Newport, RI — The Newport International Boat Show is 40 years old! It is one of the largest in-water boat shows in the country, with the biggest 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’ fortieth 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 13 acres along America’s Cup Avenue. More than 750 exhibitors with over 600 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.
NEWPORT FOR NEW PRODUCTS™ — the official venue for U.S. debuts of new boats and boating products and an industry-wide initiative that recognizes the best of the boats and boating products being introduced for the 2011 model year at the NIBS show — will once again be presented by the producers of the Newport International Boat Show. Look for the red and blue balloons signifying a new product/boat throughout the show.
VIP DAY is Thursday, September 16th with much of the boating press and the trade visiting the Show and buyers being treated to special attention by the exhibitors.
AMERICA’S CUP 12 METRE LEGENDS REUNION will also be held at the show on Thursday, September 16th at 5PM. Entrance to this forum is Free. A panel of some of the most famous names in the America’s Cup race’s history will be speaking at the forum. Gary Jobson, ESPN’s Yachting Commentator and co-chair of the reunion, will moderate.
SAIL AMERICA’S DISCOVER SAILING is a chance for visitors to take a free sailing lesson or just a quiet sail around Newport Harbor courtesy Sail America. 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 Discover Sailing at the show. There will also be dedicated children’s activities on Saturday and Sunday, so it’s a real family affair.
BUICK/GMC MODEL INTRODUCTIONS will be highlighted in displays by Buick, “The New Class of World Class” and GMC, “We Are Professional Grade”, the Official Vehicles of the Newport International Boat Show. Featured will be the new sport-injected Buick Regal and the strongest, smartest, most powerful GMC Sierra Pickup ever, the Sierra Denali HD…on display along with the Buick LaCrosse and Enclave and GMC Terrain, Acadia and Yukon Denali Hybrid.
DETAILS: Show hours are Thursday to Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Advance tickets are available on line. Tickets purchased at the show on Thursday, VIP Day, are $27.00 ($24 on-line plus processing fee). On Friday, Saturday or Sunday the tickets are $18.00 ($15 on-line plus processing fee). 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 free shuttle bus service running from Easton’s Beach parking lot all four days. For more information, call 401-846-1115 or 800-582-7846 or visit our web site at www.newportboatshow.com.