45th Annual Newport International Boat Show – September 17 – 20 in Newport, RI
The fall show season kicks off with the 45th Annual Newport International Boat Show, one of the country’s biggest in-water boat shows. Named “Favorite Boat Show to Attend” in a Soundings Trade Only Today poll, this show features powerboats and sailboats from 16 to 100 feet. On shore, you’ll find an array of marine products and services to enhance the boating lifestyle. Dealers and manufacturers will be on hand to provide valuable information and answer your questions.
The 2015 fall boat show season kicks off with the Newport International Boat Show. ©newportboatshow.com
Experience the wonderful sailing lifestyle! Sail America/Discover Sailing is partnering with North U. to bring you the exciting North U. Welcome to Match Racing Clinic and an on-the-water Advanced Sail Trim for Cruisers and Racers. Check the show website for the schedule.
Nothing beats hands-on training to improve your boat handling skills or learn new ones, and the show organizers have teamed up with Confident Captain/Ocean Pros to make their innovative At the Helm program available to boaters of all experience levels. Taught by professional, U.S. Coast Guard licensed instructors, At the Helm is open to all attendees. Registering at newportboatshow.com for a 90-minute session, a 3-hour Become a Powerboater course or a 2- or 3-hour Sailing course gives you VIP status that includes a goodie bag, discounted rates for future At the Helm courses on your own boat, and a chance to win a $150 gift certificate to one of Newport Restaurant Group’s eight award-winning restaurants located throughout Rhode Island.
Presented in partnership with Cruising World, Sailing World and Yachting magazines, the popular Newport for New Products program showcases the official U.S. debuts of 2016 model year boats and boating products. Judged by panel of industry experts on the basis of innovation, value to the consumer and aesthetics, awards are given to the “Best New Sailboat 30 Feet and Over,” Best New Sailboat Under 30 Feet,” “Best New Powerboat 30 Feet and Over,” Best New Powerboat Under 30 Feet,” and “Best New Boating Product.” Judging takes place on opening day and the winners will be announced on Friday, September 18.
There’s also a Newport For New Products People’s Choice Award. Attendees who come to the show on Thursday will receive a voting card with a detailed list of the entries and their location at the show. New debuts will also be marked with red and blue mats to help make them easy to find. After choosing your favorite, drop your voting card at the Show Office by 6pm Thursday. The winner of the 2015 NFNP People’s Choice Award will be announced Friday morning at the Awards Breakfast Ceremony in the Sunset Lounge near the Newport Yachting Center Marina, and one lucky People’s Choice voter will win an iPad with a $50 credit to the online Apple Store.
The show’s Official Charitable Partner is Clean Ocean Access, a Rhode Island-based 501(C)3 non-profit that is making a difference. Since 2006, Clean Ocean Access has recruited 4,500 volunteers and conducted 160 coastal cleanups, removing over 68,000 pounds of marine debris. They have also collected over 4,600 water samples, tested them for bacteria and nutrient levels, and alerted appropriate government agencies of any potential water quality issues. Stop by booth #51 in Tent C to learn more about what this remarkable grassroots organization has accomplished with limited means, and how you can get involved!
Show hours are Thursday to Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm, and 10 am – 5 pm on Sunday. Advance discount tickets are available online. Thursday, September 17 is VIP Day, and attendees will receive special attention from exhibitors. Tickets for VIP Day are $35. Admission on Friday, Saturday or Sunday is $19 ($15 in advance). Two-day standard and VIP packages are also available. Children under 12 are free every day when accompanied by an adult, and there is a free shuttle bus between the show and the parking lot at Easton’s Beach. For more information including the Educational Seminar Series hosted by Forty 1° North at Christie’s visit newportboatshow.com.
Newport Brokerage Boat Show -September 17 – 20 at Newport Shipyard, Newport, RI
The Newport Brokerage Boat Show, which runs concurrently with the Newport International Boat Show, is the largest in-water display of quality brokerage yachts in the U.S. More than 100 sail and power yachts from 40 to 140 feet from over 30 brokerage firms will be on display. Admission to this show is complimentary, and you can take a water shuttle to the International Boat Show (where you’ll need to purchase a ticket for admission). For more information including a list of boats, log onto brokerageboatshow.com.
40th Annual Progressive® Insurance Norwalk Boat Show -September 24 – 27 at Norwalk Cove Marina, Norwalk, CT
There’s something for everyone at the most popular boat show in the Northeast, with an incredible line-up of boating education, entertainment and special attractions, including on-the water demos and boat handling workshops, fun kids’ activities and more.
US Sailing and Sound Sailing Center will present 2-hour, on-the water sailing workshops including Introduction to Sailing (including Ladies at the Helm for women only and Junior Skippers at the Helm for ages 12 to 17) and Performance Sailing and Sail Trim. Advance registration on the show website will get you a 25% discount plus free show admission.
Discover Boating Hands-On Skills Training is a series of workshops covering such topics as basic docking and fundamental close quarters maneuvering skills, advanced docking skills, open water boat handling and safety, and anchoring and multi-vessel rafting. Space is limited and pre-registration at the show’s website is recommended. At Fred’s Shed Interactive Learning Center, you can learn about keeping your boat “shipshape,” basic fiberglass repair and maintenance, changing a water pump, and going one-on-one with a service technician.
Boaters of all skill levels can take the helm of a virtual boat at the U.S. Power Squadron’s Boating Simulator. New boaters can practice basic boat handling, while experienced mariners can attempt more complicated maneuvers as well as navigation, collision avoidance and more!
Maritime musician Eric Stone will be performing from 11 am – 6 pm daily in the Water Club Lounge, playing his unique blend of rock, pop and country inspired by the tropics and his love of the water. Kids can meet SpongeBob SquarePants, build a toy boat, create balloon art, and navigate a mini lake in a paddleboat (life jackets are supplied).
Show hours are 10 am to 6 pm daily. Adult tickets are $15, and ages 15 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. For more information including seminar and special event schedules, and to save $2 by purchasing tickets in advance, visit BoatShowNorwalk.com.
46th Annual United States Sailboat Show -October 8 – 12 at City Dock, Annapolis, MD
The nation’s oldest and largest in-water boat show is where many new sailboats make their international debut, with hundreds of boats of all sizes and types on display on land in the water.
The Two Can Sail Couples Cruising Seminar, sponsored by Two Can Sail, Blue Water Sailing Magazine, SeaTech Systems, Massey Yachts and Weems & Plath and presented by Team Jeff & Jean, is a forum in which they’ll share the knowledge they have gained in the unique aspects that are found with one couple on a cruising boat, and their experience from over 60 combined years of cruising, racing and teaching couples. Guest speakers examples are Liza Copeland and Lee Chesneau.
The Take the Wheel Interactive Workshop is an on-and-off the water learning experience designed to fast track your boating knowledge. The morning seminar sessions cover sailboat options and how to maximize your boating pleasure and budget. During the afternoon, on-the-water part of the program, you’ll sail aboard catamarans and multihulls and have a chance to get a stem to stern look with wind in the sails. Experts will be on hand to answer your specific questions.
The Annapolis School of Seamanship and Cruising World and Chesapeake Bay magazines are presenting a series of Free Seminars on Sailing for novices and experienced sailors alike. Sponsored by Yachtworld.com and located a short walk from the main show in St. Mary’s Cove, Brokerage Cove is overflowing with previously owned sailboats presented by regional boat brokers and available for immediate sale.
Show hours are 10 am – 6pm Thursday (VIP Preview Day), 10 am – 6:30 pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and 10 am – 5 pm Monday. All tickets are $35 on Thursday, and adult tickets are $18 on Friday through Monday. Ticket for children ages 7 – 12 are $5, and kids 6 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit annapolisboatshows.com.
44th Annual United States Powerboat Show -October 15 – 18 at City Dock, Annapolis, MD
The world’s oldest and largest in-water powerboat show has everything from luxurious motor yachts and trawlers to high-performance boats and offshore fishing machines. Attendees can see and board family cruisers, center consoles and inflatables, as well as the largest power catamaran section in the world. There’s also a vast exhibition of marine equipment, electronics, accessories, gear and related services including boating instruction, rentals, insurance firms and lending institutions.
The Luxury Pavilion is designed for the discriminating buyer and features magnificent yachts and high end products. This shopping extravaganza will be the highlight of the powerboat show and include many luxury lifestyle goods. Located in the Annapolis Yacht Basin, just steps from the VIP Parking entrance and next to the Marriott Hotel, the Luxury Pavilion should be everyone’s first stop.
At the Demo Dock, brokers and manufacturers will be conducting sea trials from inside the boat show, and be sure to try an Annapolis favorite at the Pusser’s Painkiller Barge Bar. Brokerage Cove, sponsored by Yachtworld.com, is a show within a show an easy walk from the main show, with a variety of previously owned boats presented by regional boat brokers and available for immediate sale.
Show hours are 10 am – 6pm Thursday (VIP Preview Day), 10 am – 6:30 pm Friday and Saturday, and 10 am – 5 pm Sunday. All tickets are $35 on Thursday, and adult tickets are $18 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Children’s tickets are $5 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and kids 6 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit annapolisboatshows.com.
