img6073Newport RI — One of the five largest boat shows in the world, the Newport International Boat Show is scheduled for September 13-16, 2001 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). The show offers over 750 exhibitors, including 300+ in-water boats, as well as demonstrations, speakers and workshops on twelve acres of Newport, Rhode Island harborfront. New sailboats and powerboats (from eight to seventy-five feet), kayaks, inflatables, equipment, and accessories of all types will be on display. Services, such as financing, insurance, storage, surveying, repair and maintenance are also offered. Experts are on hand to offer advice. The annual Hospice Regatta, sponsored by the Newport International Boat Show, will be held on Saturday, September 15. The Regatta has become an annual tradition to raise funds for Hospice Care of Rhode Island, and is one of 19 qualifying regattas for the national Hospice Alliance Championship.

This year's four Show locations include the Newport Yachting Center, Oldport Marine, Bannister's Wharf and West Wind Marina, all in Newport. Seminars will be held daily in the Classroom tent at the Newport Yachting Center. Topics will include boat safety, drama at sea, travel journal accounts, boat maintenance, recent novels, regatta stories and more.

Says Show Director Nancy Piffard, "We are thrilled with the response to our seminar series this year. We are currently negotiating seminar slots and topics with several best selling authors and well as several world-renowned sailors. Our tagline is 'It's not just a boat show, it's a tradition' because over 72% of attendees come back year after year to see what's new and different. I think this year it will be the seminars and new boat debuts that will bring people in."

Many new boat models will be at NIBS, which is the first boat show of the fall season. Island Packet is bringing their first powerboat, a Packet Craft 360 Express. Beneteau is showing the Beneteau 36.7 in its U.S. debut. The Beneteau 393 sailboat is also making its East Coast debut. Hanse, a German manufacturer, is also making their first appearance at the Show.

Tickets can be purchased in advance (1-day: $10/ 2-day: $20/ 3-day: $30 plus $1 handling fee) before August 31, or at the show (1-day: $15/ 2-day: $25/ 3-day: $35). Children under 12 are free with an adult. Group tickets are available. Seminars are free with Show ticket. Tickets available by phone at 800.582.7846 or online at www.NewportBoatShow.com. Concessions benefit the Kiwanis Club.