MIAMI – The 70th annual Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami, one of the world’s largest boating events, runs Feb. 17-21, 2011. The show includes thousands of the newest powerboats, sailboats, engines, electronics and marine accessories from more than 2,000 leading makers. New attractions include the Dive & Travel Harbor featuring the ‘Be a Diver’ scuba pool, and the new Discover Boating Resource Center, a boating education experience offering free boat rides, on-the-water training courses, and daily seminars.
“There is no other boating event in the world that provides boaters with the opportunity to shop the best and biggest selection of boats and accessories,” said Cathy Rick-Joule, show manager, in a press release. Features of the 2011 Miami International Boat Show include:
- Discover Boating Resource Center: This interactive educational series takes a hands-on approach to training that will include free, daily boating seminars covering a range of topics followed by on-the-water clinics to apply skills learned in the classroom. Courses include boating fundamentals, close quarter handling and navigation.
- Dive & Travel Harbor: A true ‘show-within-a-show’ for diving and travel enthusiasts, this new area includes dozens of booths showcasing everything from scuba products and gear, to travel, resorts and boating destinations, plus a chance to learn how to scuba dive*.
- Learn to Scuba: Anyone age 10 and older can discover the fun and exciting sport of scuba diving in the comfort of a tropically warm pool, test some of the latest scuba equipment and have a photo taken underwater as a keepsake.
- New! Coastal/Outdoor Living Pavilion – Visitors to the 2011 show can now learn how to make the most of their outdoor living space. Shop a wide selection of outdoor furniture and kitchen products and get advice from the decorating experts.
- Meet Russell Newberry, Star Deckboss from the hit TV show Deadliest Catch! Catch a photo op, an autograph and the inside scoop on life aboard three of the most popular crab boats in America as you meet and greet this “Dangerous Deckhand” from Discovery Channel’s hit series. Meet Russell Thursday and Friday, Feb. 17-18, 11a.m.-2p.m. and 3-6p.m.; and Saturday through Monday, Feb.19-21, 11a.m.-2p.m. and 3-5p.m.
- Affordability Pavilion: Boating is more budget-friendly than people may think! New boaters can visit the Affordability Pavilion to find a variety of boats that can be financed for $250 or less per month.
- Big Game Room: The Big Game Room is celebrating its eighth year as the one-stop marketplace for every angler. Have a drink at the Marlin Bar while waiting for the next educational seminar to begin, or take a walk over to the interactive Bait Rigging Station, where visitors can improve their rigging techniques.
- Customs and Border Protection Local Boater Option: Customs and Border Protection officers will be at the show to enroll eligible participants in the CBP Local Boater Option. The LBO is a voluntary, free program which allows a participant to report the arrival of their private vessel, make customs declarations, and be cleared for immigration purposes by telephone, without the need to report to a port of entry in person. To enroll, individuals must present documentation (passport is preferred) to verify identity, citizenship or lawful permanent immigration status. The program is only available to private vessels arriving into ports of South Florida, Tampa, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Officers will be available all days of the show from 10a.m.-6p.m. in booth #1747 in C Lobby.
- Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion: Boating enthusiasts and art aficionados can meet marine legend Dr. Guy Harvey in the new Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion and shop the largest collection of Guy Harvey artwork, apparel and merchandise from more than 20 licensed Guy Harvey suppliers. Guy Harvey will be available during the show to meet and greet fans looking for his distinct signature on: Thursday, Feb.17, noon–5p.m.; Friday and Saturday Feb.18–19, 10a.m.–5p.m.; and Sunday Feb. 20, 10a.m.–4p.m.
- Miss GEICO – Miss GEICO is back! The world’s fastest offshore racing boat, powered with the same turbine engines that flew missions in the first Gulf War and can reach speeds of more than 185 miles per hour, will dazzle any boating enthusiast with a need for speed. See Miss GEICO
- New product introductions, one-of-a-kind innovations – Get an exclusive sneak peek at the newest boats, cutting edge technologies and must-have accessories throughout the show floor as exhibitors from all over the world showcase their latest and greatest. Boat show “must-sees” include the world’s fastest human-powered submarine from Florida Atlantic University; EGO, the world’s first consumer compact semi-submarine; and more. Click here for a sampling of new products that will be featured at the show.
- Pre-Show Shopping – The Miami International Boat Show’s newest online offering allows attendees to pre-shop the 2011 show for the greatest deals on the newest boats by visiting MiamiBoatShow.com. Show goers can plan ahead and search boats by brand, model and more, in addition to scheduling dealer appointments onsite or at the dealership.
2011 Strictly Sail Miami Show
- New! Meet Zac Sunderland: Zac Sunderland, the youngest person to ever sail around the world, will be making an appearance at the 2011 show to meet and greet fans and talk about his solo journey circumnavigating the globe.
- Author’s Corner: Stop by the Author’s Corner to visit with some of the industry’s acclaimed authors and adventurers and hear their stories first-hand. Visit StrictlySailMiami.com for a list of participating authors.
- Daily Sailing Seminars: Visitors can hone their skills and receive tips for enhancing their sailing experiences through a daily series of nearly 100 FREE seminars led by renowned experts. See StrictlySailMiami.com for a comprehensive schedule and seminar descriptions. Highlights include rigging seminars, meteorology and free sailing rides.
- Eric Stone Live at Strictly Sail Miami: Enjoy the tropical sailing sounds of the Eric Stone Band live on stage Saturday, Feb. 19 at 6p.m. during the Sixth Annual Latitudes & Attitudes Miami Cruiser’s Bash. Latitudes & Attitudes TV will be on hand to record the concert for a one-hour special to air later. Everyone is invited! Visitors MUST be inside the show gates before 6p.m.
- Kids Aboard: Free Kids Boat Building: Kids are invited to help build a 10-ft. wooden boat and then sail it at the show. Junior boaters can have fun while learning about teamwork and the skills involved in building a boat—math, science, art/design, water safety and more. Learn more about the Kids Aboard Academic Boat Building Workshop at www.kidsaboard.com.
Admission: Premier Day (Feb. 17): $30; Adults: $16; Five-day adult pass: $75; Two-day adult pass (valid Feb. 18-21): $30; Youth 15 and under get in FREE. Advance tickets can be purchased at MiamiBoatShow.com or StrictlySail.com. beginning Dec. 17, 2010
