ACTIVITIES ABOUND AT THE 47th ANNUAL NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

Newport, R.I. – Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show, announced today the activities and amenities for those planning to attend its 47th annual show. The largest boat show in New England and the ‘kick-off’ to the fall boat show season, the Newport International Boat Show 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.

This year’s education opportunities include Confident Captain’s At The Helm program which provides hands-on training courses for new boaters or those wanting to improve their skills and confidence level. Courses are available on a powerboat or sailboat. In addition, ticket holders will also have the opportunity to tour the 200-foot educational Tall Ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry at no additional charge. The ship will be docked at Perry Mill Wharf for tours and staff will be on-hand to answer questions.

The 2017 official charitable partner of the Show is Sail To Prevail. The organization creates opportunities for disabled children and adults to overcome adversity through therapeutic sailing. For over 30 years, Sail To Prevail has served more than 19,000 disabled individuals across the country with primary locations in Nantucket and Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Newport, Rhode Island. Attendees can stop by their booth located in Tent A, Booth 42 to meet the staff and learn more about their important mission.

Visitors on Thursday will have the opportunity to cast their vote online 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 12th Annual Newport For New Product winners will be announced on Friday morning. Categories include: Best New Sailboat, Powerboat and Best New Products for Navigation and Safety, as well as the new “Green Award”. Also on Friday, the Edson Star Award winners will be announced honoring exhibitors with the best looking displays.
On Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the lovely and talented Sailor Donna will entertain children with singing, face painting and balloon art.

The best place to park for the Show is at Easton’s Beach, located at 175 Memorial Blvd, Newport. Parking is $20 per vehicle and continuous shuttle service to and from the boat show site (approximately 1.6 miles) is available complimentary with the parking space. The parking lot and the shuttle service run 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. A parking pass for the Easton’s Beach lot can be purchased at the beach entrance or in advance online – parking passes purchased online must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance. Handicapped parking and shuttle service are available at the Easton’s Beach lot, as well.

To avoid Newport traffic, showgoers can also park in Jamestown, Rhode Island and take the Jamestown/Newport Ferry to the Show. There is a free shuttle from the Jamestown parking lots to the ferry terminal. The ferry drops-off and picks-up at Perrotti Park – which is within walking distance to the Show. Round-trip fares are $24 dollars for adults. Tickets to the Show can also be purchased at the Jamestown Ferry terminal or on the ferry itself. Visit jamestownnewportferry.com/schedules/2017-fall-operating-schedule/ for the ferry schedule.

Additionally, the Seastreak Ferry Company offers Providence to Newport ferry service. Parking at the ferry terminal in Providence is free and there is complimentary shuttle bus service between the Providence train station, convention center, downtown and the Providence to Newport ferry terminal. The Providence to Newport ferry drops-off and picks-up at Perrotti Park. Round-trip fares are $20 dollars for adults. The ferry schedule can be found at seastreak.com/ferry-routes-and-schedules/between-providence-newport-ri/.

The Newport International Boat Show will take place September 14-17, 2017 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 2017 Newport International Boat Show, and to purchase tickets please visit www.newportboatshow.com.

Show Dates & Hours:
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, September 14th, 15th, and 16th: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, September 17th: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission Prices:
    •    Thursday, September 14th, VIP Day: Online and at the gate tickets are $35*.
    •    Friday, Saturday or Sunday, September 15th, 16th or 17th advanced tickets are $15* until September 14th 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 15th 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.

By Ocean Navigator