Welcome to the second year of the New Providence Boat Show! We are so excited for you to see the boats and products on display, learn from the experts, and enjoy the special features that this year’s show brings your way.
Here at the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association, we call this boat show new—because our association took ownership of the show only last year and we’ve been inspired by the challenge of finding new ways to bring you the excitement of boating each January. In reality, the Providence Boat Show is 22 years old and an annual tradition in the Ocean State. With our state’s incredible boatbuilding craftsmen, service technicians, and legendary sailors, it is no surprise that Rhode Island’s marine industry would come together to produce one of the best indoor winter shows in the country. Here is a taste of what we have in store for you.
Our Show Pavilion, sponsored by Washington Trust Company, is our main hub of activity; stop there often while you’re at the show! Visit our Volvo Ocean Race feature, where you can feel the energy, taste the excitement, and prepare for the arrival of the round-the-world fleet in May. And don’t forget to take a trip to Reel Island, brought to you by Rhode Island Coastal Angler Magazine, featuring Captain Jack Sprengel and his cadre of catch experts presenting on the hottest topics for fishing enthusiasts. Want to gain more skills for max enjoyment on the water? Learn about our Seminars in this guide.
Many of our special features are located in the common areas of the Rhode Island Convention Center where you can enjoy family fun activities that are open to the public. Visit our New England Boating Experience, brought to you by New England Boating, owners and producers of the television show and magazine of the same name. This new area showcases what’s great about boating in our corner of the world—and you’ll also take home a souvenir. Our TV friends have brought in a green screen for free photo fun; surf a big wave on a high-performance speedster or set sail with our Volvo Ocean Race hometown team, Team Alvimedica. Photos will be available for immediate Facebook sharing.
Two other areas for the entire family are our Youth Boat Build and the ArtSEA Gallery. The youth of today are our workforce of tomorrow, and thanks to The Van Beuren Charitable Foundation and the Rhode Island Foundation we can highlight the skills of young people from across the Ocean State who are using their passion for boating and building as their ticket to high-tech, high- paying career paths in our industry. Our ArtSEA Gallery showcases marine and nautical art of all types, from recognizable names and budding artists. There is treasure to be found within any budget at this new and beautiful addition to the show.
Finally, please join me in thanking our sponsors Washington Trust, Tasca, and New England Boating. They are joined by an entire team of show sponsors that have helped make this show a great day out for you and your family.
The Rhode Island Marine Trades Association and its 300 member companies hope you enjoy our show. Let the Boating Begin!
Wendy J. Mackie, CEO
Rhode Island Marine Trades Association
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