Newport International Boat Show joins Sail Newport to support community Waterfront Day

From left to right: Jocelyn Emory, Brad Read and Lisa Knowles © Newport International Boat Show

The Newport International Boat Show, presented by BankNewport announced today its continued involvement in supporting Sail Newport to aid in a shared dedication to attract new boaters to a lifetime of making memories on the water.

In partnership with Sail Newport and World Boating Day, the Show recently sponsored Waterfront Day at Fort Adams State Park on May 31. The free event welcomed people of all ages who were invited to join Sail Newport for a day of experiences on and near the water. During the event, Show organizers presented Sail Newport with at $5,000 check to support the organization's mission to introduce more people to the joys of sailing.

"Every year, we make our most concerted efforts to give back to the community, and this year, we're taking it to another level in support of local boating organizations and draw attention to the incredible natural resources Rhode Island has to offer," said Jocelyn Emory, Director of Strategy for the Newport International Boat Show. "Our 54 years of continued success are thanks in large part to organizations like Sail Newport. Through initiatives like Waterfront Day and Girls AdventureSail® Day, we're not only giving back but also helping to build a vibrant future for both the marine industry and our entire region."

"We are grateful to NIBS for recognizing the value of community sailing in the Ocean State," said Brad Read, executive director of Sail Newport. "Their support allows us to provide many programs to the community, schools, civic groups, community clubs, and organizations."

The Show's collaboration with Sail Newport fuels its mission to provide affordable sailing opportunities and open access to the waters of Narragansett Bay. Sail Newport welcomes individuals aged five and older, offering programs for every skill level and a diverse array of boats at the Sailing Center in Fort Adams State Park.

The lineup of instructional programs, clinics, regattas, and sailing events is open to all. Sail Newport offers a dynamic summer schedule that includes learn-to-sail opportunities, weekly racing, sailboat rentals, Try Sailing! and regattas for both youth and adults.

Each fall and spring, the Pell School Science & Sailing Program for fourth graders is provided to the public school at no cost. The unique program is aligned with STEM topics, allowing children to sail and learn during the school day.

Additionally, an after-school program is offered to students at Thompson Middle School. Additionally, high school sailors have the chance to learn, improve their skills, and race against other schools in the Friday Night Lights Series for some team-spirited competition.

The Newport International Boat Show will also be supporting Sail Newport in its upcoming Annual Newport Regatta® from July 12 through 13, as well as supporting Girls AdventureSail® Day on September 13.

Sail Newport was founded in 1983 and is home to one of the largest public sailing centers in the nation. Its purpose is to promote and operate affordable public sailing instruction, rental programs, and regattas, to create opportunities to attract new sailors to the sport.

As one of the most coveted in-water events in the country, the Newport International Boat Show spans over 17 acres of Newport's renowned waterfront. It features hundreds of exhibitors, dealers, and manufacturers, showcasing a dazzling array of powerboats and sailboats ranging from 15 to 90 feet alongside a comprehensive selection of marine equipment, services, and accessories for boating aficionados.

The 54th Newport International Boat Show is scheduled for September 11-14, 2025. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.newportboatshow.com.