Boat Show season commences with the Newport International Boat Show

Newport International Boat Show © Andrew Golden

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

This year's show includes a powerful line-up 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 (NFNP) decals and burgees located throughout the show sites. A sample of sailboats on display for the first time in the United States include Beneteau's Figaro 32 and Oceanis 46, Friendship Surfari 50, Hanse 418 and 458, Melges IC 37, Saffier SE 33, Tartan 395, Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42, X49 and the Zim RS 21. New powerboat debuts include the Back Cove 340, Beneteau Antares 21, 23, and 27, Bertram 61, Cantieri Gagliotta Lobster 35, Eastern Boats Pilot 20, Foiling Ribs Hysucat FR 28 E, Formula 400 SSC, Hinckley Sport Boat 40c and Picnic Boat 40, Oxxean 320 AL, Palm Beach GT-50, Princess V60, Jeanneau NC 33, Southport 33 Dual Console, SW 38 Calvin Beal 'Star' and the Tiara 34LS. There will also be a unique assortment of new and innovative 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. One lucky voter will be picked randomly to receive a $250 American Express Gift card.

"The Newport International Boat Show represents the beginning of an exciting boat show season," said Nancy Piffard, Show Director, Newport Exhibition Group. "Our showcase of new boats and products are an example of the high level of quality that showgoers expect from today's marine manufacturers. We're pleased to offer showgoers a truly immersive experience."

In addition, the Newport International Boat Show is dedicated to offering courses that attract new boaters to the activity. This year, United States Power Squadrons – America's Boating Club, will offer several free seminars, and Confident Captain's At The Helm program encourages families and individuals to sign up for on-the-water courses to build their skills and confidence. For more information on these programs and to register, visit newportboatshow.com.

Newport is a popular vacation destination. The Show, located in this historic New England town, 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. The Show has a significant economic impact on Newport County and the state into the millions of dollars, and provides a great end-of-summer boost for the region. 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 service industries they need while in the ocean state.

The Newport International Boat Show will take place September 13th-16th, 2018 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 2018 Newport International Boat Show, and to purchase tickets please visit www.newportboatshow.com.