Newport International Boat Show Preview
10-Sep-2009 The Newport International Boat Show is the place to see the largest selection of boats and boating products in the Northeast. It is a showcase of the latest boats -- both power and sail – as well as boating products, presented in the luxurious setting of Newport, RI. The show, traditionally the first show of the season and now in its’ thirty-ninth year, has, as always, new things to see and do!
One of the five largest in-water boat shows in the country, the Newport International Boat Show covers over 15 acres along America’s Cup Avenue. More than 850 exhibitors with over 700 boats ranging in size from 16 to 85 feet are expected to be on display, including express cruising yachts, racing sailboats, ocean-going trawlers at PassageMaker magazine’s TrawlerPort, a Multihull Lagoon, plus DownEast styles, sport fishing boats, runabouts, kayaks, canoes and inflatables. In addition, there are engines, sails, equipment, safety products, electronics plus thousands of accessories and marine services, as well as seminars, demonstrations and workshops.
Thursday, September 17th is VIP Day with much of the boating press and the trade visiting the Show and buyers being treated to special attention by the exhibitors. And, on Friday night there is a cocktail party to benefit the official charity of the Show, the International Yacht Restoration School’s Joyce Selig Memorial Scholarship Fund, with tickets available through the Show’s web site.
The Newport For New Products program -- sponsored by the publishers of Cruising World, Sailing World and MotorBoating magazines – will be on-going at the Show, recognizing the “Best New Sailboat”, “Best New Powerboat” and “Best New Boating Product” being introduced for the new, 2010 model year. In the boat categories, there will be two new divisions this year…Under 30’ and 30’ and Over, both in sail and in power. Boating products will also include two categories for the first time…Operational and Non-operational. In all cases, the divisional and sub-category winners will be recognized but three overall winners will be selected and announced on Friday. Entries are now being accepted and all will be identified at the Show.
Gary Jobson, ESPN Commentator and former America’s Cup crew member will be presenting an hour-long illustrated talk about major upcoming sailing events, as well as providing an update on the America’s Cup, at the Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina on Saturday, September 19 at 10 A.M. Entry is free to attendees of the Newport International Boat Show. “We are thrilled to have such a sailing celebrity at our show.” stated Nancy Piffard, Show Director. Also to be discussed with be the 12 Metre World Championships being held in Newport from September 22 – 27 as part of the 12 Metre Class 50th Anniversary that has included regattas in Newport, Edgartown, Nantucket and New York City. Finally, Jobson will provide an update on the next America’s Cup race that has been under intense competition in the courts and has been in a constant state of flux. This is the chance to get the latest details from a world authority. Doors to the Ballroom at Newport Harbor Hotel & Marine, 49 America’s Cup Avenue, one of the Newport Boat Show sites, will open at 9:45 A.M. with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. A ticket to the boat show (or a bracelet used for entry on Thursday or Friday) is all that’s needed for entry to this free event. Advance tickets are available on-line so that attendees can have their electronic ticket with them. Tickets to the Boat Show for Saturday will also be available for purchase, at full price, at the door.
A party for exhibitors at the Newport International Boat Show will also act as a fundraiser for the Joyce Selig Memorial Scholarship Fund of Newport’s International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS). Besides exhibitors, the Boat Show will welcome the public to the event held at harbor-side at the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina on Thursday, September 18 from 6 – 8 PM, with partial proceeds going to the School’s Scholarship. Tickets through IYRS are $50 per person and include entrance to both the Boat Show and the party that includes music, food and drinks. Tickets for the Exhibitor Party/Fundraiser must be purchased in advance by calling IYRS at 401-848-5777 ext. 217 or email dopp@iyrs.org. For more information about the fundraiser go to www.iyrs.org or to www.newportboatshow.com.
While at the Show, visitors can take a free sailing lesson or just a quiet sail around Newport Harbor courtesy of Sail America’s Discover Sailing program. Crews and sailboats will be on-hand Thursday through Sunday to demonstrate how easy it is to sail, for anyone who might be thinking about the sport. “Learning to sail can be easy and fun for all ages” says Nancy Piffard, Show Director “and we are very excited to have Sail America at the show. There will also be dedicated children’s activities on Saturday and Sunday, so it’s a real family affair.”
For adults, though, Whisky Live On the Docks – a whiskey and spirits tasting planned for boat shows nationwide, will make its debut at the Newport International Boat Show on Saturday, September 19th from 5-9:30pm at the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina Ballroom. Tickets are $34 or $29 with the purchase of a boat show ticket. Admission includes a Newport International Boat Show-branded tasting glass, a program listing the drinks being tasted, and the opportunity to sample and be educated on the world’s finest whiskies.
After the Show is over, things keep going on Tuesday with a sea trial for potential buyers of multihull yachts with a trip to Cuttyhunk, in the quaint Elizabeth Islands. Serious customer will have a chance to sail or drive away right from the show site. Just register at the show to test the boat of your dreams at the perfect time of the year. Included will be a raft-up, dinner on the island and a sleep aboard returning back to Newport on Wednesday. For more information, go to the Show’s Multihull Lagoon.
Show hours are Thursday to Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Advance discount tickets are available on line thru September 16th. Tickets purchased at the show on Thursday, VIP Day, are $27.00 ($24 on-line). On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the tickets are $18.00 ($15 on-line). Friday only is Military and Newport County Residents’ Day with tickets half price with proper ID. Children under 12 are free every day when accompanied by an adult. There will be limited VIP parking on the Show grounds and free shuttle bus service will run from designated lots all four days. For more information, call 401-846-1115 or 800-582-7846 or visit our web site at www.newportboatshow.com.
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