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The month of February is always packed with nautical events throughout North America. The 2011 Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail Miami, taking place February 17-21.
The show is distributed in 3 locations;
Miami Beach Convention Center 1901 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139
Sea Isle Marina & Yacht Center 1635 N. Bayshore Drive Miami, FL 33132
Strictly Cruise Miami at Miamarina at Bayside 400 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33132
I recently met with Anne Thomas and had the opportunity to ask her some questions about this year’s program;
1. What would you say is a must-have “hands-on seminar” to attend at this year’s boat show?
This year, Strictly Sail Miami will host a daily series of nearly 100 FREE sailing seminars led by renowned experts, including interactive rigging seminars, where riggers will demonstrate their skills during daily sessions held on a ship. The new Discover Boating Resource Center will also have daily seminars, perfect for anyone looking to get started in boating or improve their skills.
2. What has been or always will be the “most popular exhibit”?
The 2011 show has exciting features for everyone, from seasoned boaters and divers to families and anyone who has ever dreamed of owning a boat. Some of the great features this year include the Dive & Travel Harbor, the Discover Boating Resource Center, and the Big Game Room.
3. In your opinion, the “number 1 attraction of this year’s show”?
It’s almost impossible to pick just one: The Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami is one of the world’s largest boating events, featuring thousands of the newest powerboats, sailboats, engines, electronics and marine accessories from more than 2,000 manufacturers. of all the world.
4. Answer your “frequently asked question” about this year’s program.
How can I get tickets? Tickets are available for purchase online and on-site during show days at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center and Strictly Sail Miami at Miamarina in Bayside.
Is sailing really affordable? Sailing is actually cheaper than some may think. Compared to other leisure activities, dollar for dollar, sailing is quite affordable. At the Miami International Boat Show’s Affordability Pavilion, buyers can find a special display of boats they can own for less than $250 a month.
Where can I park and how much does it cost? Take advantage of the Boat Show’s courtesy buses that run between all venues. You can park directly at the American Airlines Arena for $10. Fairy. This year they have added the courtesy water taxi service.
5. What’s “new” at this year’s fair?
One of the most exciting additions this year is the Dive & Travel Harbor, an area with dozens of booths displaying dive products and equipment, travel, resorts, sailing destinations and a ‘Be a Diver’ pool where visitors can learn to Diving.
Also new to this year’s fair is the Discover Boating Resource Center, an educational experience that offers free boat rides, on-the-water training courses and daily seminars.
Other new features include a coastal/outdoor living pavilion; the Time Bandit offshore racing boat; appearances by Deadliest Catch star deck boss Russell Newberry and Zac Sunderland, the youngest person to sail around the world; and much more.
Sounds like another great show this year, Anne, thanks for sharing some time with us.
The 2011 Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail Miami, taking place February 17-21.
For more information, check out our navigation resource box below…