Newport International Boat Show names judges for 2026 Newport for New Products Awards

Newport International Boat Show names judges for 2026 Newport for New Products Awards © Newport International Boat Show

With the entry deadline quickly approaching, the Newport International Boat Show announced today the judging panel for the 2026 Newport for New Products Awards (NFNP) program.

Celebrating 20 years in 2026, the NFNP Awards serve as one of the marine industry's most respected showcases for innovation and product excellence, providing exhibitors with a unique opportunity to introduce new boats and marine products to both consumers and industry leaders during the annual Newport International Boat Show.

Developed in collaboration with seven premier marine media outlets including Cruising World, Passagemaker, Power & Motoryacht, SAIL, Sailing World, Soundings, and Yachting, the program provides participating exhibitors with extensive marketing exposure through editorial features, digital promotion, public relations initiatives and targeted outreach to boating audiences. Each entry benefits from a promotional campaign valued at more than $250,000, delivering over 2.5 million audience impressions.

Applications for the 2026 Newport for New Products Awards Program are now being accepted. Complete program details, eligibility requirements and entry forms are available online. Applications must be submitted by August 1, 2026. Winners will be announced during the NFNP Awards Ceremony on Friday, September 18, before the Show opens.

As part of the expanded partnership with the industry-leading media titles, the 2026 NFNP Awards will feature a refreshed panel of judges made up of industry journalists that are core experts in their field.

The 2026 NFNP Awards judging panel includes:

Daniel Harding: Daniel Harding is the Editor-in-Chief of Power & Motoryacht magazine. One of the lucky ones who was born into boating, Dan grew up cruising aboard his family's 33 Egg Harbor. Marinas and boatyards served as summer school and the foundation for a career on the water. When not chasing stories for Power & Motoryacht magazine he can be found cruising Long Island Sound with his wife, sons, and faithful (furry) first mate Salty.

Jeff Moser: Jeff Moser spent his formative years fishing and cruising in small center consoles. He served as Executive Editor of Power & Motoryacht and Editor-in-Chief of Soundings Trade Only before taking the helm at Passagemaker in 2022.

Lydia Mullan: Lydia Mullan is the Editor-in-Chief of SAIL magazine. She was named the 2025 Young Journalist of the Year by the Yachting Journalist Association and has been recognized as the marine industry's best adventure writer by Boating Writers International three consecutive years (2023-2025). In her eight years with SAIL, she has published over 500 articles and worked on nearly 100 issues of the magazine. Mullan was also the race commentator for the 2025 Transpac and 2025 Marblehead-Halifax races, a 2024 Magenta Project graduate, and the media manager for Cole Brauer's viral circumnavigation.

Gary Reich: Gary Reich has worked in the marine industry for 35 years with 25 years of editorial leadership across a wide variety of marine and boating titles. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Soundings magazine and also serves as a judge in the NMMA Miami Innovations Award program. When he is not making magazines he enjoys saltwater fly-fishing, sailing and marine photography.

Sam White: Sam White is the Senior Editor of Yachting, where he covers the people, boats and innovations shaping the recreational marine industry for a global audience. He is also the Editor-at-Large for Firecrown Media's Fish Group. A lifelong angler and boater, he brings firsthand experience on the water to his reporting, focusing on new yachts, marine technology and the stories behind the brands and individuals driving the industry forward.

Entries for will be evaluated and judged on innovation, design, functionality and value to consumers. Awards will be presented in the following categories:

• Best New Powerboat
• Best New Sailboat
• Best New Product - Technology
• Best New Product - Boat Operation, Maintenance & Safety
• Best New Weather Gear (Wearable)

As one of the most coveted in-water events in the country, the Newport International Boat Show spans over 17 acres of Newport's renowned waterfront. It features hundreds of exhibitors, dealers, and manufacturers, showcasing a dazzling array of powerboats and sailboats ranging from 15 to 90 feet, alongside a comprehensive selection of marine equipment, services, and accessories for boating aficionados.