Yesterday, September 22, 2014, saw the Newport Exhibition Group, owners as well as producers of the Newport International Boat Show, announce that this year’s event has been a resounding success. Boats of all sizes were selling, as reported by powerboat and sailboat companies, throughout the four-day event. Attendance was up slightly (5%) over last year, and typically, Thursday and Friday brought in the serious buyers.
Newport International Boat Show 2014
“Each September we plan a very significant exhibit of our Sabre and Back Cove ranges at the Newport International Boat Show and this year was no exception with seven boats on display,” said Bentley Collins, VP of sales and marketing, Sabre Yachts. “We were very pleased with the draw the show had from all over New England this year. We found a large geographic spread of qualified prospects in attendance. Being amongst the most popular brands in New England waters, we had visits with many of our owners. All in all this was a very successful show for Sabre Yachts and Back Cove Yachts.”
One of the largest boat shows in the country, dozens of new boats and boating products debuted at the Newport International Boat Show. Attendees were able to view an exceptional assortment of power and sail boats ranging from 15 to 110 feet.
“Newport is always an incredible setting for a boat show and this year exceeded our expectations,” said Eric Braitmayer, CEO, Imtra. “Traffic to our booth mirrors what makes Newport great – we saw a healthy mix of sailors and power boaters who were interested in product for both new boats and refits. Interest was high across our line, but it was particularly strong for our LED lights, windlasses and thrusters.”
A highlight of the show was the Gunboat 55, receiving the Newport For New Products award for Best New Sailboat Boat 30 feet and over, as well as the Peoples Choice Award. Judges’ comments included: “The Gunboat 55’s innovation and esthetics are incredible. Its coolest feature is its unbelievable sightlines that make it easy to cruise in multi-vessel environments such as between ferries, paddle boarders, and everything in between. A performance boat that is designed for owner/operators, it features super huge appointments. Its innovations and flexible layout options are something other manufacturers will chase. This is a sweet boat!”
“Our Confident Captain At The Helm program was extremely popular,” said Nancy Piffard, show director, Newport Exhibition Group. “Online registrations exceeded all expectations. The number of individuals, families and friends taking to the water to learn the basics of safe power and sail boating is key to the industry’s future.”
“The 2014 Newport International Boat Show was a tremendous success,” continued Piffard. “We needed to increase the size of the show to accommodate all of the exhibitors and attendance was at its highest in a decade. Based on the feedback from exhibitors, traffic quality was excellent and sales were strong. We also had a record number of new product introductions including sailboats, powerboats, navigation products and boating gear. The show was very upbeat. We hope this year’s Newport International Boat Show is indicative of a truly great year ahead and continued strong market growth for the boating industry!”
Dates for next year’s Newport International Boat Show are September 17th through 20th, 2015.
