Newport International Boat Show announces educational opportunities for 2019

Newport International Boat Show announces educational opportunities for 2019 Show © Will Ricketson / American Magic

Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show, announced today educational courses, seminars and presentations for attendees of its 49th annual Show, September 12-15, 2019. The Show offers a wealth of both fun and educational activities for boating enthusiasts of all ages and experience.

America's Boating Club, known for its courses that enhance a boater's knowledge and skills while emphasizing having fun on the water, will offer hour-long seminars several times each day. Seminars on topics like AIS and Propane Systems will be located at the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina, adjacent to Bowen's Wharf. Additionally, Confident Captain's At The Helm program will provide hands-on training courses for new boaters or those who want to improve their skills and confidence level. Several courses are available for power and sail boaters throughout the four-day show.

The Bitter End Yacht Club will host a special event on Saturday, September 14th in The Bohlin Tent at 1 p.m. Crew from New York Yacht Club 'American Magic' will talk candidly about their challenge for the 36th America's Cup taking place March 2021 in Auckland, New Zealand.

As part of the education program, world-renowned cruising-lifestyle expert, Pam Wall will offer a number of seminars in the library at Seamen's Church Institute on the Bowen's Wharf/Market Square show site. Wall is well-known for outfitting world cruisers, consulting on prospective sailing routes, sailing instruction, and as a seminar speaker who encourages and educates on the cruising lifestyle. Along with her husband, Andy, and two young children, Samantha and Jamie, Wall has sailed around the world on their home-built Freya 39 KANDARIK, and later, across the Atlantic to Europe and back three times. Topics covered include Cool Products No One Knows About, Hurricane Preparation in Port, Outfitting Your Sailboat For Blue Water Cruising, A Family Sails Around The World, and Atlantic Circle From Florida To Europe And Return. Seminars are free with a boat show wristband and will take place Friday through Sunday.

The Show's annual Newport for New Products (NFNP) awards program will feature an innovative line-up of new boats and products making their U.S. or world premiere. Products will feature the NFNP decal and burgees for easy identification. Thursday visitors to the Show will have the opportunity to cast their vote online for the NFNP People's Choice Award. One voter will be selected at random to win a $250 American Express Gift Card. Overall NFNP winners will be announced on Friday morning in the categories of: Best Green Boat and Product; Best New Sailboat; Best New Powerboat; Best New Multihull; Best New Product for Navigation; Best New Product for Boat Operation, Maintenance or Boating Safety; and new for this year Best New Product for Wearable Weather Gear. The Edson Star Award, also announced on Friday morning, will honor exhibitors with the best 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 sea shanty songs, face painting and balloon art.

"While the new boats and products are a main reason our visitors come to the Show, we always try to enhance the experience with first-rate activities," said Nancy Piffard, Show Director of Newport Exhibition Group. "This year we have a very robust itinerary of courses, special events, seminars and guest speakers, designed to give valuable information and a lot of fun to boaters of all ages and levels of experience. We are confident this will be a great show!"

The Newport International Boat Show will take place September 12-15, 2019 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.

Visit www.newportboatshow.com/attending-the-show/courses-seminars for course schedules and to register. For more information on the 49th Annual Newport International Boat Show and to purchase advance tickets, please visit www.newportboatshow.com

For more information about American Magic, visit americanmagic.americascup.com/en/home