2011 Newport International Boat Show Reports Increases

Yacht exhibitors were happy with the vibe and the sales activities that took place this at the 2011 Newport International Boat Show. The Boat Show recorded an attendance equal to pre-recession
levels, about 15% higher than in 2009. Large crowds, perfect weather, lots of yachting industry exhibitors, a rising level of boat and boating product sales, and international boating personalities all mixed together in Newport, Rhode Island to kick-off the 2011 Fall boating season in style!

Andrew Schneider, an Azimut Yacht Dealer said “The Newport International Boat Show continues to deliver prospects from the entire Northeast. We are committed to continue our participation in this major annual event based on our success in retail sales at this show”

Sarah Fawle, Director of Marketing and PR at Morris Yachts was quoted as saying “We couldn’t have been happier with the quality and quantity of traffic. The atmosphere and vibe at the show was fantastic. We saw many familiar friends as well as met with brand new prospects, several of whom have already requested proposals from us!  It was definitely a positive outcome for the sales team.  A fun show, well organized and we will definitely return again next year.”

This year’s winners of the Newport International Boat Show’s Newport For New Products program were also named during the Boat Show. The Destino 20, a 20’custom wood and composite runabout from Destino Yachts in Branford, Connecticut was named “Best Powerboat Under 30 Feet” and overall “Best New Powerboat” at the Show. The Bayraider Daysailer, a 20’ fiberglass and wood British day boat from Swallow Boats in Newport, Rhode Island took honors as “Best New Sailboat” as well as the sub-category of “Best Sailboat Under 30 Feet”.

The e7 Multifunction Electronic Network Display from Raymarine of Merrimack, NH took the honors as the Show’s “Best New Boating Product”.

Recognized as the Show’s Best Powerboat Over 30’ was the 55 PB Express from Palm Beach Motor Yachts of Sydney, Australia, presented by Ballast Point Yachts of San Diego, CA.  The Moody 45 Deck Salon Sailing Yacht was named Best New Sailboat Over 30’.

The Newport International Boat Show — at 41 years old — is one of the largest in-water boat shows in the country and covered over 13 acres along America’s Cup Avenue in the luxurious setting of Newport, Rhode Island.  More than 700 exhibitors brought boats ranging in size from 8 to 85 feet, including express cruising yachts, racing sailboats, ocean-going trawlers, multihulls, DownEast styles, sportfishing boats, runabouts, inflatables, and yacht tenders. In addition, there are engines, sails, equipment, safety products, electronics plus thousands of accessories and marine services, as well as seminars, demonstrations and workshops.

As noted by Tom Delotto, Division Director of Newport Exhibition Group, producers of the Show: “The 2011 Newport International Boat Show continued the upswing in attendance that was seen in 2010.  Attendance levels increased by 5% over last year and 15% above 2009!

The News Conference about next year’s America’s Cup World Series in Newport also added to the stature of the Show.  And, in general, the atmosphere was positive and exciting both among exhibitors and attendees alike” The Newport International Boat Show dates for next year are September 13 – 16, 2012.