The Annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, Presented by Progressive, is returning to downtown St. Petersburg, from January 18-21. Informa Markets/U.S. Boats, which oversees the long weekend event, has invited locals, and tourists, in the Tampa Bay area to view and explore boats, marine equipment and merchandise.
While the 2024 show will be like years prior, there are exciting changes guests can expect. There will be a noticeably, larger footprint within the water, showcasing 250 boats, according to Informa Markets. As a result, more inventory will be available for customers to see and select from.
Attendees can expect to view more sailboats, in particular. Eighteen sailboats and catamarans are planned to appear at the show. Popular dealers such as Thunder Marine, Central Marine, Quality Boats, Boat and Motor Super Stores, Tom George Yacht Group, MarineMax, Nautical Ventures and Galati Yacht Sales are scheduled to showcase some of their latest offerings.
The largest boat planned to appear at the show is an Ocean Alexander 27 R yacht, which is 88 feet long.
Not only will the 2024 St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show host recurring participants but will welcome first-time brands and dealers. Additionally, there will be the debut of new vessels. Aquador is planning to debut its 300 HT cruiser, for the United States market, at the show.
Due to an increase in boats on the water this year, concession areas will be slightly moved to create additional land space for the show’s exhibitors. The 2024 show will feature a 40,000 square foot tent, with a variety of marine equipment for sale. Goslings Rum will sponsor a cocktail bar for guests.
Seminars, courses and fishing clinics, for children and adults, are planned for the event. The Annapolis School of Seamanship, in collaboration with the show’s presenting sponsor, Progressive, will provide complimentary on-water boat training courses for attendees who pre-register. Captain Don Dingman, of Hook the Future, will be returning with his kids fishing clinics, providing every child who signs up with a complimentary rod and reel combo. Additional educational guests include Bill Cullen of Seven Seas Cruising Association. Over 300 exhibits, featuring the latest technology and trends in the marine industry, are planned for the show.
The show will support a local cause, collaborating with Tampa Bay Watch, which aims to help preserve the ecosystem, and waterways, of St. Petersburg and surrounding areas. A portion of the proceeds from show tickets will go towards the organization’s educational programs and eco-tours.
Individuals who would like to attend the St. Petersburg Power Boat and Sailboat Show, which will be held at the Duke Energy Center for Arts Mahaffey Theater, must purchase their tickets online at stpeteboatshow.com. Guests who want to preregister for the Annapolis School of Seamanship’s complimentary courses can do so at the show’s official website (stpeteboatshow.com). The scheduled hours for the show are Thursday, January 18 to Saturday, January 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, January 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ♦