Newport Boat Show Offers Something for Everyone

The largest boat show in New England and the “kick off” to the fall boat show season, the 46th Annual Newport International Boat Show from Sept. 15-18 provides visitors from around the world a venue to see the latest boats and product offerings from hundreds of manufacturers and dealers, including dozens debuting for the first time in the United States. Set along historic Newport Harbor in the heart of downtown Newport, the show also offers a wealth of education and fun activities for boating enthusiasts of all ages and experience.

At The Helm by Confident Captain offers on the water training for boaters of all experience levels. Professional USCG-licensed and U.S. Powerboating certified instructors will lead students through engaging lessons and important boating strategies to help improve confidence and ability. The program is open to all show attendees.

This year, At The Helm has partnered with Boston Whaler as the official powerboat; attendees that choose a powerboat course will get to drive the latest offerings from this iconic brand. For those interested in learning how to sail, “First Sail” has been added to the course schedule; Beneteau America is the official sailboat of the program.

Also for sailors, the experience of a lifetime has just been added to the 2016 At The Helm program. Confident Captain will offer a professional sailing experience on a high-performance M32 catamaran. Participants can sail on a boat recently used for the World Match Racing Tour and one of the most exciting boats on the water.

This year’s show also includes CruiserPort University, which will offer a number of classroom-style seminars by world-renowned speakers, and a variety of weekend workshops.

The official charitable partner of the Show is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society‘s Leukemia Cup Regatta. The Environmental Partner is Sailors for the Sea. Both organizations have linked the love of boating to their very vital missions – finding a cure for cancer and ocean conservation, respectively – causes close to the heart of the Newport International Boat Show organizers as well as many show attendees.

Visitors on Thursday will have the opportunity to cast their vote for the best new sailboat or powerboat making its U.S. debut in the Newport For New Products People’s Choice Award. One voter will be selected at random to win a $250 American Express Gift Card. The 11th Annual Newport For New Product winners will be announced on Friday morning. Categories include: Best Sailboat, Powerboat & Products. The Edson Star Award honors exhibitors with the best looking display in the show.

While in Newport, guests can also tour America’s newest Tall Ship, the 200-foot SSV Oliver Hazard Perry. She is the first fully rigged, ocean going Tall Ship to be built in America in over 100 years. The OHP will be docked on Perry Mill Wharf. 

“The programs and activities we offer complement the boats, products and services that our exhibitors bring to our show,” said Nancy Piffard, show director of Newport Exhibition Group. “The show experience, coupled with Newport’s own amenities such as award-winning restaurants, historic landmarks, fashionable boutiques and galleries, make for a boat show destination that is second to none.”

Expected to draw tens of thousands to historic Newport, the Newport International Boat Show will take place on the Newport waterfront along America’s Cup Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. One of the largest in-water boat shows in the country, the event will host nearly 750 exhibitors from around the world with an exceptional assortment of boats of every type and style from 15 to 110 feet and a wide variety of accessories, equipment, electronics, gear and services for boaters.

Show Details
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, September 15-17: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, September 18th: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport RI, 02840
Oldport Marine, Bannister’s Wharf and Bowen’s Wharf; Newport RI 02840

A one-day general admission pass is $15. Two-day and VIP packages are also available.