Features at a Glance


Meet Abby Sunderland

You may not recognize her name, but you know her story. In January 2010, at the tender age of sixteen, Abby Sunderland set sail from Marina Del Ray, California, in a quest to become the youngest solo sailor ever to circumnavigate the globe.

Five months and 12,500 miles into her journey, a huge rogue wave capsized and dismasted her boat, Wild Eyes, in the Indian Ocean. Presumed lost-at-sea for two anxious days, Abby relied on her faith and her training to sustain herself through her ordeal.

Unsinkable, her book about the journey, is a stirring tale of a young girl overcoming adversity in pursuit of her goals. Come meet Abby on Saturday from noon until 4pm and Sunday from 11 am to 3pm.


Ultimate Green Machines: Out-of-the-Box Renewable Energy Solutions

Go Green! And we do mean GO! See the latest in eco-friendly transportation—vehicles that prove its possible to get "off the grid" and still get around.

Among the vessels on display will be the Duffy Voyager Speedboat—a record setting electric boat that is being converted to run on a renewable hydrogen fuel cell. Once converted, the Voyager will be a zero emissions craft, capable of speeds in excess of 70 knots!

An electric motorcycle, hydrogen-powered car, hydrogen-powered remote control cars, hydrogen dockside power prototype and hydrogen fuel cell equipment will also be on display.


Power Boat Docking Challenge

Exciting radio-controlled boat docking game lets you test your navigational skills and compete for a chance to earn the Power Boat Docking Champion title! Race against the clock using an actual full-size boat helm to steer your craft down a 20-ft. “lake” to the marina and into a slip. Best time wins—but be careful, any contact with the slip counts against your time. Whether you're an experienced skipper or novice boater, it's a fun way to show off your skills or become more confident at the helm.

 

Schedule

Wednesday–Friday
12pm–1:30pm, 2–5pm, 6–8pm

Saturday
10am–1pm, 2–5pm, 6–8pm

Sunday
10am–1pm and 2–5pm  


Fred’s Shed Interactive Education Center

Watch, learn and do! If you’re a do-it-yourselfer or boat owner interested in learning new techniques for taking care of your boat or motor, head to Fred’s Shed for practical, professional advice. Free daily sessions cover a variety of topics, including keeping your boat “ship shape”, choosing and installing marine electronics and maintaining gas engines.

Watch certified marine technician and expert wrench slinger “Fred” demo tools and techniques on actual boat and motor cutaways.

Learn how to maintain, repair or upgrade your boat or motor.

Do take part in discussions, ask questions and participate in hands-on clinics

Together, “The Boating Guy” and certified marine service technician “Fred, The Outboard Doctor” bring more than 50 years of boating and “wrench-slinging” experience to the Shed.

Click here to view full schedule
 


Be a Diver Pool

Try scuba in a heated pool! During the past 7 years tens of thousands of people have been intruduced to scuba diving at a DEMA “Be a Diver Pool”. Now it’s your turn! Anyone age 10 and older can discover the fun and exciting sport of scuba diving in the comfort of a tropically warm pool. Bring your swim suit—we will supply all the scuba gear! It's a great way to try scuba diving and test some of the latest scuba equipment. You can also have a photo of yourself taken underwater as a keepsake of your "diving adventure."

 


NEW! Paddlepalooza

Paddle sports are taking the nation by storm, both for fitness benefits and the fun paddling provides. Whether you’re a new paddler or looking for the latest paddle techniques, you’ll find it at Paddlepalooza.

Learn about:

  • Land paddling - take your paddle boarding experience onto land with a long board and Big Stick (designed by Kahuna Creations), it's a better workout than skateboarding and more fun
  • Stroke techniques - find your sweet spot and learn a few techniques to help with form, turning, and moving to where you ultimately want to be
  • SUP Fitness Class - a custom program designed by Downunder that replicates the workout you can get from paddle boarding.  Incorporates the bosu ball, balance bar, mat exercises and a mini paddle board made for the purpose 
  • SUP Yoga - Try an asana on a board and experience how easy it is - no water needed
  • Board education- learn about the variety of boards out there, their purposes, design features - find out which would work best for you

 

 


NEW! Sea Quest Kids Build-a-Boat Program

Sea Quest Kids is the largest boat building and water safety program for kids in the United States—since launching in 1989, more than 42,000 kids have participated and built more than 3,700 boats!

In two days or less, kids age five years and older, including special needs kids, build a 10-foot flat bottomed square ended scow-skiff, paddles, oars, mast, sail, sail rig, lee board, rudder system, and outboard motor bracket.
The kids are boating safety trained while they build the boats and become part of an international network of kids known as Sea Quest Kids™. It is the only program nationwide that requires boating and water safety training for participants before they actually go on the water.

Click here to learn more about Sea Quest kids
 


Miss GEICO Race Boat


Four Time World Champion Miss GEICO seeks to continue its record-setting ways and unprecedented dominance in offshore racing.

The neon green catamaran missile with its state of the art safety equipment and powered by twin turbine engines took the offshore racing scene by storm in the spring of 2006 and has proceeded to demolish record after record and awe those unfortunate enough to race against her.

“I don’t think the other big boats on the circuit knew what to expect,” said driver Marc Granet. “Nobody had ever seen anything like it.”

In its inaugural season, Miss GEICO dominated all three major racing tours – the Offshore Super Series, Super Boat International and the Offshore Performance Association – capturing three world championships and quickly becoming the crowd favorite from the sun-drenched waters of Miami to the wind-swept bays of the Great Lakes.

Five years later Miss GEICO remains the undisputed Offshore World Champion and is willing to take on all challengers to its coveted throne. Many teams here and abroad have attempted to unseat Miss GEICO but to date no other boat has been able to top the champion.

Team owner John Haggin, a visionary when it comes to new race technology, still continues to urge his crew to make modifications to the boat in an effort to make Miss GEICO safer, lighter, faster, and more maneuverable at these unprecedented speeds on the water.

But speed is relative. In the rough and tumble world of offshore racing, it is not always the quickest boat that wins. “The best way to characterize offshore racing is a battle of attrition,” said Scotty Begovich, Miss GEICO’s throttleman. “Most race courses consist of at least 60 miles and you have to be there at the finish line to win the race and capture the checkered flag. We have got the scars to prove it.”
The neon green Miss GEICO has become the most recognized powerboat in the world and with special appearances at the national Boat Shows and Offshore Racing


Watch Video »

 


Wing-A-Thon

The Wing Eating Contest will be held at 1pm on Sunday 2/5. The Shark is radio station partner & Chickie's & Pete's is wing provider.

Prize: 2 roun- trip airfare vouchers on Spirit Airlines, to any destination serviced out of A.C. International Airport along with a Flat Screen TV.


NEW! Welcome to the Water Center

Get started in boating or learn how to make the most of your time on the water. The Discover Boating Center is your one-stop resource for boating information and advice
• Straightforward answers to all your boating questions
• Expert, unbiased advice on finding a boat that best suits your lifestyle and your budget
• Information you can trust and local resources to help you get started
Seminar sessions daily. 

Click Here to view the Schedule

Intro to Operating a Boat

Basic overview for new boaters regarding types of boats, boating lingo, trailering, safety, general maintenance and family fun.

Floating in Fashion

An overview of the law regarding PFDs, nationally and regionally, types of PFDs and their uses.

What Knot to Know

Securing Your Investment The importance of knowing your basic boating knots, different uses, line types and safety; introduction to different methods and lingo of securing your boat in water using docklines, mooring bouys and anchor types.

Don't Wake for Me

Introduction to basic rules of the road regarding safe boating, right of way, navigational aids and courtesy

Who Is MARPOL and Why Are They Following Me?

Overview of the laws concerning marine pollution, local dumping laws and legal requirements for vessels.

Financing a Boat in Today's Economy

Types of loans, where to find a loan, applying for a loan, cash or finance, tax deductions and today’s economy.

Q&A Sessions

Have a boating question not answere in the seminars? Wondering about a topic not cvered? Curious about something you've seen at the show? Stop by during the Q&A sesssion for answers to your specific questions.
  

Click Here to view the Schedule
 

Boating on a Budget

Think owning a boat is out of your reach? Think again! When it comes to enjoyable ways to spend your leisure time, boating is far more affordable than you may realize. Be sure to stop by and check out this special showcase of boats you can own for less than $250 per month.
 

 


Boating & Sailing Education Sessions


Informative, entertaining daily sessions hosted by top local pros; Get tips from the pros and expand your skills. 


Click Here for More Information


Fishing University produced by the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA)

Come learn about the latest fishing techniques from top anglers. Sessions cover a variety of fishing topics and are a great way to sharpen and expand your skills. Sponsored and produced by the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA).
 
The RFA is a national, grassroots political action organization representing individual anglers and the recreational fishing industry. RFA's mission is “to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation’s saltwater fisheries.”
 

Click Here to Learn More about RFA!


PRE-SHOW PREMIER WORKSHOPS:

Get a little learning in before the show! The Annapolis School of Seamanship is offering 3-hour interactive workshops on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings just before show opening time. Topics include marine diesel engines, boat handling, navigating, maintenance and more. Workshop participants will receive in-depth instruction in the subject of their choice as well as many extras.
The $85 workshop fee includes: Two-days admission to the show, a 3-hour intensive workshop, instructional take away items, a $25 gift certificate for classes at Annapolis School of Seamanship and more. (More than a $150 value!)
These workshops are different and more in-depth than the free seminars and demos taking place during the show.
 

 

Kids' Boating

Fun on the water—just for kids! Kids can splash around and navigate a mini lake in their own paddleboat.

The Big Catch

Don't let this one get away! Have some fun with your friends and family by taking a picture with this year's big catch.
 


NEW! US Power Squadron/USCGAUX Day

The Show will recognize the United States Power Squadron on Wednesday, February 1 with FREE admission. Present your USPS or USCGAUX identification card at Will Call desk for access. And, visit the United States Power Squadron booth for FREE information on everything from GPS, rules of the road and navigating through weather.
www.usps.org  

 

SpongeBob SquarePants

Meet Bikini Bottom's favorite resident - SpongeBob Squarepants. He will be making a special appearance at the show to greet his fans Saturday from noon to 4pm.

Sailboat ‘Queen of the Show’ – the Beneteau Oceanis 45

The new generation of Oceanis yachts is all about sharing and enjoying life at sea together. The Oceanis model is designed to deliver comfort, beginning with the stable, high-performance hull. Maximum comfort also comes as standard in cockpits, sunbathing platforms and interiors that give everyone the space they need to relax and enjoy the pleasure of being together. Size-for-size, the Oceanis model offers the convenience of a truly modular layout that allows every family and every crew to have the boat they need, complete with layout solutions and trim levels tailored to their own requirements and lifestyle at sea. This beautiful boat retails for $284,000

Sportfish ‘Queen of the Show’ – the Cabo HTX 44

This impressive new design is unlike any CABO that has come before. The integrated hardtop signifies the next step in express design evolution for CABO, utilizing its three-sided enclosure to offer better protection for the elements, improved visibility, and greater comfort on the helm deck. Comfort, luxury and quality all make this a dream sportfish boat and she could be yours for $1,194,000!