2012 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail provides its Visitors with New Learning Opportunities and Interactive Features on the water, plus lots of possibilities to find out more about thousands of yachts, products and cutting-edge technology.
2012 Miami International Boat Show
The 2012 Progressive Insurance® Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail, one of the world’s largest boating events, cruises into town Feb. 16-20 for its 71st year. More than 2,000 exhibitors from around the world will showcase thousands of the newest boats, from luxury motor and sailing yachts to personal watercraft and sport fishers, including powerboats, sailboats, jet boats and electric boats, in addition to the latest cutting-edge electronics, engines and marine accessories.
When not shopping the best of the boating industry and taking advantage of exclusive sales, visitors can literally get their feet wet with this year’s attractions with a variety of new, free, interactive features and on-the-water fun for all ages and experience levels, including daily on-the-water training; a new Sailing Simulator; a chance to SCUBA dive; an exclusive full-day advanced long distance cruising class with world renowned sailor Jimmy Cornell who is making a rare U.S. appearance; and much more.
“Nowhere else in the world can boaters find such a vast array of boats and accessories for sale, plus free activities and education that offer everyone a chance to discover the boating lifestyle,” noted Cathy Rick-Joule, show manager. Each year we strive to bring new attractions for all to enjoy, from hands-on experiences and classes to exciting demonstrations and nautical celebrities. Whether you’re a novice or a pro who fishes, sails, speeds or dives, this year’s show is an ideal destination for every on-the-water enthusiast.”
Features of the 2012 Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail include:
Get off the Dock! On-the-Water Training at the Discover Boating Resource Center:
This interactive, educational series offers a first-hand approach to learning that includes complimentary, daily boating seminars covering a variety of topics including sailing, docking, navigation and jet boat propulsion complimented by on-the-water tutorials to apply lessons from the classroom.
Come Sail Away: Discover Sailing – Virtual and On-the-Water Experiences, Premier Clinics:
New! Sailing Maker Sailing Simulator:
For the first time at the show, qualified instructors will offer sailors a chance to learn how a boat reacts to wind and waves on a sailing simulator before they hit the water. The new technology is designed to simulate the actual movement of a boat under sail, providing a unique training platform for new boaters wanting to learn how to sail and experienced sailors the opportunity to practice under different conditions.
Discover Sailing, Free Sail Rides (end of Pier B, Miamarina at Bayside):
Want to experience the joy of sailing? New sailors can learn first-hand what sailing is all about during complimentary, hour-long sails with an experienced Coast Guard-approved Discover Sailing skipper. Sign up to go sailing early, as boats fill quickly.
Learn from the Best: Dozens of Daily Free Classes, Plus Premier Sailing Seminars:
Guests can enhance their skills and get advice on improving their sailing experiences through dozens of free seminars led by renowned experts. See StrictlySailMiami.com for a comprehensive schedule and descriptions. Premier seminars include the new Long Distance Cruising Class with Jimmy Cornell, an accomplished sailor and successful author making a rare U.S. appearance, and the popular Marine Meteorology Weather Course (Level 1) by Lee Chesneau, whose 40 years of marine weather forecasting and strategic route planning has now been successfully transferred to the classroom. Register in advance for premier sailing seminars; fee required.
Learn to SCUBA, Win an Adventure at the Dive & Travel Harbor:
This true ‘show-within-a-show’ returns to enthrall diving and travel enthusiasts. Dozens of booths will showcase everything involved in underwater adventures, including:
SCUBA Demonstration Pool:
Visitors can learn and test the latest SCUBA equipment and literally dive into a tropically warm pool to experience the sport first-hand.
Experience Diving without getting wet at the Virtual Diving Experience:
Walk into the new diving dome to experience the excitement of SCUBA diving without having to take the plunge.
SUDS (Soldiers Undertaking Disabled SCUBA) Fundraiser:
The second annual SUDS Fundraiser will take place at the South Florida Divers booth 1913 with silent auction items on display Thursday through Saturday; there will also be a special reception on Saturday evening from 6 – 10 p.m. with food, beverages, entertainment and raffle drawings. All proceeds go to wounded soldiers to give them the opportunity to dive and rehabilitate.
Win a trip to Costa Rica:
Stop by booth 1955 to enter for a chance to win a week escape to Quepos/Manuel Antonio Costa Rica for two provided by ECOsta Rica Events. The trip includes: deluxe accommodations with breakfast, two days of deep sea fishing and choice of two local tours including canopy adventure, zip lines, ATV rides and river rafting.
New! DIY Paradise:
Fred’s Shed Seminars & Interactive Learning Center – Boat owners and those with a taste for tools interested in maintaining, repairing or upgrading their boat or engine can make their way to Fred’s Shed for practical, professional advice. Free, daily seminars and talk-show format clinics cover a wide range of topics, and include demonstrations followed by question/answer sessions to ensure boaters are ready to tackle any repairs to their vessels.
Boating for Beginners, Boating on a Budget at the new Welcome to the Water Center – an introductory guide to water activities, the Center is essential for new boaters, offering a one-stop resource for how to get started in boating, the right boat for any budget and lifestyle, and local boating information. It also includes ’Boating on a Budget,’ an area featuring an array of options for boats that can be financed for $250 or less per month.
Other popular attractions of the 2012 show include the Big Game Room, a one-stop shop for the avid angler, featuring dozens of exhibits showcasing the newest fishing gear and seminars, plus an appearance by Chris Fischer from the hit series SHARK MEN on National Geographic; Yoga Onboard at Strictly Sail Miami; Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion, where art aficionados and boating enthusiasts can meet marine legend Dr. Guy Harvey and shop his collection; and the Miami Herald Discover Boating Photo Contest, a contest inviting show guests to show their love for life on the water by submitting their favorite photos for a chance to win an Adirondack Pack Boat (valued at $2,500) and a $500 show shopping spree.
2012 Miami International Boat Show details:
When:
Thursday, Feb. 16, through Monday, Feb. 20, 2012
Thursday, Feb. 16 (Premier Thursday): 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 17-Sunday, Feb.19: 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Monday, Feb.20: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center and Miamarina at Bayside open 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily
Where:
Miami Beach Convention Center
1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach
Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center – Miami International Boat Show’s in-water display
1635 North Bayshore Drive, Miami
Miamarina at Bayside – Strictly Sail Miami returns to Bayside for 2012!
400 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Admission:
Premier Day (Feb. 16): $35
Adults: $18
Five-day adult pass: $80
Two-day adult pass (valid Feb. 17-20): $32
Youth 15 and under get in FREE
Parking:
Courtesy shuttle buses will run between all locations, including the park-and-ride at the American Airlines Arena, from one hour prior to the show opening through one hour after show close daily. Daily parking at the American Airlines Arena is $10.
A courtesy water taxi service is available between the park-and-ride at the American Airlines Arena, Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center, and Strictly Sail Miami at Miamarina at Bayside 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
