FLIBS19: Boat raffles raise money for Bahamas

The boat show and the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, owners of the show, are raffling off a 2020 Pioneer 180 sportfishing vessel to raise money for relief efforts in the Abacos and Grand Bahama after Hurricane Dorian as part of the FLIBS-4-Bahamas Initiative (#FLIBS4Bahamas).

Donated by Palm City Yachts, the vessel is outfitted with a Suzuki 115 four-stroke engine and trailer and is valued at $50,000. It will be on display at the Broward County Convention Center entrance. Tickets are one for $20, six for $100. The drawing will take place on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 3 p.m. Attendance is not required to win. 

All proceeds will benefit Mission of Hope, a relief mission that is led by M/V True North, a 110-foot motor vessel that has been deployed to Marsh Harbour equipped with specialty teams to aid in the rebuilding of temporary housing and providing medical care.

To buy tickets, visit the Bahamas Pavilion at booth #23 inside the Main Entrance tent, or online here.

“We feel it is a duty and a privilege to support our friends and neighbors, and we are committed to Grand Bahamas and the Abacos full recovery,” said Andrew Doole, president of U.S. Boat Shows at Informa Markets. “In addition to helping raise funds, we also aim to help get the word out that the Bahamas are still open for tourism and business as there are beautiful and pristine areas not affected and tourism is their number one industry. We know this will be a long-term recovery, and our efforts at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will be the first of many initiatives.”

The second annual Sunset Soiree and Yacht Chef Competition on Friday will also benefit Mission of Hope as well as ONE Bahamas Fund. The evening will offer guests an opportunity to taste the cuisine created by yacht chefs in the competition, along with cocktails and tastings from luxury food purveyors as well as live music. Tickets are $125.

ONE Bahamas Fund supports a range of immediate recovery needs and long-term rebuilding initiatives including a focus on shelter, living necessities, educational support, infrastructure, and seed funding for Bahamian businesses.

“Boating is one of the leading contributors to our tourism economy and we are proud to work with our partners to continue to spread the word that The Bahamas has 14 beautiful islands with turquoise waters that are open and ready to welcome boaters,” said Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Deputy Director General, Ellison ‘Tommy’ Thompson. 

“The Abacos and the islands surrounding it are like family to all of us,” said Phil Purcell, CEO/president of MIASF. “We are committed to making an impact in the ongoing relief effort.”

Port 32 to raffle off five years dry storage

Port 32 Fort Lauderdale is holding a raffle for five years of dry storage for a vessel up to 55 feet.

To enter, register at its exhibit at the entrance tent at Bahia Mar or visit port32fortlauderdale.com.

When completed in fall 2020, Port 32 Fort Lauderdale will have more than 700 dry slips for boats up to 55 feet in outdoor racks rated to current hurricane code. Long and short-term dry tender storage is available. It also has the only fuel dock on the New River.

In addition to dry slips, Port 32 Fort Lauderdale will have in-water service slips for yachts up to 150′, a 150-ton travel lift, self-service boatyard for vessels up to 120 feet, and commercial, retail and office space for on-site marine contractors and vendors.

Topics: