Note: Boarding of yachts on display in the show is by appointment only or through a broker.
Sail on over to 34th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show.
Held March 28-31 along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach, across the Intracoastal Waterway from Palm Beach, the show will feature more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories, including hundreds of boats ranging from 8-foot inflatables to super yachts nearly 300 feet in length. In addition, the show offers educational activities, including free youth fishing clinics by Hook the Future and IGFA School of Sportfishing seminars.
“Every major boat show has its own special appeal, and for the Palm Beach show, it’s this beautiful setting in a world-famous destination at the most beautiful time of year that distinguishes the show from all others,” said Andrew Doole, president of Informa U.S. Boat Shows, the show’s producer. “As the last major boat show of the season, this is a favorite event for both boating enthusiasts and marine businesses worldwide.”
The AquaZone, “a show within a show,” presented by Informa U.S. Boat Shows and Nautical Ventures Marine Superstore, is an attraction designed to give show-goers an upfront and personal experience with a variety of water sports and innovative products. Previously held in a pop-up, 40,000-gallon fresh water pool, the AquaZone’s new open-area location on the Intracoastal Waterway will allow product demonstrations to reach higher speeds and go for longer distances. Located on the south end of the show, it will offer in-water demos, hands-on testing, contests and prizes on all show days during show hours. The area also will serve as a one-stop learning center for water sports and product information.
For aspiring anglers ages 4 to 16, the Kids’ Fishing Clinics offer instruction in basic fishing techniques. The Kids’ Fishing Clinics, presented by Hook the Future, offer interactive instruction in selecting tackle and lures, casting a rod and reel, reeling in a fish and fishing ethics. Upon completion of all learning stations, participants are eligible to win special prizes. Hosted by Captain Don Dingman, the clinics take place in the Meyer Amphitheatre at noon and 2 p.m. Saturday, March 30, and Sunday, March 31. Reservations are not required and participation is free with show admission.
For the second year in a row, guests will be able to adopt dogs and cats on site, thanks to the show’s partnership with Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control. The organization found homes for 11 cats and dogs over four days at the 2018 show, a news release said.
Other attractions include live music and refreshments at the show’s famous floating cocktail lounges. Guests are invited to come by boat and may tie up to free docks located south of the in-water boat displays.
General admission tickets are $28 for adults and $18 for children 6-15. Children under 6 are free. For more information on activities, boats on display, exhibitors, transportation and parking, visit www.pbboatshow.com.
Leave a Reply