary experiences and innovative cocktails to please any palate and children’s activities keep the youngest visitors happily engaged.
Multiple locations provide the backdrop for in-water components of the show: explore powerboats and motor yachts up to 125 feet at Herald Plaza, investigate sailboats, catamarans, and sailing accessories at Museum Park Marina, or take a trial vessel out for a spin at the Venetian Marina.
Yacht Haven Grande at Island Gardens hosts the ultimate opulent experience of the weekend, The Superyacht Miami experience, allowing guests to interact with some of the most impressive luxury vessels in the world. Featured superyachts include the world-renowned Amels Gene Machine and its support vessel, the Daman Yachting Gene Chaser. Access to this exclusive event is granted to Windward VIP or SuperYacht Miami ticket holders.
For those who prefer a more intimate atmosphere, the Windward VIP Experience provides a unique opportunity. Perks of the program will include admission to Superyacht Miami, access to private VIP lounges, a premium open bar, gourmet refreshments, and Luxury Sponsorship Activations. Enjoy complimentary shuttles and water taxis with VIP service.
Aerial view of Port Miami. Photo courtesy of Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. Miamiandbeaches.com
On Friday, February 17, Yachts After Dark presents an astonishing array of yachts illuminated against the picturesque Miami skyline. Enjoy music, cocktails, and interaction with participating boat builders and brokerages. Later in the evening, Commissioner Mark Neifeld of Sport Fishing Championship hosts the Sky Elements Drone Show.
VIP guests also receive one-day admission to Art Wynwood, held at Herald Plaza concurrently with Discover Boating. For the eleventh year, the contemporary and modern art fair draws a diverse and culturally savvy audience. With more than 50 international galleries presenting cutting-edge works ranging from pop surrealism to street art, Art Wynwood satisfies even the most discriminating art patrons.
Discover Boating attracts a crowd, but those who prefer a quiet oasis away from the hustle and bustle can find refuge at Mr. C Coconut Grove. The hotel, a personal favorite of Silver Creek President Jochen Lucke, pairs luxe accommodations with contemporary amenities for a stay as refreshing as it is convenient to downtown festivities. Enjoy brunch at Bellini’s on the rooftop, which offers a sweeping vista of Biscayne Bay and the Coconut Grove skyline, before joining other marine life enthusiasts just a few miles away.
Rendering of the newly revealed Casadonna. Photo courtesy of Casadonna. Casadonnamiami.com
While Discover Boating offers abundant amenities, the bay view atmosphere and emphasis on marine life could leave attendees craving a taste of expertly crafted seafood. A visit to Casadonna rounds out the weekend on a high note. Ensconced within a Mediterranean Revival building in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood, the waterfront restaurant provides the ideal setting to unwind after the show.
Known as the most challenging dinner reservation to obtain in Miami, Casadonna treats guests to southern Italian-inspired dishes with a strong emphasis on coastal cuisine. Traditional recipes from Naples, Taormina, Bari, Positano, and Gaeta are presented in contemporary fashion, paired with a generous wine list and bespoke cocktails. Casadonna’s famed tuna tartare begins the evening on a high note, and compositions of lobster, scallops, octopus, and more thrill even the most discriminating diners.
The Presidential suite at Mr. C Coconut Grove. Photo courtesy of Mr. C coconut grove. Mrccoconutgrove.com
Weekend visitors who prefer to travel on the water might opt for Zuma, where diners often arrive by yacht. The waterfront, modern Japanese restaurant offers views of the Miami River and Brickell Key, perfect for observing marine traffic and local nightlife. At the edge of downtown Miami, Zuma promises internationally acclaimed, modern Japanese izakaya dining to both lunch and dinner patrons.
As temperatures plummet throughout the rest of the country, the lifestyle and adventure of Miami burn as brightly as ever. Whether arriving by air, land, or water, February offers a warm welcome and an abundance of cultural diversions over Valentine’s Day weekend and beyond.