The 2026 Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) concluded March 29, delivering one of its most successful editions to date, highlighted by the largest display of superyachts in the show’s history. At the center of activity, the YATCO Flagship Lounge with Hill Robinson returned primely located at The Ben’s Park at Banyan Square, offering a stylish retreat just steps from the show.
Throughout the day, the space evolved seamlessly—from a morning hub for coffee and conversation to an afternoon setting for meetings, before transitioning into a fun evening atmosphere. Open Wednesday through Saturday, the lounge welcomed sponsors, guests, and crew with a steady rhythm of breakfasts, lunches, seminars and networking moments, complemented by hospitality from The Ben West Palm.
The YATCO Flagship Lounge
Programming within the lounge brought a global perspective to the forefront. The YATCO Destination Forum paired storytelling with strategic insight, spotlighting emerging cruising grounds and established destinations alike—from Anguilla’s Port Nimara to expedition itineraries with Swan Hellenic. Speakers, including David Mizrahi, executive president of Oceanside; Jameel Rochester, director of tourism in Anguilla; Capt. Roy Hodges of M/Y Laurel; Samuel Gagnon, expeditions operations manager at Swan Hellenic; and Manoa Rey of Tahiti Tourisme, explored the regions and experiences shaping the future of yachting travel.
With the US set to host a range of major global events in the coming years—from the World Cup to the 2028 Summer Olympics—the afternoon program turned to American seasonal itinerary planning. The discussion brought together perspectives from Joseph Malca of Port Amador in Panama, Dawn Stofberg of Marine Group Boat Works in California, Monique Webber from Pacific Yacht Management, and Joe Dargavage of United Island Yachting. With Olympic excitement heating up for the coming years, USA sailing Olympians Sarah Newberry Moore and Lara Dallman-Weiss also shared their insights as anticipation builds toward 2028.
Among the week’s key highlights was YATCO’s Economic Horizon of Yachting seminar, featuring Tommaso Nastassi of Deloitte Consulting, Rafiq Jiwani of Goldman Sachs, Jeroen van der Meer, CEO of Heesen Yachts and Billy Smith former VP of Trinity Yacht, who explored the evolving landscape of mergers and acquisitions and what it signals for the future of the yachting industry.
Additional sessions addressed charter frameworks and evolving operational considerations Thierry Voisin from ECPY, while YATCO introduced its new Charter platform—designed to streamline the booking process through integrated tools, verified crew profiles, AIS data, and real-time fleet insights.
The energy extended well beyond the daytime program. The YATCO and Oceanside Kick-Off Party set the tone on opening night, followed by a full calendar of gatherings, including daily happy hours, the International Superyacht Society member reception, and a lively Yacht Rock Party that carried the momentum into the weekend. Festivities concluded with the Celebration of Sailing, honoring the next generation of U.S. Olympic talent, including Sarah Newberry Moore and Lara Dallman-Weiss.
On the water, the numbers told their own story. This year’s fleet included 10 yachts over 200 feet, more than 30 exceeding 100 feet, and upwards of 100 vessels above 80 feet—marking a notable expansion in both scale and inventory. Standout vessels such as Rocinante, Boardwalk, and Kensho underscored the continued evolution of the global superyacht market.
The 2026 YATCO Flagship Lounge ultimately exceeded expectations, with excellent feedback underscoring its role as a vibrant hub for connection.
“I just wanted to send you a quick thank you for your wonderful hospitality and commend you on the excellent organization of the YATCO Flagship Lounge. Thanks for considering us—we are very happy to have had the opportunity to be amongst the sponsors and look forward to repeating this collaboration!” – Ana Starčević, DeepBlue marketing
We look forward to creating another unforgettable experience in the future.
