There will once again be lots to look at and take in at the Seattle Boat Show, Indoors + Afloat, and always something new for boating enthusiasts of every persuasion. Set to run from January 24 to February 2, the 2014 event will boast a number of new boat brands, brands returning, who have been absent from the Show for a few years, as well as more than 35 new accessories exhibitors.
The Seattle Boat Show is the largest show on the West Coast and the third largest in the U.S., and as such it is often the place where manufacturers choose to debut their new models. 2014 is no exception. But there’s also tons of fun to be had at the Show. Highlights this year include:
Seattle Boat Show Uncorked—the biggest boating party of the year.
Opening Night, Friday January 24, 5pm – 10pm
Cabernet and a cruiser or Sauvignon Blanc and a sailboat? This year the show kicks off with a festive bang. On opening night a selection of premium Northwest wineries will be on hand at CenturyLink Field Event Center showcasing their wares and answering questions. Nine tasting stations will be set up throughout the indoor location, offering wines from nine different Northwest wineries. Packages for Uncorked may be purchased online for $27. This price includes a single adult admission to the show valid throughout the day at both locations, plus a complimentary souvenir wine glass and 10 wine tasting tokens. Tickets for Uncorked will also be available at the Box Office.
Seattle seascape sculpted in sand
Ted Siebert from The Sand Sculpture Company – winner of 7 Guinness sandsculpting world records and Brian Turnbough, the reigning doubles world champion of sand sculpting – will be sculpting a 28 foot long and 14 foot high sandcastle from 50 tons of sand during the 10 days of the show. The sand sculpture will be a detailed fish eye lens look at the Seattle city skyline and Elliott Bay. Ted has built sand sculptures in 35 countries and has even been the subject of a question on Jeopardy. Showgoers will be able to watch Ted and Brian at work creating this masterpiece with amazing details including the Seafair pirates and Seahawks 12th Man.
Sick wakeboard tricks and the chance to try them on a trampoline – Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Members of the Central Washington University wakeboard team will be demonstrating the tricks that got them the national championship on a 13×13 Springtree trampoline which is what they train on in the off season to perfect their tricks. Come watch them do whirlybirds (a smooth looking spin combined with a flip), 720s (a 720 degree spin in the air), some grabs, glides and other tweaked out moves. When not being used for demos, the trampoline is available for showgoers to try their skills. Eddie Roberts III, 2013 College Wakeboard Regional and National Champion and coach at Lake Sammamish Wakeboard School will be on hand to give pointers. Demos will be on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays of the Show at 2pm.
Women’s Day -Monday, January 27
With a special Women’s Day pass, women can attend the show for free on January 27th and enjoy a slate of seminars designed specifically for women, by women boaters, including:
• No Impact Docking
• Advanced Anchoring
• I’ve Never Owned a Boat But Sailed the World
• Northwest Women in Boating panel
Meet Bob Bitchin’ – Wednesday January 29 and Thursday January 30, 6pm.
Adventure has been a way of life for Bob Bitchin since the early sixties, when his name was coined by the comedy team of Cheech and Chong. Adventures include working as a traveling companion and bodyguard for famous motorcycle daredevil Evil Knievel, and 17 years sailing around the world. He is the author of seven books, including The Sailing Life, Brotherhood of Outlaws, and Starboard Attitude. Bob will be speaking at the show on Wednesday and Thursday at 6pm recounting some of his more unforgettable cruising adventures that illustrate his famous cruising adage: “The difference between adventure and ordeal is ATTITUDE!”
Meet legendary hydroplane racer, Chip Hanauer — Friday January 24 and Friday January 31
Winner of seven American Power Boat Association Gold Cups, Chip has decided that there’s more to boating than driving around in circles at 200MPH. His new ride is now a Ranger Tug, and he plans to spend the next 12 months learning to really boat and exploring the Northwest. He will be documenting his adventures in a series of videos at The Boat Guy. Chip will be at the Ranger Tug booth both Friday nights of the Show and invites showgoers to stop by, share a beverage, trade tall tales and talk boating adventures.
Sails and Ales – Friday January 31, 5 pm – 10pm
What better combination than hops and props? That’s what the Seattle Boat Show has on tap for Sails & Ales Craft Beer Night, January 31, at CenturyLink Field. Showgoers will be able to cruise the show with ale in hand and enjoy the best of NW beers and boats. Tasting tickets are extra and include a souvenir beer glass to remember the evening.
Know Before You Go
When: Friday, January 24 – Sunday, February 2, 2014
Where:
CenturyLink Field Event Center: 800 Occidental Avenue South, Seattle
South Lake Union: 901 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle
Free shuttle running continuously between both locations
Hours:
CenturyLink Field Event Center
Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 pm
Fridays: 11 am – 10 pm
Saturdays: 10 am – 8 pm
Sundays: 10 am – 6 pm*
South Lake Union
Weekdays: 11 a.m. – 5 pm
Weekends: 10 am – 5 pm*
* The show will close at 3pm on Sunday, February 2nd
Tickets:
Adults: $12; Youth (11-17): $5
5-Day BIG Pass $24
Monday – Thursday after 5pm: $8
Kids 10 & under: Free
Free parking is back. Purchase 4 or more adult tickets online and receive one day of free parking at the Seattle Boat Show.
Purchase a Family Pack for $49 and receive 2 adult tickets, 2 youth tickets, 4 hot dogs at CenturyLink Field and one day of free parking.
Buy your tickets online and also receive a free boating magazine, a free cup of clam chowder at FX McRory’s Restaurant, and a complimentary ticket to the 2014 Mastercraft Pro Wakeboard Tour held in July 2014 in Monroe, WA.
