Spring Boat Show

ESSEX, CT — Spring has sprung, and it's time to get out on the water and kick off the 2021 boating season! What better way to that, than by attending the first “live” outdoor boat show of 2021? The fifth annual Connecticut Spring Boat Show will be happening April 30-May 2, at Essex Island Safe Harbor Marina.

In addition to offering up a bevy of boat industry innovations and opportunities, fifty percent of the ticket sales from this in-water show, will go to Sails Up 4 Cancer (SU4C), a non-profit organization supporting cancer care, education, prevention and research. In 2019, the show raised $10,000 for Sails 4 Cancer, (unfortunately the show was canceled in 2020).

“Since 50% of our ticket proceeds go to Sails Up 4 Cancer, you can have fun while helping a local charity,” said Benjamin Cesare, Publisher of WindCheck Magazine and Owner/Organizer of the Show, in a written email to Patch.

This extraordinary show affords attendees the unique opportunity to compare different boats, dealers, and options in one picturesque location, on the Connecticut River, while offering interested boat buyers the opportunity for sea trials and a ‘try-before-you-buy’ experience throughout the weekend.

Cesare explained that there will be between 40 and 50 boats in the water, as well as, 20 plus Yacht Brokers and Marine and Waterfront Lifestyle Exhibitors in the tents onshore.

“Essex Island is such a unique place for a show, unlike any other venue...bucolic and beautiful,” said Cesare, who is excited for the event and all it has to offer, including the five new water-lifestyle exhibitors, all of which started their businesses during the pandemic.

“They discovered that they are good at what they are doing...so good that they are ready to come to a show like ours,” said Cesare in a written e-mail. “It is part of the very strange year we have had...we have a number of charities that usually exhibit but who cannot due to COVID rules and we have a number of marine vendors who exhibit who cannot because they are too busy! But they have been "replaced" by these new members of the boating community. I say replaced because we have typically had 20 shoreside exhibitors and growing. I am pleased that we have maintained that number.”

Marked as an industry that not only has withstood the Pandemic, but flourished in its wake, boating in Connecticut exploded in 2020, nearly doubling new vessel registration, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. And, because this sought-after Show was canceled last year, due to the virus, many boaters are even more excited about this year’s event, which will include a little bit of something for everyone, from elegant power yachts to electric-powered Duffy boats, topping off at 7 mph.

In addition to boat brokers and exhibitors, there will be fishing and boat gear vendors on land, as well as, nautical artisans to shop.

Tickets are $20 per adult for all three days. Children 13 and younger are free.

For more information visit, www.ctspringboatshow.com. The Show is a rain or shine event and will follow all state and local guidelines to ensure a safe experience for all.