The world’s greatest boat show brings together more than 2,200 exhibitors showcasing thousands of the newest powerboats, sailboats, engines, marine electronics and accessories, at the best deals of the year.  In addition to boats, there is a host of interactive seminars and demonstrations to educate visitors about the boating lifestyle and enhance time spent out on the water.  

“Visitors from around the globe flock to Miami to see the latest and greatest the boating industry has to offer – if you’re a boater, or thinking about becoming one, this is a can’t miss event,” said Cathy Rick-Joule, show manager of the Miami show and vice president of Southern Shows for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).   “Boating is big business in Miami, but we’ll be taking it to a whole new level this year with exhibitors offering incredible deals and our three locations bringing access to the world’s best boats and boating gear.”

Highlights of the 2009 Miami International Boat Show include:

Big Game Room Sport Fishing Expo

To help experienced boaters and novices learn angling skills and hone their fishing techniques, the Miami International Boat Show brings together every product and resource imaginable into one central location at the Big Game Room Sport Fishing Expo, which is co-presented by Marlin, Sport Fishing and Salt Water Sportsman magazines along with The Outdoor Channel, America’s leader in outdoor TV.  

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Discover Boating Center

The Discover Boating Center is an educational hub providing Show visitors with unbiased advice on selecting, buying and maintaining a boat in addition to information about financing, popular fishing destinations, boating tips and more.  The “Boating Guy” will also be on hand to give seminars on a wide variety of boating topics.

The Discover Boating Center is located in Lobby C of the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Boating Safety Challenge

Visitors are asked to “Take the Sea Tow Challenge” and try a boating safety activity hosted by the Sea Tow Foundation for Boating Safety and Education. The challenge encourages recreational boaters to learn more about boating safety concepts and the importance of wearing a life jacket while on the water. Prizes will be awarded for various levels of participation.

The Boating Safety Challenge is located in Lobby C of the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Miami Herald Discover Boating Photo Contest

Show visitors are invited to submit their favorite boating lifestyle photographs and enter to win a 12-foot Adirondack Boat Pack, valued at $2,500, and a $500 Miami International Boat Show shopping spree in the 7th annual Miami Herald Discover Boating Photo Contest.  Ten honorable mentions will receive $50 Miami International Boat Show shopping sprees. 

Photo entries can be submitted online at MiamiBoatShow.com, or visitors to the Show may submit their photos at the Discover Boating Center, located in Lobby C of the Miami Beach Convention Center.  Winners will be announced after 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14.

Boater’s World Giveaway

Visitors can enter to win a $1000 Boater’s World Gift Certificate, simply by completing an entry form available in the Convention Center lobby at the Miami show.

Triumph Boat Giveaway

Boating enthusiasts have the opportunity to complete an entry form for a chance to win a Triumph 1700 Skiff Boat Package valued at $17,527 (M.S.R.P.).  For more details, visit MiamiBoatShow.com for your chance to win.

Sunset Celebrations

Visitors to the Miami International Boat Show can celebrate the South Florida sunsets with food and drink specials from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13, through Sunday, Feb. 15, along Convention Center Drive at the Miami Beach Convention Center. 

The Local Boater Option Registration

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will be at the show to enroll eligible participants in the CBP Local Boater Option (LBO).  This is a new voluntary, free of charge, program which allows a participant to telephonically report the arrival of their private vessel, make customs declarations, submit any necessary additional information, and be cleared for immigration purposes without the need to report to a port of entry in person.  Please visit the CBP booth to speak with an officer and register. 

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Highlights of the 2009 Strictly Sail Miami include:

Discover Sailing Center

Visitors of all ages can experience the thrill of sailing under the supervision of an experienced sailor at the Discover Sailing Center, located on a floating dock between Piers A and B at Miamarina.  These free, half-hour lessons aboard catamarans and multihulls introduce Show attendees to the sailing experience while remaining in a controlled environment. 

Sailing Seminar Series

Visitors can hone their skills and receive tips for enhancing their sailing experiences through a daily series of nearly 100 free seminars led by renowned experts. 

Kids Aboard Boat Building Program

Children ages six and older can participate in free boat-building workshops from noon-6 p.m. every day of the Show.  Under the supervision of bilingual, U.S.-certified instructors, children create two 10-foot wooden sailing yachts that will be launched into Biscayne Bay on Monday, Feb. 16.

South African Pavilion Multi-Hull Lagoon

The South African Boatbuilders Business Council and the South African Consulate General return to Miami for the fourth year, bringing ten world-class sailing vessels, marine accessories and tourist information from the Cape.

Annual Latitudes and Attitudes Cruiser’s Bash

As the Show winds down to a close at 6 p.m. on Saturday, the annual Strictly Sail Cruiser’s Bash kicks off into high gear.  Visitors can mingle with a swarm of sailors, feast on free beer and pizza and enjoy the tropical sounds of a live band.  Entry into the Cruiser’s Bash is FREE with a Saturday admission ticket.    

Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail Miami hours are Thursday, Feb. 12 (Premier Thursday) from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 13, and Sunday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Monday, Feb. 16 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.  The marinas close at 6 p.m. daily. For advance tickets and more information, visit MiamiBoatShow.com.

About Miami International Boat Show

The Miami International Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows. NMMA is the leading association representing the $37.5 billion per year recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the U.S. For more information about the NMMA, visit www.nmma.org.

About Strictly Sail Miami

Strictly Sail Miami is endorsed by Sail America, the sailing industry trade association, in cooperation with NMMA. For more information about Sail America, call (800) 817-SAIL or visit www.sailamerica.com.

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