Atlanta Boat Show returns in January

The 2016 Progressive Insurance Atlanta Boat Show, Georgia’s premier boating event, will showcase the best in boating – boats, watercraft,  educational seminars and simulators – when it returns Jan. 14-17 to the Georgia World Congress Center. All details and tickets are available now at AtlantaBoatShow.com.

“With over 300,000 boats registered in Georgia and thousands more throughout the Southeast, the Atlanta Boat Show is the state’s prime boating resource,” said show manager Kevin Murphy. “Georgians spend over $400 million a year on boats and accessories. The Atlanta Boat Show is the best place to shop, as our exhibitors will feature some of their lowest prices of the year at this event.”

The show will include the show’s largest selection to date with more than 200 exhibitors. New boats this year include the Axiom 70 Houseboat, the Corsair Pulse 600 Sailboat, the 2016 350 Sea Ray Sundancer and the Bay Runner Sea Chaser by Carolina Skiff.

There will also be several interactive activities for beginners to advanced boaters, including

• Boaters can take the helm at the United States Power Squadron’s Boating Skills Virtual Trainer (BSVT). Practice skills including pivot turns, docking, stopping and more during a simulated boat trip. The BSVT provides hands-on experience by navigating a virtual boat on a lake that includes a marina, navigation aids, powerboats and sailboats.
• Little skippers can have a play day in the enhanced Kids’ Zone featuring the Sea Park, an inflatable aquatic water land with a slide, ball pit and bounce area, where they can “play in the waves” while staying dry. Dora the Explorer will also stop by to share how much kids can discover during time on the water.
• At the Bass Tub, anglers can experience fishing from the fishes’ viewpoint. The 12-ft. high, 40-ft. long mobile glass aquarium lets guests see just how fish react to and strike different lures during casting demonstrations.
• Anglers can get “schooled” attending hourly classes at The Let’s Go Fishing Center. Learn how to catch a bounty of bass, finesse fly fishing skills and uncover additional techniques and tips from expert fishermen and guides. Little ones will have the chance to take on a rod & reel at the Catch and Release Trout Pond.
• The docking station for DIY, Fred’s Shed Interactive Learning Center, has a new curriculum with features like props for a faster, more efficient boat, diagnosing electrical problems, outboard troubleshooting. Certified Marine Technician Fred, the “Outboard Doctor” and “The Boating Guy” bring more than 50 years of experience in “wrench-slinging,” tools and techniques during a hands-on clinic on real boat and motor cutaways.
• Windsong Sailing Academy will offer free sailing classes for both beginners and seasoned sailors. Debuting this year is the Sailing Maker Simulator, making learning to sail fun and easy and helping beginners feel more prepared when taking to the water.

“We’re so excited to share many new boats and educational features this year, as well as our new Boating Skills Virtual Trainer and Sailing Simulator,” Murphy added. “The 2016 Show has more boats, features and educational opportunities than ever before, with something for everyone, from novices to professionals.”