PBIBS 2026: Round Up of the Standout Stories and World Premieres

Bilgin Yachts Announced the Show’s Largest Transaction

Turkish builder Bilgin Yachts confirmed the sale of the 82-meter Project BOND during the show’s second day. As the largest yacht ever built by the yard, the sale of Project BOND is a massive vote of confidence in the 80m+ market. Featuring a bullet-shaped exterior by Unique Yacht Design, the vessel is set to become a flagship of engineering, proving that Palm Beach has firmly overtaken Miami as the preferred venue for closing nine-figure superyacht deals.

The Westport W135 Revealed

American shipyard Westport Yachts stole the spotlight by unveiling the successor to one of the most successful series in yachting history. The new W135 Raised Pilothouse Motor Yacht  is a masterclass in listening to the owner. While maintaining the shallow draft essential for Florida and Bahamian cruising, the W135 introduces a significantly expanded beach club and a modernized silhouette. It’s a strategic move by Westport to bridge the gap between their traditional reliability and the aggressive styling of modern European competitors.

Admiral’s KENSHO

Though she has already made waves in the Mediterranean, the 75.1-meter KENSHO made her official North American debut at PBIBS 2026. She was arguably the most photographed yacht of the week, with her nature-inspired asymmetrical lines and Zen-like interior by Jouin Manku. Her presence signals a growing appetite among American buyers for yachts that break the traditional white boat mold in favor of architectural statement pieces.

Tennis Meets Eco-Luxury: Alcaraz and Sunreef

The most talked-about celebrity connection of the show was the announcement that tennis superstar Carlos Alcaraz has commissioned a customized Sunreef Ultima 88. The 27-meter catamaran is the flagship of Sunreef’s speed-meets-sustainability range. 

The Numarine 40MXP

The Mediterranean Explorer trend was out in full force with the debut of the Numarine 40MXP. An evolution of the 37XP, the MXP (Mission Explorer) adds a massive hydraulic platform and an integrated beach club usually reserved for much larger vessels. Its success at the show highlights a shift in the South Florida market, where owners are increasingly looking for rugged, long-range vessels capable of heading far beyond the Caribbean.

This year was about more than just the sheer volume of yachts on display; it was a testament to a change happening in yachting; one where sustainable technology, architectural daring, and American craftsmanship coexist more seamlessly than ever before. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the City of West Palm Beach and the local community for their incredible hospitality. As the docks fall quiet, the momentum generated here is only just beginning. We look forward to seeing you all again on the waterfront in 2027.