Newport International Boat Show 2016: 15-18 September

The Newport International Boat Show takes place from 15- 18 September, on the Newport waterfront along America’s Cup Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. One of the largest in-water boat shows in New England, the event will host around 750 exhibitors from around the world with an exceptional range of boats of every type and style from 15 to 110 feet, as well as a variety of accessories, equipment, electronics and boating services. Set against the historic Newport Harbor in the heart of the town, the show also provides a range of fun and educational activities for boating enthusiasts of all ages. 

'At The Helm by Confident Captain' will provide on the water training while professional USCG-licensed and USPowerboating certified instructors will be on hand to teach and improve your boating skills. The program is open to all attendees and runs for the duration of the show.

At The Helm has partnered with Boston Whaler as the official powerboat, so those attending the powerboat course will also be able to test drive the latest offerings from this iconic brand.

For those interested in learning to sail, 'First Sail' has been added to the course schedule, while Beneteau America is the official sailboat of the program.

For seasoned sailors, Confident Captain will offer sailing on a high-performance M32 catamaran, and participants will have the chance to sail on one of the boats used in the latest World Match Racing Tour.

A number of classroom-style seminars will also be offered by CruiserPort University, including experts in the field such as Peter Swanson, Nigel Calder, Paul Comyns, Bob Sweet, Jeremey Davis, Lou Codega and Kim Russo, cover topics for boaters of all levels.

You can also take part in weekend workshops offered by legends Lee Chesneau and Pam Wall. Lee will cover Tropical Cyclone Basics, Rules for Avoidance and An Introduction to the Surface Pressure Chart. Meanwhile Wall will talk about Outfitting for Blue Water Cruising and share her knowledge of Cruising The Bahamas.

On Saturday from 12-3pm and on Sunday from 11am - 2pm, the talented Sailor Donna will entertain children with singing, face painting and balloon art.

America’s newest Tall Ship will also be available to visit - the magnificent 200-foot SSV Oliver Hazard Perry (OHP), the first fully-rigged, ocean going Tall Ship to be built in America in over 100 years. She will be docked on Perry Mill Wharf and visitors must show a boat show wristband to board.

Visitors on Thursday will be able to vote for the best new sailboat or powerboat making its US debut in the 'Newport For New Products People’s Choice Award', and one voter will win a $250 American Express Gift Card. Voting ballots are available at all gates and winners will be announced on Friday morning. Categories include: Best Sailboat, Powerboat & Product; The Edson Star Award for the best looking display in the show.

New for this year

Guests at this year's show can sign-up to win an 8-day, 7-night all-inclusive vacation at the exquisite Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda in the BVIs, chosen as one of the world’s best resorts by Conde Nast Traveler. Keep an eye out for booths throughout the show for detais of this fabulous competition.

Nancy Piffard, show director said, “The programs and activities we offer complement the boats, products and services that our exhibitors bring to our Show. 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!”

For more information on the 46th Annual Newport International Boat Show and to purchase tickets, please visit www.newportboatshow.com. Event updates will be posted as they become available and communicated on the show’s Twitter and Facebook accounts: @Newportboatshow and www.facebook.com/newportboatshow, respectively. Social media posts will also be tagged #NIBS2016.

Charitable & Environmental Partners:

The official charitable partner is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society‘s Leukemia Cup Regatta (Tent A #47) and the Environmental Partner is Sailors for the Sea (Tent A #23). Both non-profit organizations will have booths onsite and attendees will have the opportunity to meet the staff and learn more about their important missions. 

Opening Times:
Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 10am to 6pm.
Sunday: 10 am to 5pm.

Admission Prices:
Thursday, September 15th, VIP Day: Online and at the gate tickets are $35*. Friday, Saturday or Sunday, September 16th, 17th or 18th advanced tickets are $15* until September 15th and day-of tickets are $20. Two-day discounted ticket packages are also available online. Children under 12 are admitted free all days when accompanied by an adult. Friday, September 16th only, visitors with a valid Military or Newport County Resident ID pay $12 admission at the ticket booth (This discount cannot be combined with any other discount offer). *Advance ticket prices are subject to additional processing fees.

Related Article:
Behind the Scenes with Newport Boat Show Director Nancy Piffard

*Images courtesy of Newport International Boat Show