Despite the struggling economy and fears of what the upcoming boating season will bring, the 2009 Providence Boat Show was a remarkable success. Reports from exhibitors throughout the show were upbeat and optimistic, and the Safe/Sea booth was no exception. Above, you can see what we have to do to get our 35' rescue boat into position every year. No matter how many times we've done it, it's always nerve-wracking until she rests on the floor.

Partnering with Newport Exhibition Group, the company responsible for bringing you the show each and every year, Safe/Sea was able to give away almost 700 free tickets to our members. Judging by the number of friends and customers that stopped by to see us throughout the weekend, it's safe to assume every ticket given away was put to good use. 

Despite the frigid temperatures outside, the two floors of the Rhode Island Convention Center radiated warmth. As you can see at right, the show opened with a ribbon cutting by Providence Mayor David Cicilline, Rhode Island Governor Don Carcieri and other assorted dignitaries. Walking the aisles between palm trees and boats, show attendees couldn't help but feel like the summer was soon to come. As always, the Providence Boat Show offered everything local boaters could possibly need to prepare for the upcoming summer. From floating coolers to fishing poles, the options were endless.

In addition to the booths offering services and items for sale, the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association was also in attendance to promote their newest project, "Boats Work for Rhode Island." Under the aegis of the Governor’s Workforce Board, the State has recognized the Marine Industry as one targeted for growth and critical to the State’s economy. As a result, there is a growing effort to more fully develop the skilled workers needed to keep one of the State’s oldest manufacturing industries alive and well.

While the boat show often means that winter is all around us, it also means the warm breezes and summer sun won't be far behind.