Can’t We All Just Sail Along?

It’s just before dawn and the warm summer rays begin chasing the cool breeze off the ocean. As birds wake their counterparts, boaters are preparing for the day ahead. Vessels begin to multiply in Newport Harbor, arriving from near and far. Bringing more boaters than any other weekend, the International Boat Show creates a buzz in the city of Newport like no other.

Over the years, the Newport International Boat Show has grown exponentially. Avid boater for most of her life, Elaine Casey Lemieux has been attending the boat show regularly now for more than 20 years. “Every year my husband and I go with a list…we are there on a mission to purchase products you can’t always find readily. We get there Friday, early as many serious buyers do, and love being able to take advantage of exclusive discounts found only at the shows.”

The history of boating in the City of Newport is certainly no secret. A bustling seaport since the late 1690s and a safe haven for numerous cultures for centuries, the city has truly transformed into an impressive tourist destination with a rich and comprehensive culture. Upscale shops and dining are peppered throughout this seaside hotspot as well as local flavor and boutique hotels.

The Castle Hill Lighthouse; operating since 1890.

An interesting facet of the show that’s changed considerably recent years is that exhibitor booths with products and services not solely geared towards boaters are a growing trend. According to Elaine, “Distributors for more and more household items and other services are becoming increasingly prominent. The show has more than doubled in size since I started coming yet it remains well organized and laid out despite this growth.”

With over 600 exhibitors, there’s certainly plenty to see…be sure to sail over to our booth over the weekend to see what we have in store!