Newport Boat Show helps boaters build skills with immersive education & on-water learning experience

Newport Boat Show helps boaters build skills with immersive education & on-water learning experience © Newport International Boat Show

Whether attendees are taking the helm for the first time or looking to sharpen advanced boating skills, the 2026 Newport International Boat Show, presented by BankNewport, will offer one of its most comprehensive educational lineups to date.

From September 17-20, the Show will feature expert-led seminars, technical workshops and on-water training designed to help boaters become safer, more capable and more confident.

"Today's current and prospective boaters are looking for experiences that go beyond simply seeing the latest products—they want opportunities to learn, improve their skills and gain confidence," said Jocelyn Emory, Director of Strategy for the Newport International Boat Show, US Boat Shows for Informa Market. "Our new lineup of educational programming and on-water training is designed to meet the needs of boaters wherever they are in their journey, whether they're preparing to buy their first boat, expanding their cruising knowledge or learning new technical skills from industry experts."

Returning to the Show is the Cruisers Classroom, presented by the Annapolis School of Seamanship. Located Below-Deck at the Hammetts entrance, the complimentary seminar series will feature interactive presentations throughout all four days of the Show. Sessions will cover a broad range of boating topics, including navigation, docking, weather, diesel systems, maintenance, chartering, offshore cruising, boat buying and more. The walk-up classes are open to all Show attendees, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For attendees interested in developing practical technical knowledge, Tech Talks, presented by the IYRS School of Technology & Trades, the Show's official educational partner, will offer hands-on, three-hour workshops led by experienced marine educators. Participants can learn valuable skills in electrical troubleshooting with multi-meters, cable sizing and crimping, and gel coat repair through small-group instruction focused on real-world applications. Each Tech Talk registration includes same-day admission to the Newport International Boat Show. Advance booking is recommended due to limited class sizes.

Boaters eager to gain experience at the helm can participate in BoatClass, powered by Freedom Boat Club. Designed for beginners and those seeking additional confidence behind the wheel, these 90-minute, on-water training sessions pair small groups with certified captains who provide personalized instruction in fundamental boating techniques. The classes will take depart from the slips located just outside G-Tent entrance on the Perry Mill Wharf. Due to limited time slots, advance booking is recommended. Sessions include same-day Show admission with the cost of registration.

This year's Show will also introduce a new Docking Workshop on Thursday only, providing boaters with an opportunity to build one of the most valuable—and often most intimidating—skills in boating. Led by experienced captains, the interactive classroom-setting program includes instruction on situational awareness, external forces (wind, current, prop walk, etc.), line handling, crew communications and close-quarters maneuvering. Participants will gain practical knowledge and confidence through real-world scenarios while learning tips and best practices that can be applied immediately at the helm when they hit the water in the future. Due to limited time slots, advance booking is recommended. Sessions include same-day Show admission with the cost of registration.

New for 2026, the Fishing Village presented by Tashmoo Boatworks expands the Show's educational offerings with a destination dedicated to recreational anglers of every experience level. The interactive exhibit will feature leading fishing brands, hands-on product demonstrations and a 50-foot Casting Pond presented by Tashmoo Boatworks, where attendees can test equipment and refine their casting techniques. The village also includes a Fishing Education Center, presented by The Saltwater Edge, will host expert-led seminars throughout the weekend covering topics including fly casting, tech demos with electronics and sonar technology, bass fishing, false albacore, midshore bluefin tuna, bottom fishing tactics, seasonal fly-fishing techniques and family-friendly "Take a Kid Fishing" Sunday sessions, giving attendees valuable knowledge they can put to use on the water.

Together, these immersive programs and experiences create a unique opportunity for Show attendees to learn in the classroom, develop hands-on technical expertise and build practical experience on the water—all within the Newport International Boat Show.

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.

The 55th Newport International Boat Show is scheduled for September 17-20, 2026. For more information, visit www.newportboatshow.com.