Three days in Newport is never enough. Especially if the Newport International Boat Show is happening.
On September 13th, the Newport Yachting Center in downtown Newport, Rhode Island, hosts the 48th Annual Newport International Boat Show. For three days, hundreds of exhibitors from around the world present an extensive selection of marine equipment, services, and accessories. And that’s in addition to all the boats.
As one of the largest in-water boat shows in the United States and the premier show in New England, the Newport International Boat Show encompasses over 13 acres with docks accessing new powerboats and sailboats from inflatables to multihulls ranging from 15 to 90 feet.
In addition to the boats, products, and services, a wealth of events educates and entertains visitors. Nancy Piffard, Newport Exhibition Group’s show director, wants the Newport International Boat Show to be a completely immersive experience. The ever-popular Confident Captain’s “At the Helm” training courses and the United States Power Squadrons’ America’s Boating Club seminar program provides educational instruction for show attendees from the novice boater to the licensed captain. Session-goers can add to their seamanship skills in powerboat docking and maneuvering, advanced outboard handling, how to become a power boater, automatic identification systems, how to read the weather, and anchoring techniques.
For the 13th year, the highly anticipated Newport For New Products competition provides attendees an exciting opportunity to view boats and products making their first-ever debut in the U.S. Entries are judged by a panel of experts. Awards are given at a ceremony on Friday, September 14th. Categories include best new powerboat, sailboat, navigation product, and boating operation, maintenance or safety product.
In addition, attendees present on opening day will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite new boat as part of the “People’s Choice Award.” One voter will be selected randomly and receive a $250 American Express gift card. Don’t miss seeing the latest ideas and technologies used in the marine industry.
Running concurrently with the show is the 2nd Annual Newport Wooden Boat Show at Bowen’s Wharf Ferry Landing Marina and the Newport Brokerage Boat Show held at the Newport Shipyard. No additional ticket is required to attend. Also, a water taxi is available to take attendees from show to show.
One last experience not to be missed is an afternoon sailing excursion aboard the 220-foot tall ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry. OHP will be at Fort Adams State Park. Take an afternoon sail from 1 PM to 5 PM. If you can’t make that, a deck tour is available Sunday from 10 AM to 12 PM.
Show Dates and Hours:
Thursday, September 13th-Saturday, September 15th: 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, September 16th: 10 am to 5 pm
Admission
Thursday Sept. 13 – Preview Day:
$35 in advance & day-of
Friday, Saturday or Sunday:
$15 through Sept. 12
$22 on Sept. 14, 15 and 16
Parking: Easton’s Beach; $20 per vehicle; continuous shuttle
Ferry: Providence or Jamestown ferry to Newport
By Steve Davis, Southern Boating August 2018