Newport, RI, 2008…This year, the 34^th Annual Newport Spring Boat Show will be presenting its most complete selection of boats and boating products when it runs for three days, May 16 – 18^th, at the Newport Yachting Center in Newport, Rhode Island.   Included will be brokerage boats and new boat specials, boating products, equipment and accessories and, new this year, a “Marine Consignment Tent” filled with used items from boaters and boat dealers alike. The show, now in its seventh year of association with the Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA), is one of the largest in-water Spring shows in the region and one of only two shows in the country officially sanctioned by YBAA. 

 

Nancy Piffard, Show Director stated, “In addition to all the boats and equipment we normally display at the Show we will have something new and exciting…a “Marine Consignment Tent”. We’d like our exhibitors as well as the general public to have a chance to sell marine related items that would otherwise go unused. We are asking boaters to bring their used marine equipment in good working condition, put a price on it and drop it off at the Newport Yachting Center starting Sunday, May 11^th through Wednesday, May 14^th between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM. 

It’s better than a yard sale. It will give them access to the thousands of boating enthusiasts attending the Boat Show.   If the consignment item sells, the owner will then receive a percentage of the sale and partial proceeds will benefit the Seaman’s Church Institute. With the Show going back to our traditional May time frame, the Tent should draw crowds of true boating people not only looking for bargains, but who’ll also be tempted by the new boat specials and enticing brokerage offerings that will be close at hand. On Friday, May 16^th, at the Helly Hansen Tent at Noon and 4 PM Captain Sig Hansen from the Emmy-nominated TV series Deadliest Catch will be signing autographs. Stop by and meet the brave captain from the Northwestern – one of the eight crab-fishing vessels in the Bering Sea. Sig has one of the most lucrative yet deadliest jobs in the world.

 

Plus, the Bassmaster CastingKids Program sponsored by the Rhode Island B.A.S.S. Federation Nation will be having their competition for young people, ages 7 – 14, to participate in at our show this year. The CastingKids program is nationally know for promoting and encouraging young people to go fishing. No need to pre-register, just come to the show and try your luck. The challenge is to flip, pitch and cast a hookless lure to a bullseye target. And, Sail Newport will be giving attendees a chance to experience sailing on Saturday and Sunday around the harbor…just sign up. Don’t miss our Seminar Series that runs all three days of the show. It includes a certified CPR course. This year promises to be a boating family event that truly offers everything you need to launch the boating season. We are really excited about what we have to offer.”

 

Over 50 YBAA members and a similar number of boat dealers are expected to exhibit nearly 200 boats, with a total of 300 exhibits in the water, on land and under tents. All kinds of boats – from kayaks to express cruising yachts – plus equipment, services and accessories are shown. Also, educational seminars are scheduled all three days. 

 

While the Newport Spring Boat Show attracts hundreds of 35 – 65 ft. power yachts and sailboats to its in-water display area, a similar number of 16 – 35 ft. boats are shown on land…all ready to be launched for an exciting boating season. Many are previously owned boats and yachts offered by brokers, some are new “season specials” that manufacturers are looking to move as the season begins. Plus, personal watercraft are seen all over the show, together with all kinds of boating equipment, services and accessories. The variety of boats shown tends to bring the boat owner who’s looking to trade up to the bigger boats for which the show is known.

Advance discount tickets are now available on line. Friday, May 16th is “First Dibs” Benefit Preview Day - tickets are $13.00 if purchased on line in advance ($15.00 at the gate). Partial proceeds go to the Show’s charitable partner. This year it will go to the Bassmaster CastingKids Scholarship Program. Saturday / Sunday, May 17th & 18^th - tickets are $8.00 if purchased on line in advance ($10.00 at the gate). Children under 12 are FREE when accompanied by an adult all three days. Sunday is Military Day, tickets are half price with proper photo ID.

For more information on the boat show, plus how to put in items at the Marine Consignment Tent, contact Newport Exhibition Group at 401-846-1115 or visit the web site at www.newportspringboatshow.com.