Newport, RI– The Newport International Boat Show announced today its full slate of showgoer activities guaranteed to excite attendees. This year’s Show will take place September 14-17, 2023, at the Newport Yachting Center in downtown Newport, Rhode Island.
“We have numerous brand-new experiences and activities lined up for this year’s Show, and we can’t wait for our visitors to see them all firsthand,” said Jocelyn Emory, Marketing Director of Newport International Boat Show. “Every year, we try to create a new, exciting Show for our attendees, and we have absolutely done that this year. Mark your calendars and we’ll see you in September!”
Celebrating its 52nd year, the Newport International Boat Show is one of the largest in-water events in the country and the premier show in New England. It encompasses over 15 acres on both land and water along Newport’s famed waterfront and hosts hundreds of exhibitors, dealers and manufacturers, with new powerboats and sailboats ranging from 15- to 90-feet, plus an extensive selection of marine equipment, services and accessories for boaters.
BankNewport and its marine division, OceanPoint Marine Lending, return this year as the Show’s Presenting Sponsors. Their team of finance experts are eager to talk with showgoers and assist with their boat buying needs. Stop by the OceanPoint Marine Lending Land Display just outside the entrance to North Commercial Wharf to learn more.
One of the Show’s most popular events is back this year as well: the Newport for New Products (NFNP) Awards Program, which showcases boats and boating products making their national debut. Industry experts will judge each entry on opening day and awards are given in several categories and all winners will be announced Friday, Sept. 15. When walking the show, visitors should keep an eye out for the red and blue Newport for New Products decals and burgees indicating each boat or product entry.
New for 2023 are several classroom educational opportunities. The Confident Cruiser Seminar Series covers an array of interactive maritime topics to enhance your boating knowledge and skills, whether you are a seasoned sailor or new to the world of boating. Additionally, the Confident Cruiser Tech Talks are technical, fully immersive half-day courses held at IYRS School of Technology and Trades, powered by Cruising World. There will also be a half day-course on How to Become a Multihull Owner and Cruiser byMultihulls Today. For details and to register, visit newportboatshow.com.
Attendees can become better, safer and more confident boaters with in-water, hands-on training from Freedom Boat Club and the Narragansett Sailing School. Courses will be offered in both power and sailing for all four days of the Show at beginner and intermediate levels, as well as sailing classes for women only.
Visitors can check out the brand-new expanded area of the Show, the Perry Mill Wharf. Situated just beyond Hammetts hotel courtyard, outside Tent G, this new area will host additional in-water powerboats, a variety of trailer-able boats on land, personal watercraft displays, food and beverage options, restrooms, extra seating and more. Plus, a wine experience by La Crema and a Sikorsky helicopter on display with Flexjet for showgoers to view the aircraft and inquire about private aircraft ownership.
As the Show’s Sustainability Partner this year, Clean Ocean Access (COA) will be implementing zero waste stations throughout the Show grounds to divert compost and recycling from entering the landfill and going into the oceans. They will also be taking the opportunity to bring education and awareness to show attendees and encouraging all food and beverage vendors to use compostable and/or recyclable materials. Please use the show site map for where these stations are located.
For the second year, YouTube Boating Channels will be returning to the Show. Attending this year will be Matt and Jessica from MJ Sailing, Andy Miller of Boatworks Today, Lou Sauzedde & JAWS, Beau and Brandy Sailing, and many more. This group will be located in the Perry Mill Area, outside Tent G, visitors can stop by to chat with them and shake their hand. This exciting experience is sponsored by TotalBoat, Precision Sails, Latitudes and Attitudes and Ugo Wear.
The Rolex New York Invitational Cup returns this year for the eighth edition of its historic international yacht club challenge. On the final day of racing, Saturday, Sept. 16, the fleet will parade through Newport Harbor at approximately 10 a.m. Show attendees are invited to come to the Newport Yachting Center Marina docks for this must-see moment as the iconic yachts circle the harbor.
For more racing excitement, Show attendees can join in celebrating the 11th Hour Racing Team’s victory in the 2023 Ocean Race. After racing around the world and overcoming numerous challenges, Skipper Charlie Enright will be at the Show on Saturday, September 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. under the Bohlin Tent for a meet and greet that is open to all.
For Show visitors who can’t get enough of the boats, there will be another show running concurrently with the Newport International Boat Show this year: the Newport Brokerage Boat Show at the Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard. There will be a spectacular lineup of brokerage boats for sale, and the show is free of charge. It can be accessed by water taxi located at the end of the Bannisters’ Wharf fuel dock on the Show grounds. See show site map for exact locations.
The Bohlin Tent, located at the end of Commercial Wharf, is a pleasant retreat from the hustle and bustle of the show and a beautiful place to relax while enjoying acoustic music, delicious food, and a cool beverage with samples courtesy of Sobieski Vodka, Tequila Ocho, Delicato Wines, Fishers Island Lemonade, Mount Gay Rum, Narragansett Brewing and Whalers Brewing. New this year, the Show welcomes Dillon’s Gin Cocktail, Cutty Sark Scotch Whiskey, Harpoon Brewing, Radiant Pig Brewery and La Crema Winery.
Exhibitors and sponsors will host a variety of giveaways throughout the Show, allowing visitors who sign up an excellent chance to win great prizes. Among these will be a chance to win the popular Aquis Caliber 400 Watch, hosted by Oris Watch USA, whose winner will be chosen Sunday afternoon at the Oris Airstream, located at the top of Commercial Wharf. Not to be missed is the silent auction and raffle sponsored by Newport Marriott to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County; prizes will include items from Show sponsors.
It is recommended that visitors purchase tickets online in advance. As visitors enter, their digital tickets will be scanned and they will be given wristbands to grant them access to all gates throughout the day. Thursday, September 14 is opening Preview Day, sponsored by Discover Newport, and ticket prices are $40*. A one-day ticket, purchased in advance through September 13th is priced at $31*. Day-of tickets are $33*. A one-day ticket is valid Friday-Sunday.
In addition, thanks to sponsorship from Hogan Associates Real Estate and Carey, Richmond and Viking Insurance, all military families and veterans as well as residents of Newport County will be able to purchase tickets day-of, at the kiosk for $20, valid for Sunday, September 17. Valid ID is checked at the kiosk during purchase. Children under 12 are free all four days of the Show.
To make attendees’ experience seamless upon entry, Show management recommends purchasing a parking space online in advance at Easton’s Beach in Newport. A parking pass is $40 per vehicle. There will be continuous, complimentary shuttles to and from the Show site (only 1.5 miles) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. If purchasing a ticket online, visitors can add a parking space to their shopping cart when checking out. Visitors who are local can also take the express Jamestown/Newport Ferry to the Show or take the Seastreak ferry from Providence or Bristol, Rhode Island. Both ferries drop off at Perrotti Park, just a short walk to the Show.
To purchase tickets online, click here. Please follow the Newport International Boat Show’s Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, schedules of events and sponsor giveaways and prizes.
