Together, boating and fishing are the biggest outdoor recreational activities enjoyed by Americans. About 100 million Americans enjoy recreational boating each year.
What better way is there to meet other boaters and catch up on the world of boating than to go to a boating event? These events give you a reason to travel the country, check out new vessels, and watch some of the greatest races the world has to offer.
Check out four of the United State’s greatest boating events below.
1. The Ocean Race
Dates: May 21 (approximate — dependent on weather)
Location: Worldwide — Newport, Rhode Island (United States portion)
The Ocean Race is one of the biggest events in sailing, just behind the Olympic Games and America’s Cup. The race is international, and the only leg of the race that takes place in North America occurs in Newport, Rhode Island. Sailing round-the-clock, boaters arrive in Rhode Island during leg five of the race.
Boaters began the race in Alicante, Spain, on Sunday, January 15th. It continues across Cabo Verde, Cape Town, Itajai, to Newport. Then, it continues to Aarhus, Kiel, the Hague, and ends in Genova. The grand finale takes place in Genova for an in-port race on Saturday, July 1st.
In total, racers cross 32,000 nautical miles (60,000 km) in a six-month period.
2. Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Dates: October 25-29
Location:
Includes seven locations across Fort Lauderdale, Florida:
- Broward County Convention Center
- Bahia Mar Yachting Center
- Hall of Fame Marina
- Las Olas Marina
- Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
- Pier 66 Marina
- Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show has been ongoing for 64 years. Each year, the show has only grown larger and is now recognized as the world’s largest in-water boat show. More boaters debut their boats and yachts at this show than at any other national boat show.
This show is so large that it sees over 100,000 attendees and displays over 1,300 boats.
For a little extra money, you can sign up for the VIP experience. The Windward VIP Club gives members access to gourmet food, open bars, pop-up activations, and a free water taxi service.
3. United States Sailboat Show
Dates: October 12-15
Location: City Dock in Annapolis, Maryland
The United States Sailboat Show is the oldest and largest sailboat show in America where boats are displayed in the water. With the beautiful Chesapeake Bay in the background, you can look at brand new boats, older classics, and shop for gear. The show is hosted by West Marine, and sees boaters from all over the world.
4. The Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show
Dates: May 4-7
Location: Westpoint Harbor in Redwood City, California
The Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show is a premier show on the west coast of the United States. It features both cruising power boats and sailboats. Boaters will also have the chance to buy gear and hardware. Additionally, interactive workshops and boating seminars will be offered.
The show is back after being cancelled for three years due to COVID. There will be lots of water docking space and land for trailerable boats.
Conclusion
Whether you want to travel to the west or east coast, there is a boating event for you to enjoy. Travel to Newport to watch some of the greatest watersports the world has to offer. Head to Fort Lauderdale for the world’s largest boat show. Go to Annapolis to enjoy the country’s oldest sailboat show. Or, make a trip to Redwood City to enjoy one of the country’s premier boating shows.
Posted on: February 3, 2023
