Inside the Yachting Capital of the U.S.: Fort Lauderdale

When interior designer Keith De La Torre wants the ultimate staycation, he rounds up his kids and husband and takes their pontoon boat on a cruise anywhere from the Fort Lauderdale canals to South Florida’s offshore sandbars. “We bring lots of cold beverages and gourmet snacks,” he says. “And we have a grill, so we can barbecue off the back of the boat. It’s so relaxing; it’s just a beautiful place to explore.” Venice of America. Boating Capital of the U.S. With its 300 miles of navigable canals, Greater Fort Lauderdale can rightly lay claim to both oft-heard titles. As a result of all those carefully planned man-made waterways—not to mention the plentiful sun, proximity to the Caribbean and abundant salt- and freshwater fishing—the city is a boat lovers’ paradise. You can experience virtually endless types of watercraft, from a three-hour sightseeing tour with Jungle Queen Riverboats to an intimate 75-minute voyage with Los Olas Gondola that will make you feel as if you’ve actually been transported to Venice. Of course, the quintessential Fort Lauderdale boating experience is to grab some friends and captain your own speedboat from a vendor like A1A Boat Rentals. The company’s most popular option is its 21-foot NauticStar, a deck boat perfect for a party of eight, with a low bow, so it’s easy getting into and out of the water. Once on the Intracoastal, you’ll see scores of similar-sized boats. The NauticStar features a Bimini top for shade and an open section in the front of the boat with bench seats for sunbathing. Another option is the 23-foot Maria, which can accommodate up to 10 people and has an anchor for sandbar hopping. If you’re house hunting in Fort Lauderdale, you may want to consider nautical diversions when selecting a location. Designers Brett Sugerman and Giselle Loor bought and renovated a Fort Lauderdale home at the end of a canal, and it has had a major impact on their lifestyle. The couple invested in their first boat and now spend their downtime enjoying the Intracoastal Water-way with their children and their colleagues. They also find the hop-onhop-off Water Taxi a convenient way to get to and from their favorite local spots and events—such as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show every fall. Cognizant of prospective owners’ penchant for maritime recreation, some buildings cater to boating enthusiasts. The new Four Seasons Private Residences Fort Lauderdale, for example, maintains a staff of in-house boating experts. So even if your Tara Bernerd–designed oceanfront hideaway hovers 20 floors above the nearest marina, you’ll get assistance with slip accommodations and transportation to and from your yacht. That’s concierge service, Fort Lauderdale-style. Don’t miss the big show! Boat lovers from more than 50 countries head to South Florida every fall to take part in the world’s largest in-water boating event: the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Set for October 31–November 4, the five-day extravaganza will celebrate its 59th anniversary this year. It’s expected to draw more than 110,000 visitors to admire 1,500+ boats and yachts in seven locations spread over more than three million square feet of exhibit space throughout the city. (Shuttle and water taxi service make getting around a breeze.) A new main entrance, redesigned to improve efficiency, will welcome attendees. The event is as much a yacht show as a boat show, with yachts of all sizes on display. You’ll also find boats of all types, from cabin cruisers to catamarans to canoes, as well as marine products and nautical accessories. (Morethan 1,200 exhibitors take part.) Looking to sharpen your docking or boat-handling skills? Sign up for a School of Sportfishing seminar taught by the International Game Fish Association. Or hear from experts on water sports like freediving, spearfishing, and stand-up paddle boarding. There’s even a kids’ fishing clinic with prizes for participants. With so much to do, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Food and beverage options have been retooled this year to improve quality and convenience while reducing environmental impact. And with more than 100 vendors on hand serving everything from wood-fired pizza to authentic street tacos to sustainable seafood, you’ll have plenty of options. Need to unwind after all the action? Sample one of the specialty cocktails, premium wines, or craft beers on offer. Find your home in Fort Lauderdale.