The newly expanded and renamed St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show is bringing its popular waterfront boating festival back to The Progress Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater & Albert Whitted Park from Dec. 3-6 in downtown St. Pete.
Formerly known as the St. Petersburg Boat Show and Strictly Sail, the Gulf Coast’s “super show” won over Tampa Bay residents last year with its winning “two for one” combination that showcased the very best in power boating and sailing. The result: a 35% attendance increase as crowds enjoyed touring the scenic floating docks packed with elegant sailing yachts, sporty family cruisers, high-performance wakeboard boats, and personal watercraft.
Show organizers are planning an even more exciting show this year. Hundreds of new and pre-owned powerboats and sailboats, featuring the most competitive deals from many of the world’s top manufacturers, will anchor in the expanded floating dock marina and adjoining land display. Dealers will target Tampa Bay boaters and sailors with a variety of affordable deals, incentives and options.
Two large air-conditioned tents are perfect for holiday gift shopping, filled with show-only finds on boating gear, clothing, jewelry, electronics, engines, travel charters, and much more. Making its return debut is the full slate of entertaining seminars for sailors and power boaters alike, where world-class cruisers and leading experts will share their wit and wisdom.
The entire family will enjoy this four-day action-packed boating festival that features:
- Free Kids’ Fishing Clinics on Sat. Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6, at noon and 2 p.m. each day presented by Hook the Future led by Capt. Don Dingman. Kids who participate in the clinics get a free rod and reel while supplies last. Kids must register with a paid parent or guardian and registration begins each weekend day onsite at 10 a.m.
- The popular “St. Pete Cruiser’s Party” on the Saturday night, Dec. 5, featuring The Eric Stone Band, the number one-rated group on Seafaring Radio, and presented by Latitudes & Attitudes magazine.
- Free sailboat yacht rides on the bay compliments of Discover Sailing (www.discoversailing.com) and hosted by Sail America.
- The world famous “Floating Cocktail Barge,” located dockside and open daily.
“Based on the success and positive feedback from Tampa Bay show attendees and exhibitors alike, coupled with our enhancement for 2009, we’re expecting this to be an even bigger and better show,” said Dane Graziano, Show Management senior vice president and chief operating officer. “Besides all the spectacular sailing and powerboat vessels, products, gear, accessories and services, we know that our exhibitors are extremely aggressive this year, so we fully expect there to be unbeatable deals and spectacular sales at the show!”
Two new announcements are the “Salute to the Military!” show special, offering free admission for active and retired military personnel with identification and the “Kids Experience” admission offering free admission to children 15 and under. Adults are $10 each. Tickets may be purchased online in advance of the show, with a $2 discount per ticket.
Parking is available onsite, or local boaters are invited to cruise on over to the “Come by Boat” docks located on the north side of the show, near the fountain. Boaters are reminded to please bring their own lines and fenders.
