39th Annual St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show Expands, In-Water and On-Land

The St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show, the largest in­water boat show on Florida's Gulf Coast, is set to take place from Thursday, December 1 through Sunday, December 4 at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Now in its 39th year, the boat show will be larger than ever before with the addition of over 50 boats and nearly 4,000 square feet of additional exhibit space. The multi­faceted show will include hundreds of top­name powerboats, sailboats, the latest in marine electronics and accessories, as well as special events and educational activities for all ages, interests and experience levels.

"Last year's show saw a considerable increase in attendance and a 45 percent increase in new in­water boats on display, and this year promises to be even bigger and better," said Dane Graziano, senior vice president and COO of Show Management, the company that owns and produces the show. "The St. Petersburg community­orientated waterfront is an ideal spot for boating enthusiasts, interested buyers, and families to come together and enjoy many things that are new to boating and life around the water."

Highlights for this year's show will include the newest 75­foot Viking Motor Yacht, the 75­foot Presitge, among many other new and brokerage powerboats, in addition to spectacular sailboat brands such as Cataline, Hunter, Jeaneau, Fountain Pajot, Gemini and Beneteau. The ICON A5 amphibious light­sport aircraft also will be on display at the show. Visit the ICON display to arrange a test flight. A complete list of boats and products can be found on the show's website or by downloading the show's app, MyBoatShow, available for both Apple and Android platforms.

Beyond the main boating attractions, seminars, sailing clinics and entertainment will be offered daily, including the following highlights:

Free Children's Fishing Clinics

On Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, Hook the Future kid's fishing clinics will be offered, free, for ages 4­16. Captain Don Dingman will take kids through various educational stations where they will win prizes while learning basic fishing techniques. Sessions are at noon and 2 p.m. each day, located at the east end of the show.

Sail America's Cruising Seminars

Sponsored by Cruising Outpost and Harken, Sail America will offer more than 100 free and for­fee seminars in four different tents. Well­known experts will host their own series, including: senior meteorologist, lecturer and author, Lee Chesneau, who is also known as "The Weather Guy"; outfitting and cruising consultant, Pam Wall; and, author of the Book of Sail, Bill Cullen. Seminar topics will include weather, tides, cooking, celestial navigation, cruising on a budget, voyage planning, electronics, cruising for couples, storm strategies and more. 

Sail America Discover Sailing Series

Boat show visitors are invited to learn new skills, or improve their sailing abilities with on­the­ water, hands­on clinics. From free boat rides offered each day to classes that include docking, anchoring and catamaran sailing, Sailing Florida Charters will provide boats and American Sailing Association certified instructors. 

Cruiser's Party, presented by Cruising Outpost Magazine

On Saturday, December 3 at 7 p.m., the annual Cruiser's party will take place on the Gosling's & Budweiser Floating Cocktail Lounge inside the show. The party will feature live entertainment, food, beverages and prizes. Guests must be inside the show by close to gain access to the #event.

Onsite boat show parking is available at one of the many surrounding municipal parking garages and the Downtown Looper Trolley stops on First Street near the Mahaffey Theater. In addition to the boat show, visitors will enjoy St. Petersburg's many waterfront attractions, including the Salvador Dali Museum, which houses the artist's largest collection outside of Europe; shopping, beaches, parks and watersports; and a variety of bars and restaurants. 

More information on the press release