Newport International Boat Show opens September 14

Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show, announced that it has secured a record number of exhibitors, and organized more activities and attractions for showgoers than ever before.

This year’s show includes a lineup of new boats and products making their U.S. debut, and for some, their world premiere. These vessels and products will be identified with Newport For New Products decals and balloons and located throughout the show sites. Sailboats on display for the first time in the United States include the Elan GT5, Hanse 588, Hartley 15, HH55 Catamaran, J/121 and the Lifestyle 26. New powerboat debuts include the Boston Whaler 380 Outrage, Grand Banks 60, Legacy 36, MJM 35z, Outer Reef 610 Motoryacht, Pursuit S-368, Sabre 45 Salon Express, Sealegs Interceptor 9000, Zeelander Z55, the Zodiac Cadet 270 RIB ALU and Zodiac Open 7. There will also be an assortment of new products for boat navigation and safety on exhibit. Visitors to the show on Thursday will have the opportunity to vote online for their favorite new sailboat or powerboat in the NFNP People’s Choice Award program. One lucky voter will be picked randomly to receive a $250 American Express Gift card.

“We are proud to kick-off the boat show season and host the debut of the latest innovations from top companies in the industry with the Newport For New Products program,” said Nancy Piffard, show director of Newport Exhibition Group. “The products and boats showcased comprise the very finest examples of boatbuilding and product development. These high-quality introductions are ideal for our attendees that are discerning buyers with impeccable taste.”

In addition to the Newport For New Products program, the Newport International Boat Show is dedicated to offering courses that attract new boaters to the sport and recreational aspect of boating. The Confident Captain At The Helm program, held during the show, encourages families and individuals to sign up for on-the-water courses to build their skills and confidence. The objective is ultimately to convert these boaters into future buyers. Showgoers can tour America’s newest tall ship offering education at sea – the 200-foot SSV Oliver Hazard Perry.

To learn more about these courses or to register for the Confident Captain At The Helm program, visit the show website.

On Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sailor Donna will entertain children with singing, face painting and balloon art. Also on the weekend, bring kids by the Li’l Skipper & Clam Cakes table to receive a free coloring book and poster that educates children on boating and life jacket safety. There is no entrance fee for children 12 and under.

Throughout the show days, Sea Bags will be auctioning one of its unique bags at their booth, with all proceeds from the auction being donated to the Show’s Charitable Partner, Sail to Prevail.

For additional entertainment after the show, on Thursday evening is the world premiere OF RAILS AND SAILS at the Jane Pickens Theatre in downtown Newport. This documentary film depicts the life of legendary Newport resident Arthur Curtis James, owner of the schooner Coronet; the brigantine Aloha; and the bark Aloha. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. and the film starts at 7:45 p.m.

The show is a resource for educating the boating public and an active marketplace that results in the sale of millions of dollars in boats and boat-related products. Additionally, the show has an economic impact on Newport County and the state in the millions of dollars and represents an end-of-summer boost. The over 600 exhibitors with multiple staff and the nearly 40,000 attendees impact the bottom line of local merchants, hotels, restaurants and all the other services industries they need while in the ocean state.

The Newport International Boat Show will take place Sept. 14-17 on the Newport Waterfront along America’s Cup Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. One of the largest in-water shows in the country and the kick-off to the boat show season, the event will host exhibitors from around the world with an exceptional assortment of boats of every type and style, plus a variety of accessories, equipment, electronics, gear and services for boaters.

For more information on the 2017 Newport International Boat Show and to purchase tickets, visit www.newportboatshow.com.