St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show returns in December
The St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show is set to take place from Thursday, December 1, through Sunday, December 4, at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Now in its 39th year, the boat show will be larger than ever before with the addition of over 50 boats and nearly 4,000 square feet of additional exhibit space. The multi-faceted show will include hundreds of powerboats, sailboats and the latest in marine electronics and accessories, as well as special events and educational activities.
“Last year’s show saw a considerable increase in attendance and a 45 percent increase in new in-water boats on display, and this year promises to be even bigger and better,” said Dane Graziano, senior vice president and COO of Show Management, the company that owns and produces the show. “The St. Petersburg community-orientated waterfront is an ideal spot for boating enthusiasts, interested buyers, and families to come together and enjoy many things that are new to boating and life around the water.”
Beyond the main boating attractions, seminars, sailing clinics and entertainment will be offered daily, including the following highlights:
Free Children’s Fishing Clinics
On Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, Hook the Future kid’s fishing clinics will be offered, free, for ages 4-16. Captain Don Dingman will take kids through various educational stations where they will win prizes while learning basic fishing techniques. Sessions are at noon and 2 p.m. each day, located at the east end of the show.
Sail America’s Cruising Seminars
Sponsored by Cruising Outpost and Harken, Sail America will offer more than 100 free and for-fee seminars in four different tents. Well-known experts will host their own series, including senior meteorologist, lecturer and author, Lee Chesneau, who is also known as “The Weather Guy”; outfitting and cruising consultant Pam Wall; and author of the Book of Sail, Bill Cullen. Seminar topics will include weather, tides, cooking, celestial navigation, cruising on a budget, voyage planning, electronics, cruising for couples, storm strategies and more.
Sail America Discover Sailing Series
Boat show visitors can learn new skills, or improve their sailing abilities with on-the-water, hands-on clinics. From free boat rides offered each day to classes that include docking, anchoring and catamaran sailing, Sailing Florida Charters will provide boats and American Sailing Association certified instructors.
Cruiser’s Party, presented by Cruising Outpost Magazine
On Saturday, December 3, at 7 p.m., the annual Cruiser’s party will take place on the Gosling’s & Budweiser Floating Cocktail Lounge inside the show. The party will feature live entertainment, food, beverages and prizes. Guests must be inside the show by close to gain access to the event.
